The skies have cleared and the weather has heated up as the riders tackle the challenging, although mostly dry, course in Leogang, that will push the legs, lungs and courage of the athletes as long steep climbs meet technical and steep descents. Loana Lecomte completes back-to-back perfect weekends in Leogang After a strong performance in short track, Loana Lecomte will certainly be looking to have a similar Leogang to last year, winning both events while Austrian’s Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger will be looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage and get their first wins of the season. Of course, no one will have an easy victory as this stacked field is hungry. Strong challenger and reigning World Champion Evie Richards (GBR) is out of this race with a back injury while Pauline Ferrand-Pr´evot (FRA) will also not be racing, choosing to focus on other events. An immediate pile-up right out of the start saw Austrian’s Mona Mitterwallner’s hopes of getting out in front early disappearing before her eyes. She ended up in a pile-up that saw an issue with her handlebar alignment. She ran her bike up a section of the first hill but was unable to mount her bike and join the pack, running back to have it fixed. Despite her tough fight back into the race, she ultimately ended the day in 15th place. Olympic Champion Jolanda Neff (SUI) was able to hop into the lead early on in the start lap, but she was unable to add any real distance on competition and crossed the finish line just slightly in front of a challenging Loana Lecomte. In the first big climb of the second lap, Lecomte and Rissveds were able to get by Neff and add some distance between themselves and the competition. Meanwhile, Mona Mitterwallner headed back on course and quickly began to make some moves. The distance between the leading group of Rissveds and Lecomte has grown substantially through the first lap, putting them 30 seconds in the lead. Following a good start for Jolanda Neff it appears her legs just aren’t there for her today as she falls back to 20th place. Ultimately, she pushes back up to 8th place to end her day. The battle for the final podium spot is the closest to watch with Specialized riders Frei (SUI) and Stigger (AUT) within a second of each other and playing leapfrog throughout the first three laps. Meanwhile, the undefeated Rebecca McConnell is having a challenging race as she falls back to sixth place with two laps left. Lecomte continued her dominating performance through the next laps, and her lead grew until she ultimately crossed the finish line 1:13min. ahead of a spent Rissveds to grab her 6th career World Cup win. Austria's best hope lay on the shoulders of Laura Stigger, who sat in third place with one lap left. The exciting fight for third between Stigger and Frei continued into the last lap. It was an incredible show of determination as both riders were out of the saddle, but Stigger was able to add a few bike lengths on Frei, grabbing 3rd by just a few seconds. Just behind Frei was a persistent Terpstra (NED), grabbing herself a 5th place finish here in Leogang. An elated Loana Lecomte spoke on how she's feeling after her win. "Last year I was the first person in a long time to win 4 World Cups, and this year I was the first person to win a perfect weekend in the same place. So I am very happy to be honored in mountain bike history.” Cross-Country (XCO) Results Elite Women: 1. Loana Lecomte (FRA) 1:15:42 2. Jenny Rissveds (SWE) 1:16:55 3. Laura Stigger (AUT) 1:17:10 4. Sina Frei (SUI) 1:17:23 5. Anne Terpstra (NED) 1:17:52 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Rebecca McConnell (AUS) 1093 2. Loana Lecomte (FRA) 916 3. Anne Terpstra (NED) 713 4. Laura Stigger (AUT) 698 5. Jenny Rissveds (SWE) 695 Fluckiger staves off Schurter (SUI) for another perfect weekend in Leogang In a group of men who are all ready and in great shape to go to battle to take top honors, it is impossible to know who will finish the day on top. There is no doubt that Mathias Fluckiger will be looking to continue his streak and go back-to-back perfect weekends in Leogang. Meanwhile, Schurter (SUI) will be looking to add another World Cup win, solidifying himself in the history