Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Worldcup Leogang: Recap Practice Day

First day of training in Saalfelden Leogang for the downhill and cross country world elites, who will face each other next weekend at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup at Epic Bikepark. The first sampling on the challenging routes took place today in adverse weather conditions. With the track the best came local matador Vali Hell, the fastest of the timed training session.

The first training session in Saalfelden Leogang turned into a wet, cold and, above all, muddy affair for the downhill and cross country runners. But weather-wise, improvement is in sight. At the first scan of the track, therefore, the home aces approached it a little more cautiously today.

For Laura Stigger and Mona Mitterwallner, the first World Cup decision is already on the agenda tomorrow with the short track (from 5.30pm): “The course is great to ride, but I was content with the B-Line today and didn’t want to risk anything,” explains Mitterwallner, who like compatriot Laura Stigger is one of the narrow favourites.
One lady from Australia is the big chaser this weekend: Rebecca "Bec" McConnell. The Australian recently not only claimed a World Cup hat-trick, but also dominates the overall short track standings.

 

In the men's elite, the duel between Nino Schurter (SUI) and Tom Pidcock (GBR) came to an end. The Swiss legend won the opening race in Brazil and is at the top of the overall standings after two more second and third places. With another victory over the Olympic distance, Schurter would also become the sole record holder for most World Cup victories with a total of 34 World Cup victories. The chances of that record are good as English fly-half Tom Pidcock pauses in Leogang to prepare for the Tour de France. Still, Schurter and Leogang – this is not yet the great love relationship. Quite the opposite to another Swiss: Last year the strong climber Mathias Fluckiger cheered in the short track of Leogang, can he strike again this year?

 

Vali Hell fastest woman in timed training session

For the downhillers, around the Saalbacher Valentina “Vali” Héll, who was able to win today’s training run, the qualifying runs are on the program tomorrow (from 12.30 pm). With her victory in Lourdes and a second place in Fort William, Camille Balanche (SUI), who also feels comfortable in Leogang poodles, leads the leaderboard. The Swiss not only won the World Cup race in Pinzgau last year, but also the World Cup in 2020. World champion Myriam Nicole (FRA) and Fort William winner Nina Hoffmann (GER) will also have a say in the victory.

After two wins in two World Cup races in the men's elite, Frenchman Amaury Pierron is drawing circles alone. He also dominated today's training in Leogang. His fiercest pursuers Laurie Greenland (GBR), Thibaut Dapréla (FRA), Benoit Coulanges (FRA) and the last ailing Finn Iles (CAN) do not yet seem to have found a remedy to Pierron's dominance. 

 

Plenty of programming outside of the racing scene

On Friday (12 to 8 p.m.), Saturday (10 to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (9.30 to 5 p.m.) the Team & Expo Area offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at professional mountain biking. Here you can watch the riders during the race preparation, but also look over the shoulder at the mechanics during the fine tuning of the bikes. Of course, countless exhibitors also give the opportunity to take a closer look at the innovations in bike technology and bike accessories and test them in the Shimano Test Area. Those who want to go further with the riders will have the opportunity to get a coveted autograph at a Fox Racing signing session on Friday at 4pm at the box office of the valley station Asitz. But not only on the ground, but also in the air, the supporting program at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Worldcup in Saalfelden Leogang plays all the pieces. On Saturday at 12.15pm, before the final of the downhill, Flying Bull pilot Miguel Hochleitner will conjure up an impressive airshow with artistic aerial displays in the sky with the historic North American T-28B. On Sunday, we will go to BMX. Before the final of the Cross Country Riders Senad Grosic puts on a brilliant show at the event venue. Also not to be missed on the World Cup weekend: the parties in the surrounding bars. The “Warm Up” takes place on Friday in the Kralleralm, the Rider’s Party rises on Saturday in the Outback.

 

Special tip:

A free ride with the effis! On Fridays, public access throughout Salzburg is free and on Saturdays and Sundays the event ticket is also the ticket with the SVV & UBB (S-Bahn & REX).

 

For those who cannot attend the double World Cup live, there is the possibility to watch the final races live on Red Bull TV and ORF Sport+.