After Hermans, Van Kessel, Verstrynge and Wyseure this Saturday zaterdag, also the Swiss Champion of Tormans Cyclo Cross Team started his second season in the elite category close to home this weekend. Kevin Kuhn lined up in Illnau on a fast and bumpy track, made slippery overnight because of the rain.
After a good start, Kuhn chased his compatriot Timon Rüegg in the third lap. The duo worked well together for a long time, until the Swiss champion took advantage of a technical mistake of Rüegg on the only little climb on the circuit to make a difference. His competitor continued to put pressure, but in the end Kuhn finished 15 seconds ahead of Timon Rüegg. Kuhn showed his Swiss champion’s jersey for the first time on the top step of the podium and just like last season, he offered the team the first UCI victory.
« As usually at the season start I felt a little nervous. It's only after a first confrontation with your competitors that you know how well prepared you are. Luckily, my good start gave me confidence immediately. I made a big effort to join Rüegg and I thought he was able to beat me today. But I recovered well and started to feel better in the second race half. After his technical mistake, I had to go full gas during three laps to keep him at distance. In the end, I won with a nice advantage. It's always nice to start the season with a victory and this one is particularly special because it is the first one with the champion's jersey on my shoulders! »