books with the most World Cup wins of all time. Dascalu, Fidel, Albin, and the rest of the riders will do their best to make sure neither of these rider’s plans come true. A notable absence from the men's race was Tom Pidcock, who will not be racing this weekend, choosing to focus on road bikes in order to set himself up for the Tour de France. A quick start from Henrique Avancini (BRA) saw him rocket out of the start but he wasn’t able to hold onto it as Vlad Dascalu (ROU) got by him and immediately began upping the pace of the race. Nino Schurter showed off his fitness and strength as he passed Dascalu on the first big climb of lap one. Although there was no major separation between the riders, Schurter was leading the pack. Fluckiger changed up the top 5 with an impressive push, jumping multiple spots on the final climb of lap one putting himself in fourth place joining Hatherly, Dascalu, and Cooper behind Schurter. These men worked hard and did everything they could to not let Schurter take off as he set a challenging pace. The battle was on and the group stuck together. Dascalu was able to grab the lead for a moment before Schurter showcased his strength again and reclaimed his spot out front. The group was close, with Dascalu, Hatherly and Fluckiger all crossing the second finish line all within a second of each other, trailing Nino Schurter closely. An impressive boost from Mathias Fluckiger as he capitalized on the other seemingly relaxed riders was able to pass Hatherly, Dascalu and Schurter to take the lead. Breaking up the pack and pushing himself and Shurter out in front by 7 seconds. The two fight it out and Schurter is able to get past Fluckiger to regain the lead as these two continue to bounce back and forth. With 2 laps left, the Swiss riders took a commanding lead leaving Hatherly (RSA) 8 seconds back and Marotte (FRA) another 22 seconds back from him. Fluckiger was able to put his head down again and battle past Schurter on the first big climb of the fifth lap, with the two continuing to lead by a large margin. An all-out sprint for the final laps sees Fluckiger unable to drop Schurter and Schurter unable to pass. The final hills saw Fluckiger gaining the smallest margin on Schurter coming into the finish. A final sprint put Fluckiger 6 seconds up, earning himself another big win here at Leogang. This gave Mathias the perfect weekend he was looking for but caused Schurter to fall short on his search for the most World Cup wins. Marotte pushed hard but fell back as Dascalu battled past him, leaving him with a 5th place finish. Hatherly also lost some momentum as Dascalu picked up the pace to close the gap. Hatherly was able to hold on long enough to grab 3rd place, giving Dascalu a well-earned 4th place finish. “After Friday's win and today’s, I know I am in good shape - but this is just so tough. It was a great battle once again with Nino, this time a better end for me, and I am really happy about that! Congrats to him. This is tough, really tough. It’s a really demanding course here, lots of climbing and you never really have the chance to recover.“ stated a visibly exhausted yet thrilled Mathias Fluckiger Cross-Country (XCO) Results Elite Men: 1. Mathias Fluckiger (SUI) 1:15:31 2. Nino Schurter (SUI) 1:15:37 3. Alan Hatherly (RSA) 1:16:10 4. Vlad Dascalu (ROU) 1:16:16 5. Maxime Marotte (FRA) 1:16:40 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Nino Schurter (SUI) 964 2. Vlad Dascalu (ROU) 775 3. Mathias Fluckiger (SUI) 711 4. Alan Hatherly (RSA) 692 5. Thomas Pidcock (GBR) 600 Great performances in U23 makes for exciting racing A super strong showing for U23 racers saw a very close battle for the woman as Puck Pieterse (NED) was narrowly able to best Line Burquier (FRA) to walk away victorious over 4 laps. The men's race saw a little more distance between competitors with Martin Vidaurre Kossmann (CHI) firmly grabbing the victory 19 seconds in front of second place. Will the Swiss be able to capitalize on home soil? This season is only a third of the way through, despite the amount of action we’ve already gotten to experience so far. The battle between Mathias Fluckiger and Nino Schurter is only going to heat up as they both begin to think about overall points. It