This time the course was pretty flat, with about 25 kilometers to cover. This time the local messengers were joined by Andy Zalan from Washington DC and Kamaal from Amsterdam. The race format was pretty much what we have proposed for CMWC 98 Zurich with the first three checkpoints having to be done in order, followed by five checkpoints in any order, and another two checkpoints in the right order. So from the start the high-paced peloton approached the first checkpoint, first in the flat, then after about one kilometer the course started to ascend and the riders started to drop back like flies (except for Andy who had caught on to a tram). So the selection process was working and the queue at the first checkpoint was not all that bad. After checkpoint three Bobi Blaser was leading the scattered pack and every-one spread into different directions. Checkpoint nine (of ten) saw Josi von Gunten leading away with the next five riders hot on his heels, but he managed to keep his lead to the finish and walk away with the trophy and the starting fee for CMWC 98. Congratulations Josi!
1. Josi
2. Ivo
3. Res
4. Bobi
5. Markus
6. Tractor
7. Che
8. Andreas
9. Lars
10. XL
23 started, 16 finished
With this race being the first in a year-long series to build up to CMWC 98, this ranking is identical to the standings in the series.