Van Der Poel Tries for Another Win in Les Gets Short Track Race

After a six-week break, UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup racing returned in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie. Specialized Factory Racing’s duo, Sina Frei and Adrien Boichis, won the Elite races, strengthening their positions at the top of the overall standings. Meanwhile, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) made a remarkable comeback from 41st on the grid in the Men Elite race, finishing 10th. Valentina Corvi (Canyon XC Racing) continued her dominance in the Women U23 category, while Herby Gustav Pedersen (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) ended Paul Schehl’s five-race winning streak in the Men U23 race. Frei secured her third UCI XCC World Cup victory of the season, extending her lead over Jenny Rissveds by 80 points. Boichis won his third win of the season, extending his overall lead to 170 points. Pedersen’s victory in the Men U23 race marked a surprise upset, ending Schehl’s five-race winning streak. The races took place in challenging conditions, with slippery tracks and evolving grip levels affecting performance. Frei’s strategic use of the technical sections and her bike’s stiffness through grassy areas were key to her victory. Pedersen’s aggressive tactics and strong late-race attacks secured his win. The event highlighted the competitive intensity and tactical nuances of cross-country short track racing, with riders from various teams showcasing their skills under pressure.