is safe to say that Schurter will be doing his absolute best to win the race next month in Lenzerheide as he would be absolutely thrilled to capture the record for most World Cup wins on home soil. Sina Frei has been looking strong all season. A 4th place finish in Leogang will undoubtedly have her confidence high as she heads back to try and collect a World Cup win at home. Successful World Cup with a difficult start Despite difficult conditions at the beginning, the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang developed into the expected great MTB festival. More than 21,500 spectators followed the exciting World Cup decisions of the past few days, saw great drama and outstanding triumphs. After the rain stopped, big and small fans flooded the Expo Area to marvel at the hottest innovations in the bike world or to hunt for autographs in the Team Area. Not to mention the many side events, such as a Flying Bulls air show. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, head over to www.mtb-weltcup.at. For everyone that could not make it to the double World Cup, the full action can reviewed on Red Bull TV.
Especially in the women's competition, luck and drama were very close together: while Camille Balanche secured her third victory in the third race in Leogang, local hero Vali Höll again failed to win in front of her home crowd. There was still reason to celebrate for the Austrian fans, because Andreas Kolb secured fifth place and the best placement of the Austrian Downhill men to date. Former overall World Cup winner Matt Walker secured the first World Cup race victory of his career in Leogang. Balanche (SUI) completes the 3-peat in variable conditions Fortunately for both the riders and the 20,000+ spectators, the rain has finally stopped and the sun is shining, giving the wet and muddy course a chance to dry. However, it’s safe to say that despite a little warm weather, the slippery track and mud that has accumulated is a challenge that every rider will have to face. As was expected coming into this race, the final wood section acted as both the toughest section of the course and a section that would make or break a run. Coming off her win in Fort William, Nina Hoffman (GER) came into the wood section well into the green but lost it early into the mud. She was able to get moving again only to go back off line shortly after, ending her chance of standing on top of the podium today. Eleonora Farina (ITA) showcased her skill through the wood section and was able to keep her feet on the pedals and put down a clean run. Hitting the wood gap coming out of the wooded section gained her even more time, crossing the finish line over five seconds up. Myriam Nicole (FRA) looked to be holding a little back through the motorway. A mistake up top saw her battling to get back into the green which she was able to do before the wooded section. She powered through, finding herself deeper in the green and gaining 4 seconds on the leader by the time she crossed the finish line. A terrible-looking crash towards the top for Marine Cabirou (FRA) would end her chances. Fortunately, she would be able to ride away and make it to the bottom. Valentina Holl (AUT) was certainly keen to win on home track and was 7 seconds into the green when a small crash near the top would see her fall back half a second into the red. She was looking strong into her namesake wood section, but lost it again when she went over the bars, ending her chances. A visibly disappointed Vali fell to the ground at the finish line, where she sat in 5th place. Camille Balanche (SUI), the qualifying winner, rode a clean run from top to bottom. She found herself in the green right away, hitting all of the jumps, clearing the wood section, and hitting the Red Bull drop - all adding to her winning margin. Balanche, the final rider, crossed the finish line 11 seconds in front of second place giving her the hat-trick in Leogang. "It was way better. I tried not to risk it too much, because now it’s so fast I was not expecting this. I didn’t make the mistakes at the top and then when you start your run without mistakes it’s just better in the head. It felt really good, I’m so stoked. Third time in a row here is a dream, even more in