Rissveds goes back-to-back with dominant Lenzerheide victory

Jenny Rissveds (Team 31 Ibis Cycles Continental) delivered a masterful performance to win solo at the UCI Cross-Country World Cup in Lenzerheide. The Swedish rider was untouchable on the technical course, backing up her victory from last weekend with another display of dominance.

Behind her, the day belonged to Switzerland's Ronja Blöchlinger, who finished 58 seconds back to claim an emotional first elite XCO podium in front of her home crowd. The final spot was decided by a brilliant move from Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team), who attacked on the final lap to finish third at 1:10.

From the gun, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) shot off the line with a blistering early pace on the iconic Lenzerheide course. As the race settled over the first few laps, the field began to string out on the demanding climbs and technical descents.

While Pieterse's early efforts saw her fade, Jenny Rissveds rode with perfect composure. By the mid-point, the Swede had established a commanding solo lead, navigating the rooty, dusty course with precision. Behind her, Ronja Blöchlinger held a strong second position, chased by a group containing Savilia Blunk, Martina Berta, Sina Frei, and Laura Stigger.

As the bell rang for the final lap, Blunk made her race-defining move. Approaching the feed zone, she accelerated hard, forgoing a final bottle and catching her rivals by surprise. Berta, Frei, and Stigger were unable to respond as Blunk powered away to secure third place. Untroubled, Rissveds crossed the line for the win, followed by an ecstatic Blöchlinger in second.

• Jenny Rissveds is in a class of her own. Her second consecutive victory was a demonstration of control, pacing, and technical skill, establishing her as the rider to beat for the overall World Cup title.
• Savilia Blunk's third place was earned with tactical genius. Her high-risk decision to attack through the final feed zone paid off spectacularly, dismantling the chase group and adding to her short track win.
• A career-best result for Ronja Blöchlinger, who claimed her first elite XCO podium on home soil. The result signals a significant step up in her performance this season.
• It was a day to forget for pre-race favourites Puck Pieterse and Mona Mitterwallner. Pieterse's explosive start proved unsustainable as she faded to 16th, while Mitterwallner finished 15th.
• The Specialized Factory Racing duo of Sina Frei and Laura Stigger missed the podium after being caught off-guard by Blunk's attack. They were in a prime position but could not respond, finishing fourth and fifth.