Under the name "Biketember", the region will be a playground for enduro, downhill and cross-country riders who want to prove themselves in the individual disciplines on an international stage from September 16 to 18. But it's not just the sporting highlights that await spectators with a packed timetable, "Biketember" is also packed with side events.
Just in time for the start of fall, the Saalfelden Leogang bike region is entering the home stretch of the current contest season with the "Biketember Festival". From 16 to 18 September, the broad range of mountain biking disciplines will be on the calendar with the iXS European Downhill Cup (Leogang), the final of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series (Leogang - Saalbach Hinterglemm), the Cross Country European Cup XCO C1 race and the Scott Junior Trophy (both in Saalfelden), putting the Pinzgau at the center of the scene once again.
Top field of starters pre-programmed
For the third time now, "Biketember" is attracting riders from all over Europe to the Salzburg biking scene. A look at last year's list of results gives a foretaste of how strong the field will be this year. In 2015, for example, Maja Wloszczowska (POL), a recent Olympic silver medalist in cross country, did the honors at "Biketember" - victory included. In addition, 15-time German downhill champion Marcus Klausmann took the title at the final of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series in the previous year's edition. The who's who of downhill riders will also be represented in Leogang, as many elite riders will be competing for important points in the iXS overall standings at the last of six races in the iXS European Downhill Cup after the World Championships in Val di Sole (August 29 to September 11).
Decisions in four race series
The starting signal for the first showdown of the elite at "Biketember" will be given on Saturday, September 17, at the Cross Country European Cup race (XCO C1). From 11 a.m., the riders will be challenged on the 2012 World Championship course in Saalfelden.
On Sunday, it's the turn of the downhillers and enduro riders, with the season finale of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series taking place in Saalfelden Leogang and Saalbach Hinterglemm at 8 am, followed by the iXS European Downhill Cup in the Bikepark Leogang from 12.30 pm, where the downhill specialists will take on the "Speedster" course.
Young bikers will also be in the spotlight on this day. At 10 a.m., the Scott Junior Trophy will be all about showing off their stamina and, above all, the fun of the sport.
Packed supporting program
But it's not just the sporting highlights that will be causing a stir at the "Biketember Festival", there are also various side events away from the race tracks where you can join in the excitement and take part yourself. For example, the LINES Bike Pulling and the Dual Race, a large expo area, the LINES Party on Friday and the already legendary Ö3 Disco with LUKE K on Saturday. This will be a fitting start to what is probably the most beautiful season for bikers, the golden fall.