quali and then crossed the line first. I’m on the moon.” said a visibly stoked Camille Balanche Downhill (DHI) Results Elite Women: 1. Camille Balanche (SUI) 4:08:218 2. Myriam Nicole (FRA) 4:19:586 3. Eleonora Farina (ITA) 4:24:281 4. Louisa-Anna Ferguson (GBR) 4:29:876 5. Monika Hrastnik (SLO) 4:30:258 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Camille Balanche (SUI) 685 2. Myriam Nicole (FRA) 555 3. Valentina Holl (AUT) 460 4. Eleonora Farina (ITA) 395 5. Nina Hoffmann (GER) 368 Matt Walker (GBR) takes home first World Cup win A notable absence in the men's category is Scotsman Reece Wilson. Wilson took to social media to let fans know that he has not been feeling himself lately and is taking some time to get back to feeling good. Loic Bruni who injured himself in Fort Williams will also be out for this round. After a long time off his bike with a severe ankle injury, last year's winner, Troy Brosnan, was able to make a return and qualified in 6th place. Back from recovery as well, six weeks off the bike following a concussion saw Finn Iles back to full strength with a solid 2nd place finish in qualifying. Amaury Pierron (FRA) was sitting in second place coming into the woods, but was incredibly strong throughout the section, powering over the roots and nailing the corners. A brief foot dab was the only visible fault. Pierron crossed the finish line in first place, over a second up. Pierron would end the day in 4th place. Angel Suarez Alonso (ESP) was next in the starting gates. His splits bounced back and forth between red and green, always staying close to Pierron’s times. Angel looked strong through the wood section and powered through the final jumps into first place. Angel’s efforts would be enough to finish his day on the podium, in third place. Thibaut Daprela (FRA) was riding a wild run and was looking like he might be able to challenge the leader board. A crash in the woods would take that chance away. Starting off the race in the green and looking lightning-fast for the first split, Laurie Greenland (GBR) lost over 8 seconds before the second split. He was able to ride a fast rest of the race and salvage some points but certainly didn’t end up where he wanted to finish, far back on the leaderboard. Danny Hart (GBR) found himself up by over a second into the motorway. He was able to crush the rest of the run and stay in the green through the wood section and come out a second up. Hart crossed the finish line in first up by over a second with three riders left up top. Danny’s time in the hot seat wouldn't last long as his fellow countrymen was up next and would directly knock him off. Matt Walker (GBR) found the green by the second split by the narrowest margin. He lost the green for a moment but aggressively attacked the woods and found himself back in first. He was able to hold onto it and crossed the line knocking his fellow Englishman out of first. Two riders to go. We saw some potentially over-aggressive riding up top, causing Finn Iles (CAN) to fall back a little bit, but the battle was far from over. He worked hard to try and make it back, but it wasn't enough - 6th place with one rider left. The top qualifier Benoit Coulanges (FRA) looked fast and in control through the top of his run, gaining over a second on Matt Walker. He wasn't able to continue his clean riding, losing a foot and crashing in the woods. A disappointment for Coulanges, putting him in 20th place. Although Coulanges couldn’t hold on to get his first World Cup win, Walker watched from the hot seat and claimed his. An exciting day for the Englishmen with both 1st and 2nd going to Great Britain. Coulanges’ mishap gave the Austrian fans a reason to celebrate, too, as local hero Andreas Kolb (AUT) remained in fifth place, securing the best Austrian DH World Cup result in history and his first podium. “Honestly, I can’t put it into words. It's unbelievable just trying to absorb the moment as much as possible. Honestly, I didn’t expect it this week. It’s not a track I’ve done particularly well on in the past. I felt really good in practice this morning. I was confident in my lines, I made some bold choices with tires, and it paid off“ beamed an excited Matt Walker. Downhill (DHI) Results Elite Men: 1. Matt