Allebike Factory Team clinches double Swedish Championship Gold in XCO and XCC events held in the lush, scenic Rödene forests of Alingsås!

Thursday, July 18
The sky clears and the sun warms the soggy ground, which has endured weeks of relentless rainfall. It's almost as if the weather gods knew that the entire Swedish mountain biking community would gather for the championship in the lush Rödene forests surrounding Allebike HQ in Alingsås. The mud-soaked track dries quickly, but deep puddles and slippery roots remain, adding to the challenge.

The championship week kicks off with the Olympic distance. The demanding course, with world-class elevation gains, has left many cyclists feeling both excited and nervous before the start. Located on the so-called "Dennis Mountain" and "Emil Track," this long-established XC course has served as a proving ground for both the junior national team as well as Allebike Factory Team and Team Serneke Allebike. The organizer, Dennis Vincents Wahlqvist of West Heat Sports Club, has invested countless hours throughout 2024 to further refine the terrain, ensuring it's truly worthy of a championship event!

16:00 marks the start for the men's senior race. At the starting line, we have the entire Allebike Factory Team consisting of Oscar Lind, Leo Lounela, and Edvin Elofsson, along with Emil Lindgren from Team Serneke Allebike.

It's full throttle from the first pedal stroke as the large field flies away in a cloud of dust for the first 100 meters before the course takes a sharp left turn up the race's first climb, "Valles backe". Leo and Edvin get off to a fantastic start, with Oscar close behind.

The course is 3.7 km long, and the challenging "Dennis Mountain" must be climbed three times per lap, resulting in a total climb of just over 1,100 meters in elevation over approximately 1.5 hours of cycling. It's a classic old-school mountain bike track with many trails, roots, and stones. The steep climbs and numerous tight turns prove decisive for, and it's crucial to maintain full focus throughout the entire lap.

Two laps into the race, a light green trio has formed at the front, and it's a beautiful sight as Lind, Lounela, and Elofsson fly in formation over the technical sections of the coursed's deafening cheers! Closest behind, Victor Lindqvist from Länna Sport CK is in hot pursuit.

With one lap to go in the race, Lind shows he has another gear and creates a gap to the chasing Lounela, who in turn has created a gap to Lindqvist and Elofsson in third and fourth places respectively. Elofsson has to stop for a wheel change in the technical zone due to a puncture, and thus the battle for the medals is over for him this time.

Lind further extends his lead in the final lap, and after 1 hour and 26 minutes of racing, he can raise his hands above his head and claim the title of Swedish Champion! A satisfied, happy, and perhaps relieved Oscar Lind is embraced by team manager Petter Mattsson at the finish line. Shortly after, he's joined by Lounela, who secures the silver medal.

 

Edvin Elofsson P4

 

Emil Lindgren P11

Sunday, July 21 A couple of days dedicated to recovery, with legs elevated and focus on rejuvenation before the championship's second individual event. Cross-country short track - a high-intensity 20-minute race on an abbreviated version of Thursday's course. This promised to be an exhilarating competition where every second counts and precision is paramount!

Full gas from the first pedal stroke up "Valle's hill" which, in honor of today will be conquered 7 times despite the short race time. All three get a good start and stay close to the front as the trail winds down over roots and stones to the first lap.

Shortly into the race, Lounela and Lindqvist (Länna Sport CK) have gained a small gap down to a closely chasing Elofsson seconds behind. The battle for gold intensifies and so does the speed. Lind gets a puncture and has to ride into the technical zone for a wheel change.

With just over half the race completed, Lounela shifts into a higher gear and creates a gap to second place. Elofsson also shows he has some strength left and manages to overtake and create a small gap to Lindqvist. Lind, who after the wheel change had to rejoin at the back of the tight field, is back in the saddle and picking off positions at an enormous pace.

After 20 minutes and 53 seconds, it's first-year senior Leo Lounela who clenches his fists in a victory gesture as he crosses the finish line as the Swedish champion in XCC! 14 seconds later, Edvin Elofsson follows, thus securing the silver medal.

Oscar Lind, despite the circumstances, rides a fantastic race and finishes in sixth place.

With these words, we say thank you to all the cheers around the course and congratulations to all the championship medalists out there!

Until next time - Get Out There!