The Swiss Sascha Lehmann celebrates his first World Cup victory in Villars vor Heimpublikum

Sascha Lehmann shines in the top-ranked Lead World Cup in Villars-sur-Ollon and celebrates his very first World Cup victory in front of a frenetic home crowd! Cédric Lachat succeeded in the year 2007. The winner was Slovenian Janja Garnbret. Petra Klingler reached the semi-finals of the women's event and was the best Swiss in the 24. Final Standings.

For the fourth time the season opener in lead climbing on the weekend took place in Villars-sur-Ollon, in the middle of the Vaud Alps. 247 athletes from 17 nations competed for the season's first lead and fourth speed world cup, including nine women and eleven men from Switzerland.

Sascha Lehmann cheers Villars-sur-Ollon
Already four times stood Sascha Lehmann (Burgdorf BE) in a Lead World Cup final. But it had not been enough for the podium so far. The lead specialist, who is currently preparing intensively for a possible Olympic qualification, already showed on Friday during the qualifications that he is one of the strongest sports climbers in the world. As a ninth he made the leap into the semifinals, where he convinced one day later with another glittering performance and qualified third for the final of Saturday night.

In front of an impressive audience of Bernese entered the stage on Saturday night and attacked the final route. Carried on by the audience, the 21-year-old climbed the route with great patience and concentration, reaching the top with rapturous applause. He was sure of a podium finish. Two athletes later was even the first World Cup victory for the Swiss perfect!

"It's just unbelievable and I can not believe it right yet. The emotions really made themselves felt at the top only at the end. I had heard that there had probably been two tops in advance. On the one hand, this caused additional pressure, because I knew that I would not fall and could not allow myself any mistakes. On the other hand, it showed me that the route is possible. I told myself, if the others can do that, then I can too. It's especially nice for me to celebrate my first World Cup victory in front of a home crowd. "
Sascha Lehmann

Semi-final move for Petra Klingler
The semi-finals were the declared goal of Petra Klingler (Bonstetten ZH). Thanks to 26 in qualifying, the Zurich athlete managed to make the leap to the next lap before becoming the first athlete to tackle the semi-final route on Saturday morning.

"I am very satisfied as I climbed, because I made no mistakes. It started relatively easy, then came the first key point. Either you manage to change there or not. Unfortunately, I did not find the right solution right away, which led to a fall. Although I have reached my intended goal, I am with the 24. Final Rank not completely satisfied. "
Petra Klingler

The victory for the ladies went to the Slovenian Janja Garnbret. The Speed World Cup was won by Anouck Jaubert (FRA) and Aleksandr Shikov (RUS). This weekend, the second World Lead Cup will take place in Chamonix.