Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger finished second and third in the cross-country race for another historic success for cycling Austria. Never before had two Austrian women stood together on the podium of the top three. For Laura Stigger, it is already the third podium finish in a row in Leogang. It is a fantastic weekend for Austrian mountain biking at the home World Cup in Leogang. After the two World Cup victories of Vali Héll and Andreas Kolb in yesterday's downhill race, Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger are now second and third in the Cross Country Olympic. It is the first time that an Austrian duo has finished in the top three in the history of the sport and thus another historic day in Saalfelden Leogang: “Today we can also thank the Austrian fans for this success. No matter where we drove, we heard the names Laura and Mona. That was truly an absolute madness and pushed me to my absolute limit”, explains a happy Mona Mitterwallner, who was able to continuously work her way forward from round to round after a low-key start from the front row of the grid: “It is not a given that everything goes well at the home World Cup, as you saw last year. This year was definitely a successful weekend for me with the front row of the grid and the podium. It was important to me that I could call everything up today. I have not quite achieved the ultimate goal, but nevertheless I am happy to be able to celebrate with family, friends and fans.” Podium hat-trick for Stigger For the third time in a row, Laura Stigger placed third in the home race: “It’s something very special for me to race at home. It’s just good for me,” says Stigger, who is also happy about the historic podium double with compatriot Mitterwallner: “It shows how strong we are in Austria and I hope that with the success we can let the fans live and celebrate. It’s something special to have such a strong team and we’re looking forward to more. From the successes this weekend you can see how much the home crowd means. I would like to see the home crowd everywhere now,” smiles Stigger. On the other hand, the World Cup leader and up-and-coming player of the year, Puck Pieterse of the Netherlands, recorded a solo ride and thus an unassailable start-finish victory: “Puck is at a brutally high level, so young and already so strong. But the season is still long. Hopefully we will be able to challenge it,” said Stigger. The weekend's races will be shown on Eurosport.com, discovery+ and worldwide on GCN+. In addition, Red Bull TV broadcasts the entire weekend live in Austria and Germany.
Valentina Höll takes a clean sweep on home turf Riders would have to contend with a rapidly drying course after yesterday’s rain showers that disrupted both Junior finals and Elite qualifying, with the bike park sections returning to their high pace of earlier in the week. The lower woods would take longer to dry and offered a treacherous ride for those heading down early. Reigning World Champion Valentina Höll (ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) made good her qualifying win by backing it up with a five second win in the semi-final. German National Champion Nina Hoffmann (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) would put aside her knee injury to finish one better than her qualifying in second with a small crash towards the end of her run. Switzerland’s Camille Balanche (DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) would miss out on silver by 0.025 of a second. There wouldn’t be much time to ponder the semi-finals run as the finals were calling. The sun came out and riders would be back to the top of the hill to go again. Nina Hoffmann (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) would go off track in the woods, throwing away nearly a second advantage at split three. Once the dust had settled, World Champion Valentina Höll (ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) would take the win in Leogang in imperious form, four seconds to the good, making it a clean sweep of race runs this weekend. But it would be Switzerland’s Camille Balanche (DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) who would have to settle for second but would take the leader’s jersey from Atherton. Rachel Atherton (CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) would occupy the third step on the podium and would have to wait to match Anne-Caroline Chausson’s record. Valentina Höll had this to say about her win: “Leogang is such a hard race for me, last year was a disaster. I’ve never been so down or doubted myself more. The years before I had an injury, then a crash in the last turn. Every time I was so close... After Lenzerheide I was lost, I didn't know what to do. It all just clicked this week. All my friends are here, everyone I love is here, so I am so stoked that they are all with me. I have massive expectations of myself to do it here finally, it feels so good. My bike was going so much faster in the finals, my mechanic did a really good job making my bike much firmer but that helped me go faster and carry the speed to the finish.” Camille Balanche spoke after her run, saying: “Vali was faster everywhere today. It was a hard track for me as it's shorter and easier than it used to be. I struggled to find time in the woods. I'm super happy that I had three good, consistent runs. I was in