A successful start to the 2026 World Cup campaign for Thömus maxon: in the Short Track (XCC) race in YongPyong, South Korea, Vital Albin and Lars Forster finished eighth and ninth respectively. On a demanding course, the team confirmed its strong recent form and made a promising start at the highest international level.
The first World Cup Short Track race of the season took place in YongPyong, South Korea, the venue of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. The new course challenged the athletes with steep climbs and narrow descents, leaving only limited opportunities to overtake. Vital Albin showed his strength from the start and quickly positioned himself in the leading group. Lars Forster, meanwhile, had to overcome a difficult start but steadily worked his way forward and rejoined the front group in the final phase of the race.
Strong team performance on a selective course
The race for victory was only decided on the final lap. While Mathias Azzaro (FRA), Simone Avondetto (ITA) and Dario Lillo (SUI) battled for the win at the front, Albin and Forster fought for further top positions. Albin was narrowly beaten in the sprint but secured a strong eighth place. Forster crossed the line just a few seconds later in ninth.
“I felt very good throughout the race and was able to stay well positioned at all times. This result gives me confidence for Sunday’s race,” said Albin at the finish. Forster added: “My start was not ideal, but after that I was able to steadily make up ground. In the final climb, I was just missing a bit of explosiveness.”
Focus shifts to the main race
Mathias Flückiger struggled with breathing issues on the dusty course and was unable to perform to his full potential. Alessandra Keller, meanwhile, is skipping the World Cup opener in Asia and is continuing her targeted preparation in Europe for the upcoming World Cup rounds, particularly Nové Město na Moravě.
Promising young talent
In the U23 category, Nicolas Halter of the Thömus Akros Youngstars also made a promising start to the weekend, finishing in an excellent fourth place.