Walker (GBR) 3:28:816 2. Danny Hart (GBR) 3:29:141 3. Angel Suarez (ESP) 3:30:370 4. Amaury Pierron (FRA) 3:30:530 5. Andreas Kolb (AUT) 3:31:249 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Amaury Pierron (FRA) 580 2. Matt Walker (GBR) 443 3. Danny Hart (GBR) 401 4. Benoit Coulanges (FRA) 380 5. Laurie Greenland (GBR) 354 Neither qualifying winners hold onto top spots through the finals Jackson Goldstone (CAN) and Jenna Hastings (NZL) were unable to hold onto their top qualifying position through the finals. Both riders went for it but finished in second place. Phoebe Gale (GBR) put down an incredible run and took top honors over 14 seconds into first place. Jordan Williams (GBR) came out on top of the men's race with a run that put him 4 seconds faster than Goldstone. Warm weather will make for great Cross-Country racing Clear forecast and dryer conditions will certainly make for some great Cross-Country racing tomorrow. As the mud dries and the ground hardens the speed that these riders will have to find will increase. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, head over to www.mtb-weltcup.at. For everyone that cannot make it to the double World Cup, the action can be followed live on Red Bull TV. It wouldn't be a Leogang World Cup stop without a packed schedule of side-events. Before the XCO final on Sunday a BMX show hosted by Senad Grosic will take place. The Expo Area will be filled to the brim with the latest and greatest from the bike world and in the Team Area, visitors can get a look behind the scenes at the daily life of athletes during a World Cup weekend. Both areas can be visited on Sunday (09:30 - 17:00).
The international Cross-Country elite racing kicked off the promising World Cup weekend in Saalfelden Leogang with two spectacular XCC races that were hard to beat in terms of excitement and drama. In the end, Loana Lecomte and Mathias Flückiger won their respective races in difficult conditions. Loanna Lecomte (FRA) puts it together for a dominating race win in the mud Traction would be a battle for the women competing for starting spots and overall points in the Cross Country Short Track race. Wet conditions leading up to the race created soft, slippery conditions which made the large climbs on this track even more challenging. Sadly for fans, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot was notably absent as she has chosen to focus her efforts on future events. Rebecca McConnell was able to blast out of the start and put herself in the holeshot position early on in the race. This course saw riders go straight out of the start into a massive climb which established much larger gaps between riders than we are used to seeing in these Short Track races. Lap one ended with McConnell (AUS) in the lead and Rissveds (SWE) following closely behind. McConnell was looking strong and held onto the lead through laps 1, 2, and 3 but Loanna Lecomte (FRA) was able to battle past McConnell in the 4th lap of the race. Lecomte was able to add loads of distance on the rest of the competition through the next two laps, finishing the 5th lap over 14 seconds in front of her closest competitor. Behind her, a group of 4 battled hard for second place, with McConnell at the back of that pack. Loanna continued to push her body and dominated throughout the remainder of the race. Riding hard and adding time on her competitors with each lap, she crossed the line heading into the final lap up by a whopping 21 seconds. This is even more impressive considering she was battling a flat rear tire for the final few laps. The final lap saw some change up with Terpstra (NED) battling through the group of 4 to grab second place, looking over her shoulder to see her Ghost teammate Bohé in third place crossing the final finish line. An exciting podium to see, with Loanna Lecomte winning back to back Leogang Short Track World Cup wins and her second short-track win overall, with Bohé finding her first Short Track World Cup podium finish. “I felt good and now I’m feeling good. I had a flat tire on the last 3 or 2 laps so I tried to push slowly to be able to finish the race. My leg is good and I can't wait for Sunday’s race. I didn’t expect to win today so if it can be possible, I