the top two so I can't complain. I just want to keep being consistent and keep pushing, eventually the win will come.” Rachel Atherton had this to say after her run: “It's such a hard track here in Leogang. I really struggled with the track. The rain didn't help either. This morning I cried, I wasn't having a good time. It's a hard track so I'm stoked to have a good run. The sun's come out, the crowd was so amazing cheering the whole way down. I only planned to do these two World Cups, then I don't think I'll do any more. Think I'll go home and have a rest.” Results Downhill Elite Women Top 5: 1. Vali Höll (AUT | ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) 3:23:222 2. Camille Balanche (SUI | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 3:27:525 3. Rachel Atherton (GBR | CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) 3:30:556 4. Monika Hrastnik (SLO | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 3:30:825 5. Phoebe Gale (GBR (CANYON CLLCTV FMD) 3:31:074 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Camille Balanche (SUI | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 680 Points 2. Rachel Atherton (GBR | CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) 616 Points 3. Vali Höll (AUT | ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) 592 Points 4. Nina Hoffmann (GER | SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 430 Points 5. Monika Hrastnik (SLO | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 380 Points Andi Kolb makes it an historic Austrian double The Elite Men’s semi-final saw the same drying conditions with the rider who’s always first on track Ronan Dunne (CONTINENTAL NUKEPOOF FACTORY RACING), Ireland’s National Champion keeping the hot seat warm with half the qualifying field gone. It would be a long wait for the early starters who had to wait to see if they’d make the finals cut as the fastest riders started their runs. Fastest qualifier Davide Palazzari (ROGUE RACING – AFTER SKULL TEAM) would crash out on the first straight and would not make the semi-finals cut as a result. It would be Specialized Gravity one-two in the semi-final, with Canada’s Finn Iles getting the better of his teammate Loïc Bruni, the World Champion losing his chain and having to settle for second, almost a full second adrift. Third place went to Australia’s Troy Brosnan (CANYON CLLCTV FACTORY TEAM). The wind and rain would stay away for the Elite Men’s race after 60 riders were clipped to 30 for the finals run. The woods would no doubt be in perfect form for the fastest men on the planet. Could the Specialized Gravity team close out the first two steps of the podium or would another rider step up for finals? Come finals time, it would be the Irish keeping the hot seat warm. Oisin O’Callaghan (YT MOB) started the trend with Ronan Dunne (CONTINENTAL NUKEPROOF FACTORY RACING) taking his place. USA’s Dakotah Norton (INTENSE FACTORY RACING) would be the first to go inside the time of Finn Iles’ (SPECIALIZED GRAVITY) qualifying time. The track was clearly getting faster as the world’s fastest lined up at the start. After all thirty riders had crossed the line, it would be European Champion Andi Kolb (CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) who was the fastest rider on the hill today, taking his maiden win on home soil, as the only rider to go under the three minute mark and first ever Austrian taking a UCI Downhill World Cup win. Andi wrote mountain bike history! Just 0.6 seconds separating him from second place Loïc Bruni (SPECIALIZED Gravity). Jackson Goldstone (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) looked to go better than the Austrian but overcooked it into the final turn but would still take his first Elite podium, finishing third. Andi Kolb spoke about his winning run, saying: “It's hard to talk to be honest, it's so emotional for me. It's my ninth Elite season, it took me ages to get here, and I will never forget this day, it's unreal. I don't know where I found the time. I made a few mistakes, but I was going so fast and just kept pushing. The bottom woods were insane, the crowd, that's why we go fast. When I saw Vali take the win by four seconds, I just went for it.” Here’s what Loïc Bruni had to say about their finals run: “I'm super happy to finish second to be honest, I rode on the limit and I'm not so proud of some of my sections, but I was happy to make it to the finish. My run started so well, I hit everything perfectly. Then I was maybe going too fast into sections, and maybe didn't manage that so well. I messed up the sections before the motorway, then flat-landed the big jumps and just tried to go flat out to the bottom. I hit a hole towards the bottom and my rear brake lever rolled on the bars. I struggled from there, I was in survival mode. I'm really happy for Andi, he's been slowly coming to the top. Him winning here is beautiful, you have to give it to him. It's also another solid day for me, so I'm happy.” Third place Jackson Goldstone said: “This was amazing. I felt good all week from the first lap. It was definitely one of my best race runs I've ever had until that last corner where I slid out. I just overcooked it. I can't be mad at the result; it was an amazing race and I'm stoked for Andi. I need to iron out the small mistakes I guess but I'm so happy to be on the podium.” Results Downhill Elite Men Top 5: 