A hot start into Autumn with the new BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang

From August 31 to September 2, visitors and athletes will be greeted by a large exhibition offering a first glance at 2019's hottest new bikes and products as well as exciting race action and competitions. Registration for the races is still open online and is possible in person until an hour before the start of the various races.
 
The heart of the new BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang is the large outdoor expo which features many big brands and names from the mountain bike, lifestyle, tourism and sports industry. Next to the latest product, some exhibitors will already give a glance at next year's bikes and products. Next to having a first peek, many of the latest and even new products and bikes can already be tested. The excellent infrastructure and trail network of the Bike-Region Saalfelden Leogang offers visitors the ideal setting to try out the newest bikes and products on multiple test tracks and guided tours. The best thing about the expo: the entry is free of charge.

Apart from the large expo, the focus of the BIKE Festival is of course on the sport of mountain biking itself, which is why several race highlights await participants and spectators alike. Saalfelden Leogang is renowned for its spectacular Enduro trails, which is why the third stop of the Scott Enduro Series will be held as part of the BIKE Festival on September 1. Riders will be battling it out on the stunning trails around Leogang and Saalbach in six different categories: Elite Men, Elite Women, Pro Masters as well as in the licence-free Open Men, Open Women and Open Junior Male classes. In addition to the normal classes, the Scott Enduro Series will also include a separate E-Bike category for the first time, which promises to add further excitement and action.

The following day, September 2, sees another race highlight with the final stop of the Rocky Mountain Bike Marathon Series 2018. With three different distances (short distance 56.84km / 1,403m climbing; medium distance 74.04km / 2,706m vertical climbing; long distance 97.28km / 3,627m climbing) the Rocky Mountain Bike Marathon offers thrilling race action on the trails around Saalfelden Leogang for both athletes and spectators.

Kicking off the weekend's racing will be the Ghost Recon Ride on August 31. The new format is open to anyone and emphasizes fun over racing. During the Ghost Recon Ride, participants are challenged with navigating to eight points of reference in and around Bikepark Leogang with help of a map. In addition, racers will also have to complete various challenges at four different challenge stations. Each point of reference found and each challenge completed along the way is awarded with points towards the ranking.

Friday will also the see the Pump the Festival Pumptrack race, the final stop of the Austrian Pumptrack Series. The BIKE Festival doesn't only cater to adults though, as it has plenty in store for the next generation of young rippers as well. With the Scott Junior Trophy and several kids' categories during the Pump the Festival races, children have plenty to look forward to and can gain their first race experiences in a fun and relaxed environment.

The BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang doesn't only offer test rides on two wheels though. Volvo offers visitors the chance to take their newest cars for a spin, as the XC40, XC60, XC90 and V90 Cross Country models can be taken for test drives from Friday to Sunday. Registration for the test rides can be found at www.volvo-probefahrt.at/bike-festival or be done in person at the event.

All those who still have some energy left after a long day at the festival, can look forward to the After-Show party at the Outback Bar, as well as the OPEN NIGHT on Saturday night in the Expo-Area, where the exhibitors will be waiting with countless specials. The Expo-Area will stay open until 22:30 on Saturday, entry is free, the relaxed "Chill&Grill" atmosphere and live music are included.