will do that. I did it today and it’s a very good start for the weekend. We will see Sunday results. No pressure, just enjoy the time on my bike.” said an elated Loanna Lecomte after her incredible performance through seven laps XCC Short Track Results Elite Women: 1. Loana Lecomte (FRA) 21:21 2. Anne Terpstra (NED) 21:30 3. Caroline Bohé (DEN) 21:40 4. Alessandra Keller (SUI) 21:48 5. Rebecca McConnell (AUS) 21:55 Overall World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Rebecca Mcconnell (AUS) 740 points 2. Alessandra Keller (SUI) 540 points 3. Loana Lecomte (FRA) 530 points 4. Anne Terpstra (NED) 504 points 5. Jolanda Neff (SUI) 475 points Mathias Fluckiger (SUI) battles for his second straight win at Leogang Round 4 of Short Track started with the men shooting straight out of the start gate into the first large grassy climb. Short Track World Champion Phillip Columbo (SUI) went down right off the bat, creating a large pile-up in the middle of the pack. Lap 1 ended with Avancini (BRA) in front of a very close race. The standings remained the same through lap 2 with Avancini in the lead and Dascalu (ROU) right on his tire with a large group of riders closely tailing them. The third lap showed a little more action with a bottleneck before the wood bridge requiring many riders to push their bike to the top of the slippery wood feature. Halfway through the race, a notable Nino Schurter (SUI) sat in 11th place. Swiss riders Fluckiger and his fellow countryman Albin were able to push past Avancini to head into first and second respectively with two laps to go. Albin was able to stay with Fluckiger for a brief period, but Mathias took off and was able to add massive distance on the rest of the competition. He started the final lap with a 17 second advantage. The battle for second place was the one to watch as Dascalu was able to stave off Albin, Avancini, and Schuermans to get the best Short Track finish of his career. This impressive performance by Fluckiger gives him his second Leogang Short Track race win in a row and an exciting start to a busy weekend. Some notable riders out of the top spots were current point leader Luca Schwarzbauer (GER) who finished 30th, Nino Schurter (SUI), who finished 11th, and Filippo Colombo who did not finish the race. “I was excited before the race and in the race. Actually this track suits me. I don’t know if it’s the track or just the location but I just enjoy riding here and when you enjoy it it’s normally a good performance.“ said an obviously thrilled Mathias Fluckiger. XCC Short Track Results Elite Men: 1. Mathias Fluckiger (SUI) 21:46 2. Vlad Dascalu (ROU) 21:57 3. Vital Albin (SUI) 22:07 4. Henrique Avancini (BRA) 22:10 5. Jens Schuermans (BEL) PHOTO Overall XCC World Cup Standings Top 5: 1. Luca Schwarzbauer (GER) 541 points 2. Mathias Fluckiger (SUI) 538 points 3. Henrique Avancini (BRA) 535 points 4. Alan Hatherly (RSA) 512 points 5. Nino Schurter (SUI) 490 points Everchanging conditions and a tight qualifying will certainly make for a great final. Tomorrow's Downhill is sure to be an exciting event to watch. As with Cross Country, the rain has made the downhill course even more challenging. The forecasted sun may turn the mud into an even trickier Peanut butter-like substance that will have every rider reevaluating their race strategy. This morning's qualifier saw Jackson Goldstone (CAN) continue his powerful riding this season with a 9-second lead over second-place while Jenna Hastings (NZL) was able to cross the line over 12 seconds ahead of second place for the juniors. Elite qualifying saw more strong riding as Camille Balanche (SUI) was able to put down a clean run, narrowly beating Vali Holl's time of 4:25.620 with a time of 4:25.019. Setting up for a dramatic finish for tomorrow's final. The men's elite qualifying was also a very close race with Benoit Coulanges (FRA) taking top honors with the next 4 riders all within 3 seconds of his time. Tune in tomorrow as the world’s fastest downhiller riders take to the mud to battle it out in Leogang Austria. