Forster and Keller claim Swiss Short Track Championship Titles
Lars Forster and Alessandra Keller are the new Swiss Short Track Champions. As part of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup in Leysin, the two athletes prevailed in thrilling elite races to claim the national titles.
July 17, 2026
The men's elite race at the Swiss Short Track Championships in Leysin lived up to expectations. A large lead group stayed together until the final lap before Lars Forster (Thömus Maxon) made his move on the last climb. Forster, whose recent form had not been at its best, surprised the field and secured the Swiss championship title.
Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) and Vital Albin (Thömus Maxon) completed the podium, finishing just one second behind the winner.
“This is a very important victory for me. The past few weeks and races haven’t gone the way I had hoped, which makes this title even more special. My race plan worked perfectly. I was in the lead after the final climb and then gave everything I had until the finish,” said Forster.
Keller Decides the Duel on the Final Climb
In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) once again demonstrated her class. The reigning Short Track World Champion rode alongside Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing) for much of the race before making the decisive move on the final climb.
Nicole Koller claimed the silver medal, while Rebekka Estermann secured bronze.
“A title is always something special, especially for us as a Swiss team with Swiss riders. The race was a bit hectic, but I’m happy that I was able to come out on top in the end,” said Keller.
Halter Siblings Triumph in the U23 Category
In the men's U23 race, Nicolas Halter (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) celebrated a convincing victory. His teammate Loris Hättenschwiler (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) finished second ahead of Leon Fischer (Rose Bikes Schweiz Factory).
The women’s U23 title also stayed in the Halter family, as Nicolas’ sister Monique Halter (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) prevailed ahead of Elina Benoit (Lexware Mountainbike Team) and Anina Hutter (NEXETIS).
Among the junior men (U19), Marwan Karim Barhoumi (Pédale Bulloise) claimed the Swiss championship title. Andri Steinmann (KA BOOM – Raceteam) and Dario Rohn (Bike Team Solothurn) completed the podium.
In the junior women’s race, Anja Grossmann (TRINITY Racing) lived up to her status as favourite, winning gold ahead of Shana Huber (RRC Amt) and Joline Hunziker (KA BOOM – Raceteam).
Already on Sunday, the Swiss Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) Championship titles will be decided in Leysin. On the technically demanding course in the Vaud Alps, Switzerland’s best mountain bikers will once again battle for the coveted national champion’s jersey.