Blunk wins Lenzerheide short track opener in a sprint

A powerful two-up sprint decided the opening stage of the Lenzerheide 2026 race, with Savilia Blunk edging out Ronja Blöchlinger on the line. The victory came after a frantic 20 minutes of racing on the technical circuit.

Blunk and Blöchlinger finished on the same time of 20:27, with Alessandra Keller crossing the line just four seconds in arrears to take third. Further back, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) rode a strong race to secure fifth place, 23 seconds down.

The short course provided non-stop action from the start. Positioning into the final corners proved just as important as the final sprint to the finish.

The short and explosive Lenzerheide course set the stage for a frantic race from the gun. Positioning proved critical through the initial tight switchbacks, with the field immediately strung out on the first long, gradual climb.

A steep, grassy pinch-point climb midway through the lap served as a launchpad into a technical section featuring a series of new jumps. This was followed by a root-strewn forest singletrack, where precise riding was necessary to maintain momentum before the day's fastest descent.

The descent offered a brief moment for recovery before the final dash to the line. The race came down to the final metres, with the leaders navigating a small bridge and a flyover before a full-gas sprint on the finishing straight decided the stage.

• The Lenzerheide course design heavily rewards explosive power and a front-row grid spot. The hectic start and narrow early sections offer little chance for riders further back to advance.
• With the top two finishers on the same time, establishing a definitive gap was nearly impossible. The high-speed lap and final sprint finish neutralised many potential attacks.
• Puck Pieterse's fifth place is a strong start, securing valuable points and a good starting position for the weekend's main cross-country event.
• The circuit demands a complete rider, blending raw power for the climbs and sprint with the technical skill to navigate the jumps and woods smoothly.