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, head over to www.mtb-weltcup.at. For everyone that cannot make it to the double World Cup, the action can be followed live on Red Bull TV. It wouldn't be a Leogang World Cup stop without a packed schedule of side-events, including an air show of the Flying Bulls with the Trojan 28B and pilot Miguel Hochleitner Saturday before the DHI Elite finals and “Long Live Chainsaw” film screening at XCO VIP grand stand the following evening at 6:30 pm. Before the XCO final on Sunday a BMX show hosted by Senad Grosic will take place. The Expo Area will be filled to the brim with the latest and greatest from the bike world and in the Team Area, visitors can get a look behind the scenes at the daily life of athletes during a World Cup weekend. Both areas can be visited on Friday (12:00 - 20:00), Saturday (10:00 - 20:00) and Sunday (09:30 - 17:00).
Erster Trainingstag in Saalfelden Leogang für die Downhill- und Cross Country-Weltelite, die sich am kommenden Wochenende beim Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Worldcup im Epic Bikepark gegenüberstehen werden. Das erste Abtasten auf den anspruchsvollen Strecken fand heute noch bei widrigen Witterungsverhältnissen statt. Mit der Strecke am besten zurecht, kam Lokalmatadorin Vali Höll, die schnellste der Timed Training Session. Da blieb keiner trocken: Das erste Training in Saalfelden Leogang wurde für die Downhill- und Cross Country-Eilte heute zur nassen, kalten und vor allem matschigen Angelegenheit. Doch wettertechnisch ist Besserung in Sicht. Beim ersten Abtasten der Strecke ließen es die heimischen Asse deshalb heute noch etwas vorsichtiger angehen. Für Laura Stigger und Mona Mitterwallner steht morgen mit dem Short Track (ab 17.30 Uhr) bereits die erste Weltcupentscheidung am Programm: „Die Strecke ist super zu fahren, ich habe mich heute aber noch mit der B-Linie begnügt und wollte nichts riskieren", erklärt Mitterwallner, die genauso wie Landsfrau Laura Stigger zum engen Favoritenkreis zählt. Eine Dame aus Australien ist an diesem Wochenende die große Gejagte: Rebecca „Bec“ McConnell. Die Australierin jubelte zuletzt nicht nur über den Weltcup-Hattrick, sondern dominiert auch die Gesamtwertung im Short Track. Bei der Herren-Elite lief es in den bisherigen Rennen und im Gesamtweltcup auf das Duell Nino Schurter (SUI) vs. Tom Pidcock (GBR) hinaus. Die Schweizer Legende gewann das Auftaktrennen in Brasilien und liegt nach zwei weiteren zweiten und dritten Plätzen an der Spitze des Gesamtklassements. Mit einem weiteren Sieg über die olympische Distanz würde Schurter außerdem mit insgesamt 34 Weltcupsiegen zum alleinigen Rekordhalter für die meisten Weltcupsiege aufsteigen. Die Chancen auf diesen Rekord stehen gut, denn der englische Überflieger Tom Pidcock pausiert in Leogang, um sich auf die Tour de France vorzubereiten. Dennoch, Schurter und Leogang – das ist noch nicht die ganz große Liebesbeziehung. Ganz im Gegenteil zu einem anderen Schweizer: Im letzten Jahr jubelte der kletterstarke Mathias Flückiger im Short Track von Leogang, kann er auch in diesem Jahr wieder zuschlagen? Vali Höll schnellste Dame in der Timed Training Session Für die Downhiller, rund um die Saalbacherin Valentina „Vali“ Höll, die den heutigen Trainingslauf für sich entscheiden konnte, stehen morgen (ab 12.30 Uhr) die Quali-Läufe am Programm. Mit ihrem Sieg in Lourdes und einem zweiten Platz in Fort William führt Camille Balanche (SUI), die sich auch in Leogang pudelwohl fühlt, die Rangliste an. Die Schweizerin gewann im Pinzgau nicht nur das Weltcuprennen im vergangenen Jahr, sondern auch die Weltmeisterschaft 2020. Um den Sieg werden zudem Weltmeisterin Myriam Nicole (FRA) und Fort William Siegerin Nina Hoffmann (GER) ein Wörtchen mitreden wollen. Nach zwei Siegen in zwei Weltcuprennen in der Herren-Elite zieht der Franzose Amaury Pierron einsam seine Kreise. Er dominierte auch das heute Training in Leogang. Seine ärgsten Verfolger Laurie Greenland (GBR), Thibaut Dapréla (FRA), Benoit Coulanges (FRA) oder der zuletzt angeschlagene Finn Iles (CAN) scheinen noch kein rechtes Mittel gegen die Dominanz von Pierron gefunden zu haben. Viel Programm auch abseits des Renngeschehens Freitag (12 bis 20 Uhr), Samstag (10 bis 20 Uhr) und Sonntag (9.30 bis 17 Uhr) bietet die Team & Expo Area direkt im Festivalgelände an der Talstation der Asitzbahn einen exklusiven Blick hinter die Kulissen des professionellen