1. Andreas Kolb (AUT | CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) 2:59:335 2. Loïc Bruni (FRA | SPECIALIZED GRAVITY) 3:00:015 3. Jackson Goldstone (CAN | SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 3:00:246 4. Finn Iles (CAN | SPECIALIZED GRAVITY) 3:00:786 5. Luca Shaw (USA | CANYON CLLCTV FACTORY TEAM) 3:01:048 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Loïc Bruni (FRA | SPECIALIZED GRAVITY) 595 Points 2. Finn Iles (CAN | SPECIALIZED GRAVITY) 494 Points 3. Loris Vergier (FRA | TREK FACTORY RACING GRAVITY) 486 Points 4. Andreas Kolb (AUT | CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) 476 Points 5. Jackson Goldstone (CAN | SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 441 Points The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang continues on Sunday with the Cross-country Olympic races of the U23 riders, before the Elite Women’s race at 1 p.m. and the Elite Men’s race at 3:30 p.m. will end the World Cup weekend with two more race highlights.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Jordan Sarrou get the job done in imperious fashion in the Cross-country short track whilst the Elites and Juniors take to the downhill track. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot strikes Austrian gold in the short track event With anyone in the front row capable of a win, and as Swedish National Champion Jenny Rissveds (TEAM 31 IBIS CYCLES CONTINENTAL) proved last week, almost any rider in the pack up for it as well, the Elite Women’s short track event promised to be another thrilling race. Defending champion Alessandra Keller (THÖMUS MAXON) and winner in Nové Město, Austria’s Laura Stigger (SPECIALIZED FACTORY RACING) would be looking to add to their tally of victories. Five laps of the short track course lay between the riders and victory. The track itself bone dry but with rain made the descents treacherous. It would be World Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (INEOS GRENADIERS) who would power to victory here in Austria with a final lap attack. Five seconds separated her from second place Puck Pieterse (ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK) from The Netherlands, with Great Britain’s Evie Richards (TREK FACTORY RACING XC) taking the bronze medal position. After the race Pauline Ferrand-Prévot said: “Finally I am here and I won today. I am really happy. I tried to be smart and not push too much at the start. I knew I had to attack with two laps to go. It worked, so I'm really happy. When I saw Puck and Evie at the front, I knew I had to close the gap. I tried to recover after catching up to them. I knew I had to attack Puck before the last climb, and managed to get a few metres on her, so I just went full gas from there. It's still super hard, but it was a good win and it's great for Sunday.” Results XCC Elite Women Top 5: 1. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (FRA | INEOS GRENADIERS) 20:37 2. Puck Pieterse (NED | ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK) 20:42 3. Evie Richards (GBR | TREK FACTORY RACING XC) 20:44 4. Anne Terpstra (NED | GHOST FACTORY RACING) 20:45 5. Jenny Rissveds (SWE | TEAM 31 IBIS CYCLES CONTINENTAL) 20:55 Overall XCC World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (FRA | INEOS GRENADIERS) 560 Points 2. Alessandra Keller (SUI | THÖMUS MAXON) 490 Points 3. Puck Pieterse (NED | ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK) 470 Points 4. Laura Stigger (AUT | SPECIALIZED FACTORY RACING) 456 Points 5. Jenny Rissveds (SWE | TEAM 31 IBIS CYCLES CONTINENTAL) 452 Points Jordan Sarrou on ruthless form in Leogang All eyes would be on the man who likes to lead from the front, Luca Schwarzbauer (CANYON CLLCTV) after his win in Lenzerheide, but the Elite field has no shortage of talent, as proven by Nino Schurter (SCOTT-SRAM MTB RACE TEAM) claiming a record-breaking win last weekend in Switzerland. Tom Pidcock (INEOS GRENADIERS) would not be present in Leogang. Yet another hectic race saw France’s Jordan Sarrou (TEAM BMC) get the better of Germany’s Luca Schwarzbauer (CANYON CLLCTV) in an elbow-to-elbow race that could have seen any one of the front row taking the gold. Latvia’s Martins Blums (KMC MTB RACING TEAM) would have to settle for third. Jordan Sarrou had this to say about his win: “It's amazing, I wanted this so much and finally it's happened. I'm so happy. I managed the race really well, I waited until the last lap. I enjoyed the last descent because I'd opened a gap to second place. I'm happy for the whole team, we work really hard just to be here. It's a reward for all the hard work. The course here is so physical, this win is great for Sunday. I tried to save as much energy for Sunday as possible. I am in good condition, but I want to enjoy this win, recover tomorrow and go full gas again on Sunday.” Results XCC Elite Men Top 5: 1. Jordan Sarrou (FRA | TEAM BMC) 21:08 2. Luca Schwarzbauer (GER | CANYON CLLCTV) 21:10 3. Martins Blums (LAT | KMC MTB RACING TEAM) 21:11 4. Jens Schuermans (BEL | GIANT FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM – XC) 21:13 5. Alan Hatherly (RSA | CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING) 21:15 Overall XCC World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Luca Schwarzbauer (GER | CANYON CLLCTV) 610 Points 2. Jordan Sarrou (FRA | TEAM BMC) 560 Points 3. Luca Braidot (ITA | SANTA CRUZ ROCKSHOX PRO TEAM) 355 Points 4. Mathias Flückiger (SUI | THÖMUS MAXON) 338 Points 5. Jens Schuermans (BEL | GIANT FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM – XC) 335 Points Davide Palazzari and Valentina Höll take the first Elite downhill points in Austria After testing out the new downhill format last weekend, the downhill Elites would have to check their notes and go again in Leogang. A short, sharp rainstorm rolled in just before the Elites took to the track. Rachel Atherton (CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) could match Anne-Caroline Chausson’s 41 World Cup victories this weekend if she walked away with a gold here. Reigning World Champion Valentina Höll (ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) set the marker for the weekend, mastering the changing conditions to take the fastest time in qualifying ahead of Switzerland’s Camille Balanche (DORVAL AM COMMENCAL). German Champion Nina Hoffman (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) rounded out the podium in third. In the Elite Men’s race, another storm halted qualifying with heavy rain and wind affecting the course. It was Davide Palazzari (ROGUE RACING – AFTER SKULL TEAM) who would get the best of the conditions, pipping Great Britain’s Matt Walker (MADISON SARACEN FACTORY TEAM) into second, with France’s Ian Guionnet hot on their heels in third. South Africa’s Greg Minnaar (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) and Great Britain’s Charlie Hatton (CONTINENTAL ATHERTON) missed the top 60 cut but will advance to the semi-finals thanks to their protected status. Results DH Elite Women Top 5: 1. Valentina Höll (AUT | ROCKSHOX TREK RACE TEAM) 3:32.941 2. Camille Balanche (SUI | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 3:34.96 3. Nina Hoffman (GER | SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 3:37.265 4. Monika Hrastnik (SLO | DORVAL AM COMMENCAL) 3:38.626 5. Tahnée Seagrave (GBR | CANYON CLLCTV FMD) 3:40.224 Results DH Elite Men Top 5: 1. Davide Palazzari (ITA | ROGUE RACING – AFTER SKULL TEAM) 3:11.755 2. Matt Walker (GBR | MADISON SARACEN FACTORY TEAM) 3:11.998 3. Ian Guionnet (FRA) 3:12.926 4. Johan Garcin (FRA | SCOTT DOWNHILL FACTORY) 3:14.217 5. Loris Revelli (ITA | CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) 3:15.655 Lisa Bouladou and Léo Abella take the top spots in Leogang In the Junior women’s race, France’s Lisa Bouladou took her first win of the year, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Great Britain’s Aimi Kenyon (PINKBIKE RACING). USA’s Riley Miller finished third. Winner in Lenzerheide Erice Van Leuven (COMMENCAL LES ORRES) would be last rider down but would crash out before the first split. France’s Léo Abella (COMMENCAL LES ORRES) put down a solid run before the rain came, with a gap of 2.4 seconds back to Bodhi Kuhn (TREK FACTORY RACING GRAVITY) in second, who was the fastest of the riders who started after the downpour. The bronze medal went to Spain’s Daniel Castellanos Liberal. Lisa Bouladou had this to say about her win: “I am very happy to take the win today. I felt good on the bike all week. The guys at Commencal helped me a lot with the bike and on the track, so I had a lot of fun.” Léo Abella had this to say about his win: “It's my first World Cup win, a big thank you to my mechanic and to the Commencal Les Orres team.” Results DH Junior Women Top 5: 1. Lisa Bouladou (FRA) 3:41:640 2. Aimi Kenyon (GBR | PINKBIKE RACING) 3:46:724 3. Riley Miller (USA) 3:49:225 4. Valentina Roa Sanchez (TRANSITION FACTORY RACING) 3:50:530 5. Vanesa Petrovská (SVK | NS BIKES UR TEAM) 3:51:468 Results DH Junior Men Top 5: 1. Léo Abella (FRA | COMMENCAL LES ORRES) 3:11:177 2. Bodhi Kuhn (CAN | TREK FACTORY RACING GRAVITY) 3:13:624 3. Daniel Castellanos (ESP) 3:14:076 4. Henri Kiefer (GER | CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) 3:14:803 5. Rafaël Pelletier (FRA | CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) 3:15:575
Isabeau Courdurier & Rhys Verner take the EDR wins, Fabien Barel & Florencia Espiñeira Herreros get the EDR-E gold Round four of the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Cup wrapped in a hot and dusty Leogang, with Isabeau Courdurier and Rhys Verner coming away with the wins in the EDR. Fabien Barel and Florencia Espiñeira Herreros leave with the EDR-E victories. Six stages lay ahead of the riders tackling the EDR race in Leogang, with a real mix of flat out bike park trails and the best alpine super enduro offerings that the valley has to offer. Riders would have to also battle a long day on the bike, combined with the heat. Eyes would be on France’s Morgane Charre (PIVOT FACTORY RACING) and defending series champion Jesse Melamed (CANYON CLLCTV FACTORY ENDURO TEAM) following their wins in Pietra Ligure. 