How to interpret the 2022 season of cross country? If Shurter's domino appeared unchallenged, behind him we have seen the growth of some riders who have found the right balance that has allowed them to obtain unexpected results at the beginning of the season.
The surprises in the male field
There are three names that have surprised most in this 2022, it is the French Tituan Carrod, of our Luke Briadot and some Spanish Valero Serrano David, respectably second, third and fourth; or rather the first three after the alien Shurter. Theirs was an important progression, which led them to be the reference riders of this season. The Swiss also did very well Philip Columbus; the 24th Swiss managed to have a good continuity of results that brought him to seventh place.
How did the women go?
The only real surprise was the victory of Alexandra Keller. The Swiss, twelfth last season, took advantage of the regularity and the conspicuous decline of the McConnell, in addition to the stop of the Lecomte. In this way he made him the general classification. It would have been an excellent year anyway, but making the most of the mistakes of the opponents we can say that it was the surprise of this 2022. Our too deserves a mention. Martina Bertha, cha showed a pace from the top of the class and without the injury of the beginning of the season could certainly have been among the protagonists for the podium.
Who gets off
In the men's field, the name that caused the most sensation was certainly that of the winner of last season, as well as 'anti Shurter', that is Mathias Fluckiger. The Swiss first went into crisis due to the unjustified attacks he suffered on social media, then he ran into a positivity that ended the season. Now he will have to find serenity and above all clarify his position in the case of doping that saw him protagonist. But even his podium mates from last season seem to have disappeared from the radar, Ondrej Cjnk had a decent season, but far from that of 2022, while Victor Koretzky he had only one blaze in the final of the val di sole with a fifth place.
Female
In the female field, the absence of the name of Sina Free from the first potions. The Swiss athlete alternated excellent performances with some absences in the middle of the season which limited his possibilities.
A look into the future
As for DH, also in Cross Country there are some riders who have already shown to have an interesting pace. Among these, the one under special observation is certainly Kossman Vidaurre, undisputed ruler of 2022, who had only one misstep in the most important race of the season. Behind him there is a patrol of riders among which ours stands out Simone Avondetto, fresh world champion of the category.
Even in the women's field, Italy will be able to have its say, having two athletes repetitively third and fourth in the ranking, that is, Sara Cortinovis e Giada Specia
Now we just have to wait for the market movements waiting for 2023. Year in which we will see who will try to worry King Nino and if on the female field the growth of our athletes will continue.
