Olympics: Sauser takes bronze as Frischknecht falters

Christoph Sauser took the bronze in the men's mountain bike event Keystone

Switzerland's Christoph Sauser has won the Olympic bronze medal in the men's mountain bike race, but there was disappointment for fellow Swiss Thomas Frischknecht who had led with just two laps to go.

Sauser crossed the line behind France’s Miguel Martinez and Belgium’s Filip Meirhaeghe, after all three had overtaken an exhausted Frischknecht.

Four years after winning the silver medal in Atlanta, the rider from canton Zurich appeared to be ready to go one better in Sydney. As he demonstrated his mastery of the course’s narrow dirtpaths and rocky descents, it seemed as if he had timed his attack perfectly.

But despite building up more than a minute’s lead at the halfway point, Frischknecht was unable to cope with a late surge from his fiercest rivals. Twenty-four hours after Barbara Blatter had seen a similarly impressive lead in the women’s race cruelly wiped out, Swiss mountain bike fans were forced to watch history repeating itself.

Blatter at least had the compensation of the silver medal. Frischknecht after an equally brave performance was forced to settle for sixth place and an Olympic diploma.

While Frischknecht’s misfortune is bound to attract attention, Sauser’s achievement in taking the bronze was at least able to help the Swiss delegation past a significant milestone.

By winning the eighth Swiss medal of the Sydney Games, Sauser ensured that the team have now surpassed the tally of seven medals won in Atlanta four years ago.

But with just one gold medal, compared to the four won in Atlanta, the Swiss delegation still has a secondary target to aim for in the second week of competition. The difference between desperately wanting gold and actually winning it is immense though – just ask Thomas Frischknecht.

by Mark Ledsom