Nino Schurter’s dominance continues also in 2017. The Olympic champion wins the first 2017 World Cup race in Nove Mesto,easily controlling the competitors. The big surprise of the day comes from Valero Serrano (Spain), who finishes second after a strong race. The rest of the pack follows, with Absalon taking very long to warm up the engine before reaching the right temperature. He will catch up and pass the chasing group only during the sixth and last lap, finishing third.
Not the best day for local hero Kulhavy, who seems to be not in the best shape. A front tire puncture makes the race even harder for the former Olympic Gold.
Hard start, with a mass crash caused by Stirnemann’s chain snapping. McConnell crashes badly and has to quit the race for a hard impact on the tarmac.
Nove Mesto, once again, delivers lots of spectators and a spectacular and demanding track, probably one of the best of the WC circuit.
Next week the athletes will compete in Albstadt, Germany.
After-race faces.
Pics by Hoshi Yoshida and Luisa Freudenberg.
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