2021 EWS Champion Jack Moir (YT MOB) would sit out this round due to an illness picked up in Italy. It would be Canada’s Rhys Verner (FORBIDDEN SYNTHESIS TEAM) that would take his maiden win the Elite Men’s race, edging out USA’s Richie Rude (YETI FOX FACTORY TEAM). Just under 3 seconds separated them after a full day’s racing. French National Champion Alex Rudeau (COMMENCAL ENDURO PROJECT) would finish a solid day out on the bike by taking the final podium spot. France’s Isabeau Courdurier (LAPIERRE ZIPP COLLECTIVE) would take an emphatic Elite Women’s win in Austria. Italy’s Gloria Scarsi (CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) and France’s Morgane Charre (PIVOT FACTORY RACING) would battle for second and third all day, with the former crossing the line with a faster overall time. Results EDR Men Top 3: 1. Rhys Verner (CAN | FORBIDDEN SYNTHESIS TEAM) 25:08.74 2. Richie Rude (USA | YETI FOX FACTORY RACE TEAM) 25:11.51 3. Alex Rudeau (FRA | COMMENCAL ENDURO PROJECT) 25:17.46 Results EDR Women Top 3: 1. Isabeau Courdurier (FRA | LAPIERRE ZIPP COLLECTIVE) 28:35.01 2. Gloria Scarsi (ITA | CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) 28:49.36 3. Morgane Charre (FRA | PIVOT FACTORY RACING) 28:53.57 Also taking to the hills today were the EDR-E racers, taking in a total of ten stages, two of which were power stages. They’d be met by a similar variety in terrain to really test every aspect of the riders’ abilities. France’s Fabien Barel (CANYON CLLCTV) made it two wins from two mastering the dry, dusty conditions to finish ahead of Australia’s Mick Hannah (YETI FOX FACTORY TEAM) in the Elite Men’s race. The final podium spot would go to Portugal’s Tiago Ladeira (MIRANDA FACTORY RACING). The Elite Women’s race was no less exciting, with an all-day battle between Spain’s Florencia Espiñeira Herreros (Orbea Fox Enduro Team) and Germany’s Ines Thoma (CANYON CLLCTV). After over 40 minutes of racing though, Florencia Espiñeira Herreros would emerge victorious. Slotting neatly into the bronze medal position was Great Britain’s Tracy Moseley. Speaking after the race, Fabien Barel said: “I knew that stage three and four were the important ones today, ones where you could gamble and take some risks. I rode conservative this morning and then really challenged myself on these two stages. They were so long and rough. I knew that there was a lot of room for mistakes but also room to take some risks and make up a lot of time. I opened up a bit of a gap here and then just tried to stay consistent all afternoon, ride solid and not take too many risks. It's an unexpected win, but I'm super stoked with the format, the bike, we did a great job with the Strive:ON, it's a really balanced bike.” Speaking about her win, Florencia Espiñeira Herreros said: “I am very happy and also super tired. That was a huge day out. Eight hours from start to finish. I'm happy that everything went good for me, I felt strong on the stages today. There was a little bit of everything. Bike park, roots, steep and technical sections. It was a crazy day. I'm happy to take the win and the leaders' jersey. Next week we race in Canazei, then I'll head home and keep the training going. Hopefully I can take the overall series win this year.” Results EDR-E Men Top 3: 1. Fabien Barel (FRA | CANYON CLLCTV) 36:54.32 2. Mick Hannah (AUS | YETI FOX FACTORY RACE TEAM) 37:21.45 3. Tiago Ladeira (POR | MIRANDA FACTORY RACING) 37:31.56 Results EDR-E Women Top 3: 1. Florencia Espiñeira Herreros (CHI | ORBEA FOX ENDURO TEAM) 44:05.33 2. Ines Thoma (GER | CANYON CLLCTV) 44:36.14 3. Tracy Moseley (GBR) 44:37.70 There was plenty of action in the U21 EDR men’s and women’s events as well. France’s Lisandru Bertini (LAPIERRE ZIPP COLLECTIVE) took the U21 men’s win, with a gap of almost 14 back to Australia’s Sascha Kim in second, himself opening a gap to Canada’s Johnathan Helly in third. The U21 EDR women’s race went to Canada’s Emmy Lan (FORBIDDEN SYNTHESIS TEAM), finishing the day ahead of France’s Lily Planquart in second and Lily Boucher (ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACE FACE ENDURO TEAM) in third. It’s gold for Ronja Blöchlinger & Adrien Boichis in the U23 Cross-Country Short Track Riders would have to reset quickly after Lenzerheide and be ready to go again in Leogang as the third round of the UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country World Cup gets underway with the short track event. Swiss riders Dario Lillo (SCOTT DAVOS MTB PROJECT) and Ronja Blöchlinger (LIV FACTORY RACING) would look to add to their tally of victories here in Austria. Switzerland’s Ronja Blöchlinger (LIV FACTORY RACING) would power to the U23 Women’s victory by holding off the attentions of Denmark’s Sofie Heby Pedersen (WILIER – PIRELLI FACTORY TEAM XCO) and Switzerland’s Noëlle Buri (BIXS PERFORMANCE RACE TEAM) in second and third respectively. Then it was the turn of the U23 Men, with a stacked field taking to the short track. France’s Adrien Boichis (TRINITY RACING MTB) came out on top after a hectic race from start to finish to take his second short track victory of the year. USA’s Riley Amos (TREK FACTORY RACING XC) finished second, just 2 seconds back, with Swiss rider Luke Wiedmann (THÖMUS MAXON) trailing to finish third. Results XCC U23 Women Top 3: 1. Ronja Blöchlinger (SUI | LIV FACTORY RACING) 18:30 2. Sofie Heby Pedersen (DEN | WILIER – PIRELLI FACTORY TEAM XCO) 18:33 3. Noëlle Buri (SUI | BIXS PERFORMANCE RACE TEAM) 18:40 Results XCC U23 Men Top 3: 1. Adrien Boichis (FRA | TRINITY RACING MTB) 19:04 2. Riley Amos (USA | TREK FACTORY RACING) 19:06 3. Luke Wiedmann (SUI | THÖMUS MAXON) 19:09 Downhill event kicks off with Junior qualifying Both the Junior Men and Women would take to the track and get the first times set on track as they look to qualify for finals tomorrow. New Zealand’s Erice Van Leuven (COMMENCAL LES ORRES) and Henri Kiefer (CANYON CLLCTV PIRELLI) were the fastest Juniors on the hill today.
