On Sunday I officially started the new season at the CIC ON Swiss Bike Cup in Gränichen. It was a perfect day from A to Z, which means a lot to me. The fact that I fought for victory until the last lap and ended up second was actually a minor matter.
Finally back on the race track. Finally back on the race courses with the team. How I missed the whole ambiance, the preparations, the tension, the tingling and the race feeling. The way I was received by the crowd at the start in Gränichen on Sunday was just great. The whole support, from family, friends, my team and all the bike fans was incredibly nice.
The race started very fast. Under the tempo dictates of the German Luca Schwarzbauer, a trio formed already in the first lap. Together with Schwarzbauer and Sarrou (Fra) I was able to break away. When I tightened up again in the second lap, Sarrou could not follow either. Schwarzbauer, who constantly exerted pressure, challenged me a lot. But only half a lap before the end I had to let the 26-year-old German go.
Crossing the finishline was very emotional for me. It means a lot to me to be back. I am very grateful for the way I was welcomed.
