In the women's semi-final, Swiss national champion Camille Balanche (DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) prevailed, beating Britain's Rachel Atherton (CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) by 1,7 seconds. German National Champion Nina Hoffman (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) finished third.
Source: UCI press release
But it would be Britain's Rachel Atherton who would best adapt to the new format, edging out Switzerland's Camille Balanche by a margin of 0,5 seconds, with German champion Nina Hoffman having to settle for third place.
Crazy day, I just can't believe it. It's a surprise for sure. Sometimes I think and know that I could have won, but today I had no idea. I just wanted to be safe and have a good run. It was the most relaxed run of my career because I didn't think I could win. I was aiming for the podium. Lenzerheide it's a really short and intense track and it gets tougher every year. I have no plans for a return. Leogang is next week and I'm exhausted. I've only been training for two months and it hurts all over. I don't think I could race again next weekend. I just want to get to the World Cup in Fort William Rachel Atherton
I had three good runs. It was really cool. Of course, I would have preferred to win, but Rachel was faster today. I did what I could do and three minutes and eight seconds is a time I'm happy with. I'm proud of it. To be on the podium is fantastic. I was already second last year. We will train even harder to win this match Camille Blanche
FEMALE ELITE RANKING
| 1. |  | Rachel ATHERTON CONTINENTAL ATHERTON | 3:07.514 |
| 2. |  | BALANCHE Camille DORVAL AM COMMENCAL | 3:08.048 +0.534 |
| 3. |  | HOFFMANN Nina SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE | 3:08.301 +0.787 |
| 4. |  | HÖLL Valentina * ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM | 3:09.270 +1.756 |
| 5. |  | CABIROU Marine SCOTT DOWNHILL FACTORY | 3:11.118 +3.604 |
| 6. |  | HEMSTREET Gracey * NORCO FACTORY TEAM | 3:11.461 +3.947 |
| 7. | | SEAGRAVE Tahnee CANYON CLLCTV FMD | 3:13.428 +5.914 |
| 8. |  | HRASTNIK Monika DORVAL AM COMMENCAL | 3:14.835 +7.321 |
| 9. | | HARNDEN Harriet * | 3:16.533 +9.019 |
| 10 |  | NEWKIRK Anne * BEYOND RACING | 3:17.926 +10.412 |
HIGHLIGHTS