Red Bull TV will also broadcast the races live in Austria and Germany throughout the weekend (https://www.redbull.com/at-en/events/uci-mountain-bike-world-cup-leogang). Fans can look forward to tomorrow's Enduro premiere, because a prominent guest from another sport wants to taste mountain bike World Cup air. The spectacular triple World Cup debut of the mountain bikers as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in the Pinzgau bike mecca starts tomorrow, Thursday, with the enduro competitions (starting at 11 a.m.) and the qualification for the downhill races on Saturday. In addition to Eurosport/Discovery, Red Bull TV now ensures that those bike fans who do not make it to Leogang live will not miss anything. Red Bull TV will broadcast the women's and men's cross country short track races on Friday, from 5.30pm, and the downhill finals on Saturday, from 1pm. Also on Sunday, Red Bull TV will be live when the cross country races in the Olympic discipline get underway for Laura Stigger and Co. from 1pm. At 3.30pm the gentlemen will follow. “We are very pleased that Red Bull TV will once again have a partner at our side this year, who will help us to bring the great sport into our home living rooms,” says Marco Pointner, Leogang OK CEO and Managing Director of the tourism region Saalfelden Leogang. Two-time Erzberg rodeo winner wants to get a taste of racing air as celebrity guest At tomorrow’s World Cup premiere of the Enduro and E-Enduro riders in Leogang, fans can look forward to a prominent and extremely successful starter from a different discipline. Freshly minted Erzberg rodeo champion Manuel Lettenbichler is switching from the trial bike and the toughest extreme enduro race to the mountain bike and will tackle the E-Enduro competition. All fans who want to get to know Letti personally have the chance to meet the sports star throughout the whole weekend in the large team and expo area at the foot of the Leoganger Asitz. Enduro is the mountain bike equivalent of an autorallye - each rider has to complete several stages in one day. The times of all individual stages are measured, added up and the shortest total time wins! At the UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Leogang, the enduro route leads from the start area at the EPIC Bikepark Leogang to Saalbach Hinterglemm, where three stages must be completed. After that, the riders return to Leogang to fight for the top spots in three more stages. The crowning of the first Enduro World Cup winner in Leogang will then take place at the end of the day in the exciting super final at the EPIC Bikepark.
The traditional fires in Saalfelden Leogang can be admired at various events. Either you enjoy the solstice festival at the Ritzensee in Saalfelden or ride the Asitz cable car high to 1870 m above sea level in Leogang to see the mountain fires up close. In a 360 degree radius, you can see thousands of solstice lights. The Alte Schmiede offers culinary specialities and live music. Centuries-old traditions and a luminous noble white made of 800 torches In Saalfelden Leogang these fires are considered particularly beautiful and unique. Club members of the Alpenverein, the mountain rescue service, the fire brigade and the nature lovers stage the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinerne Meer every year with the many fires. From the valley you can easily see the luminous outlines of the mountains and the many fire pictures. One of the most famous fire pictures is the Edelweiss in the snow pit of the Steinerne Meer, between Persailhorn, Mitterhorn and Breithorn. For more than 50 years, the Saalfelden Fire Department has been drawing the 100-meter-wide and 180-meter-long Edelweiss with about 800 torches into the snow pit at over 2,000 meters. The exact size of the effigy depends on the current snow conditions. At 22.00 o'clock three red balls are fired from the valley as a starting signal for the ignition of the fires and the mountains are illuminated. The origin of this ancient tradition dates back to the 14th century and according to the Pinzgau folk belief, the solstice fire expels evil demons that cause disease, livestock or hail damage. As a symbol of the sun, fire should also bring growth and fertility to meadows and fields. Sunturn Festival at the Ritzensee At the picturesque Ritzensee, Saalfelden inspires guests and locals alike with a solstice festival. Countless fires are lit on the ridges around the Saalfeld Basin. The huge edelweiss in the middle of the snow pit of the Steinern Sea provides a glowing floral greeting. This year, the Fire Brigade Youth at the Ritzensee will also light the year 2023. Programme: 18.00 Start of the event at the Ritzensee From 19.30 o'clock Musical framing by the small cast of the Eisenbahner Stadtkapelle Saalfelden From 10 p.m. the mountain fires burn out Free entry! The event takes place only in good weather Sunturn light at the seat The mountain ridges are on fire! In a radius of 360° degrees you can admire thousands of solstice lights from the Asitz (1,870m above sea level). Programme: Special ride of the Asitzbahn throughout from 17.00 – 24.00 (uphill and valley ride: é 21,- (special price from 17.00) Children up to 15 years free!HOUSE OF COMMONS Culinary specialities (hat and fondue food on pre-order) and live music are well catered for in the Altenschmiede. For the youngest visitors there is a bouncy castle at the mountain station. from 9 p.m.: Hike to the small asitz (20 – 30 minutes) From 10 p.m.: Burn out the solstice fires! (Fuel is available! Solid footwear and warm clothing is recommended.)
