Yolanda Neff became the first-ever European Games gold medallist with victory in the women's cross-country mountain bike race ©Getty Images

Switzerland’s Jolanda Neff enjoyed a moment of history by becoming the first-ever European Games gold medallist as she won the women’s cross-country mountain bike event before teammate Nico Schurter claimed victory in the men’s race as the Swiss monopolised the medals here today.

The nation were widely-tipped to perform well in the events and they did not disappoint as they produced a solid performance, taking home five of the six medals available.

Neff began a day of Swiss dominance as she led for the majority of the women’s race, eventually crossing the line in a time of 1 hour 31min 05sec.

That proved enough to beat compatriot Kathrin Stirnemann, who was just over two minutes behind, while Poland’s Maja Wloszczowska won bronze, the only medal that didn’t end up in Swiss hands.

“This is the first medal event and to cross the finish line in first is absolutely amazing for me,” Neff said.

“It was very windy today but I was able to attack and find a gap, and it was great that my teammate could win silver as well.

“I hoped that I could take the win and I rode well today.”

The three-time world under-23 champion was given her medal by Azerbaijan’s Minister for Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov, International Cycling Union (UCI) President Brian Cookson, as well as European Olympic Committees President Patrick Hickey.

Schurter centre led home a clean sweep in the men's race on a day of Swiss dominance
Schurter centre led home a clean sweep in the men's race on a day of Swiss dominance ©ITG

Following on from Neff’s triumph, the Swiss men’s trio of Schurter, Lukas Fluckiger and Fabian Giger signalled their intentions from the start and they eventually opened up a comfortable lead over the rest of the pack.

But it was Schurter, who recovered from a puncture early on, that proved to be the strongest of the three Swiss riders as he attacked with two laps to go, taking victory in a time of 1:41:04.

Fluckiger held off the challenge of Giger to take silver on what was a fruitful day for the Swiss team.

“It's difficult to compare this medal to others but it is a great achievement and it is special to be the first European Games champion,” the three-time world champion said.

“At the start I was worried no-one was going to lead and so all the work was down to us.

“It’s great to do it alongside all my teammates and we rode a good tactical race.”



Related stories
June 2015: Inaugural European Games opens in Baku with spectacular Opening Ceremony
June 2015: Amnesty International hit back at Azerbaijani Government after forced to cancel press conference on eve of Baku 2015
June 2015: Baku 2015 announce tickets for Opening Ceremony have sold out
June 2015: Olympic champions and Coordination Commission chief carry Baku 2015 Flame around Old City
June 2015: Baku 2015 Flame visits nine European Games venues as host city tour continues