From 15 to 18 June, the world’s best in their field will compete in three disciplines in and around Austria’s largest bike region. In the middle are the stars of the Austrian mountain bike scene. Away from the competitions, the event in Saalfelden Leogang presents itself once again with a full side event program. Next Thursday, June 15, the UCI Mountainbike World Series starts in Saalfelden Leogang with a novelty: for the first time the best enduro and e-Enduro riders will be on the road to celebrate their World Cup debut through Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Reigning World Series champion Jesse Melamed isn't the only one eager to rock the new route on the tour calendar. Tracy Moseley, 2010 world downhill champion and cycling icon, will compete in the E-Enduro class. There are six stages in which the riders race against the clock. In between, it is necessary to complete transfer stages without time scoring until the start of the next stage. Homegrown bike stars with battle notice to the competition On Friday and Sunday the cross country riders will take to the tracks. In addition to the Tyrolean Mona Mitterwallner, compatriot Laura Stigger is also part of the game. Recently in Lenzerheide in seventh and twelfth places respectively, the two XCO aces want to go all the way to the front. “I’m really looking forward to the races in Leogang and I hope there are a lot of fans keeping my fingers crossed,” said Stigger. She will compete against Loana Lecomte in the cross country competition. The reigning European champion has not only been one of the big favourites since her victory last weekend in Lenzerheide. Leogang has always been a successful stop for the Frenchwoman in the past. Mountain bike fans can also look forward to Nino Schurter, who last weekend made sporting history with his 34th World Cup victory. Saturday, as usual, belongs to the downhillers. In addition to the Styrian Andi Kolb, local matador Vali Héll also throws herself on the World Cup track “Speedster”. In the first race of the season in Switzerland, she finished fourth. “A decent result, but not what I was hoping for. I leave Lenzerheide with fire under my ass,” said the Saalbacher’s announcement. It's not just Rachel Atherton, who has returned from the baby break, who celebrated her comeback win in the first race of the season, that's where there's plenty of competition. Free and convenient to the mountain bike highlight Around the races, Saalfelden Leogang presents itself once again top organized. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Team & Expo Area is open. In addition, a Shimano test area at the pump track in the Epic Bikepark Leogang awaits on two afternoons. A signing session and Riders Meet & Greet are also on the calendar on Saturday, as is the Red Bull air show with Dario Costa. Not to forget: various parties and celebrations in various locations in the region, which allow you to experience the pure bike spirit. Getting to the “superevent” is easy, convenient – and free with the effis. The tickets are automatically valid as a ticket for all public transport in the state of Salzburg (except O-bus lines and bus lines in the city of Salzburg). In addition, there are two shuttle lines, starting from Saalfelden and Hochfilzen, which take fans directly to the event site every 30 minutes.
Kicking off with the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Cup before the Cross-country and Downhill pros do battle for UCI World Cup points, Austria's biggest bike region will once again transform itself into a mountain bike festival par excellence. High time to look at what's on offer in the region around the Epic Bikepark Leogang during the super event from 15 to 18 June. Just like last year, the organizers are paying great attention to making the journey to the UCI World Cup resource-efficient and the event itself as sustainable as possible. Competitions & tracks This year, it will be the enduro riders who kick off the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, already celebrating the fourth of seven stops within their newly created format. Starting in the Epic Bikepark Leogang in the morning, several stages will lead the riders over to Saalbach Hinterglemm and back for the grand finale that takes place in the Epic Bikepark. On Friday evening, the Cross-country elite joins the competition for UCI World Cup points during the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) race, while also determining the starting grid for the Cross-country Olympic (XCO) competition two days later. After a day to recover, the endurance specialists will return on Sunday for the grand finale, the XCO Elite race, which will be held over several laps on the 3.6-kilometer-long racetrack at the foot of the Asitzbahn cable car station. The Downhill elite are already challenged to give their best on the “Speedster” on Saturday. The steep and rough track combines demanding rock gardens and root sections with switchback turns and massive jumps. Riders can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. The famous gap jump in the "Vali's Hölle" section is a much respected challenge for all riders. For the exact schedule of the races, click here. Festival feeling, team & expo area, side events Almost as spectacular as the UCI World Cup races themselves is the Saalfelden Leogang festival area with numerous side events. Heading into the weekend on Friday morning, the UCI World Cup brunch with a DJ will set the mood with great food and a party atmosphere, before celebration continues with the Welcome Party, UCI World Cup BBQs, Warm-up and After party. In between, Flying Bulls pilot Dario Costa will provide another highlight with his flight show, while you can get quite close to your favorite riders at the Signing Session by FOX. There is even more to experience for the expected 20,000 visitors in the packed Team & Expo Area. This is where most of UCI World Cup life takes place away from the races, and visitors can get close and personal with the teams while peeking over the shoulders of the pros and mechanics at work. In addition, numerous well-known exhibitors present the latest and most exciting innovations in the mountain bike world - from bikes and parts to protection and clothing. Travel and sustainability As organizers of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, the Saalfelden Leogang region and the Epic Bikepark strive to keep the ecological footprint of this major event as small as possible, with an emphasis on the support of UCI World Cup spectators. The easiest way to make your contribution is certainly by using public transport to get there and back. Saalfelden Leogang can be easily reached via the railway junctions of Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich and Klagenfurt. Local public transport and extra shuttles can be used free of charge. In addition, the admission tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Leogang from 16 to 18 June 2023 are automatically valid as a ticket for almost all public transport in the province of Salzburg. Arriving by train is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. Furthermore, Saalfelden Leogang places great importance on the correct separation of waste using the waste islands provided and also on the use of the reusable cups provided on the festival site. Obviously, visitors should also take everything back home that they brought to the UCI World Cup or dispose of it correctly. Consuming seasonal and regional food is not only an easy way to make your contribution at home, but also in Saalfelden Leogang. Products from the region are marked with the green seal of quality "Echt.Gsund.Guad". All information on how you can help to make the UCI World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang as sustainable as possible can be found here. Tickets for this world-class bike weekend are available online and as we know from experience, are highly sought-after. It is worth being quick! For more information on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang, visit www.mtb-weltcup.at. All those who cannot attend the double UCI World Cup in person, can follow the final race live on different channels. More information on where to watch which race is available here.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Series will take place in Salzburg from 15 to 18 June. The domestic bike elite with Hell, Stigger, Kolb and co. are hot on the “superevent” and promise a lot. In Saalfelden Leogang, an unprecedented bike event is approaching. For the first time, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series will feature the women’s downhill and cross country athletes as well as the Enduro and E-Enduro riders. A World Cup of superlatives with over 20,000 spectators is guaranteed: impressive atmosphere, spectacular sports and unique natural scenery. Of course, the Austrian athletes - among them Laura Stigger - are also looking forward to the home game. The Tyrolean cross-country rider recently celebrated a brilliant start to the 2023 season with her first World Cup victory in the short track. It is no surprise, then, that the 22-year-old is counting down a lot for the home World Cup – not least because she has already finished on the podium twice in Leogang in the last two years. Local cross-country riders Stigger and Mitterwallner chase the competition For the Tyrolean and her compatriot Mona Mitterwallner, the World Cup starts on Friday 16 June in front of a home crowd for the first time. At 5.30 p.m., the women's UCI Short Track World Cup (XCC) will start free. At 18.15, the men will start the race. The results of the competition on the shortened course will also determine the starting line-up for the Olympic Cross Country Race (XCO), which takes place on Sunday, June 18. The women start at 1pm, the men follow at 3.30pm. With a length of 3.6 kilometres and a height difference of 210 metres, the track at the foot of the Asitz demands everything from the athletes again this year. Thursday Enduro – Saturday Downhill: Full programme on the competition calendar The downhill competition on the legendary “Speedster” track at the Epic Bikepark Leogang brings down the curtain on the final races on Saturday, June 17. The start for the women with local matador and overall World Cup winner Vali Héll is at 1 pm, the men, around the successful Styrian Andi Kolb, are in demand at 2 pm. The newcomers to the boat this year, the Enduro and E-Enduro riders, will take to the track on Thursday, June 15, at 11 a.m., which will lead them over a total of six stages through Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The final stage at the Epic Bikepark Leogang starts at 5.30pm. Action packed away from the races At the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang you can not only experience spectacular races but also pure bike sports off the tracks. From Thursday to Sunday, a large Team & Expo Area awaits in the Bikepark Leogang where you can take a look at the novelties of the season. And: on Saturday, June 17, there will be a signing session by FOX with the stars of the scene. In addition, Red Bull Air Race pilot Dario Costa also impresses on this day with an air show. Of course, the popular after-race parties are also waiting on these days. Free ride to bike fun: entrance ticket is public ticket If you want to experience the “super-event” in Saalfelden Leogang live and would like to travel without stress and comfort, a Zuckerl is waiting for you: The entrance ticket for the UCI Mountainbike World Cup is automatically valid as a ticket for all public transport in the state of Salzburg (except O-bus lines and bus lines in the city of Salzburg). Information and programme overview: https://www.mtb-weltcup.at/en
Starting May 12th, rookies and pros can let off steam in the Riders Playground, the Special Areas and on the countless routes of the bike destination Saalfelden Leogang. While everything is already in place in terms of trails and lines, preparations elsewhere are in full swing: The UCI Mountain Bike World Series from 15 to 18 June 2023 are on track and waiting with innovations. Ticket pre-sale for the upcoming season at Epic Bikepark Leogang is in full swing. New this summer: Dynamic bike ticket prices. This means that with the new online bike bonus there is the chance to secure day or multi-day tickets early at a cheaper price. And it means access, because the Epic Bikepark Leogang is considered one of the most prestigious bikeparks in Europe with its countless highlights, including a 10,000 square meter practice area, the Hot Shots fired by GoPro Jump Line, as well as the UCI World Championship and World Cup circuit Speedster. That this is so, even the best in the world know this. With the hosting of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Saalfelden Leogang is an annual fixture in the international racing calendar. However, 2023 is something different: for the first time, a “super-event” will be on the agenda from 15 to 18 June. In addition to the World Cup decisions in downhill and cross country, the international elite of enduro sport will also get the chance to prove their skills. For them, valuable points are at stake over a total of six stages through Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Triple World Cup with new TV format Not only the sporting format of the Mountain Bike World Cup has been given a new structure by the International Cycling Federation, but also the TV broadcast rights are with Warner Bros.Discovery Sports Events 2023 in new hands. So are the final races of the elite classes in the Cross Country (Sunday, June 18, from 1 pm), Short Track (Friday) June 16, from 5.30pm) and Downhill (Saturday, 17 June, from 1pm) live on GCN+, Eurosport and discovery+. In addition, the U23 cross country finals, the downhill junior races and the elite downhill semi-finals, as well as daily racing highlights with a behind-the-scenes look will also be available on the official UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. For all those who are directly live on site, the event weekend also has a lot to offer away from the sporting decisions. Exciting side events, such as a Red Bull air show with Dario Costa, a large exhibition area with signing sessions and sweepstakes, parties and much more await. Best to be quick and secure tickets for the bike event of the extra class from 15 to 18 June in Saalfelden Leogang at www.mtb-weltcup.at.