Mountainbike-Sports. Hier kann man die Fahrer bei der Renn-Vorbereitung beobachten, aber auch den Mechanikern beim Finetunig der Bikes über die Schulter schauen. Natürlich geben auch unzählige Aussteller die Möglichkeit, die Neuheiten in Sachen Bike-Technologie und Radzubehör genauer unter die Lupe zu nehmen und in der Shimano Testarea auch gleich zu testen. Wer mit den Ridern weiter auf Tuchfühlung gehen will, der hat am Freitag um 16 Uhr an der Kassa der Talstation Asitz Gelegenheit, sich bei einer Fox Racing Signing Session ein begehrtes Autogramm zu holen. Aber nicht nur am Boden, auch in der Luft, spielt das Rahmenprogramm beim Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Worldcup in Saalfelden Leogang alle Stücke. Am Samstag um 12.15, vor dem Finale der Downhiller, wird Flying Bulls Pilot Miguel Hochleitner mit der historischen North American T-28B eine beeindruckende Airshow mit artistischen Flugeinlagen in den Himmel zaubern. Am Sonntag geht es dann auf dem BMX zur Sache. Vor dem Finale der Cross Country-Rider liefert Senad Grosic eine geniale Show am Eventgelände. Nicht zu verpassen auch am Weltcup-Wochenende: die Parties in den umliegenden Bars. Das „Warm Up“ gibt es etwa am Freitag in der Kralleralm, die Rider´s Party steigt am Samstag im Outback. Spezialtipp: Eine kostenlose Anreise mit den Öffis! Am Freitag ist die öffentliche Anreise in ganz Salzburg kostenlos und am Samstag und Sonntag ist die Event-Eintrittskarte auch die Fahrkarte mit den SVV & ÖBB (S-Bahn & REX). Für alle, die nicht live beim Doppel-Weltcup dabei sein können, gibt es die Möglichkeit die Finalrennen live auf Red Bull TV und ORF Sport+ zu verfolgen.
Their two worlds will merge from 10 - 12 June as the first double World Cup of the 2022 season takes place in Saalfelden Leogang, Austria, as the Austrian town becomes the hot-bed of global mountain biking for a few days. Over 800 athletes from 44 nations will give it their all in the hunt for valuable World Cup points, and they will be cheered on by more than 20,000 mountain bike loving spectators. Spectacular side events complete this bike-action filled weekend. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office and if history shows, it pays to be fast, as they're sure to sell out. Tyrolean advantage? Swiss legend vs. British high-flyer? While only a third of the Cross-Country season has come and gone, one rider's name has risen above all others so far: Rebecca 'Bec' McConnell, the new rider to beat. The Australian rider has won all three Olympic distance races and has been on the podium for all of the Short Track races as well, putting her on top of both rankings ahead of the races in Leogang. Apart from the usual podium suspects, two Austrians have risen through the ranks; Laura Stigger and Mona Mitterwallner, who are ranked fourth and fifth in the XCO Overall rankings. Cheered on by their "home" crowd, both are ready to prove their mettle. "The pressure is immense, especially the one that I put on myself. I'm excited to race and I want to have fun doing it, that's what I keep telling myself. First order of business is to show the spectators that we've got what it takes," says Mona Mitterwallner, who has won multiple times in Leogang as well as winning the U-23 Cross-Country Overall World Cup in 2021. "The Short Track course is extremely demanding, right from the start. The meadow climb is quite physical, and you need to have good technique. Altogether, the Leogang track has the most vertical meters, but I think that suits the Tyroleans quite well and I'm looking forward to it." - Laura Stigger In the men's field, this season has seen a battle unfold between Nino Schurter (SUI) and Tom Pidcock (GBR). The Swiss legend leads the Overall World Cup rankings thanks to a win in Brazil, as well as podium finishes in Nove Mesto (2nd) and Albstadt (3rd) and is one Olympic distance win away from calling himself the record holder for most World Cup wins. Meanwhile, Pidcock is second in the Overall with back to back wins, but he has yet to confirm whether he's racing in Leogang. Score to settle for Austrian local? Leogang good luck charm for Balanche (SUI)? If home advantage will play a role in the Downhill races, there is one rider that would capitalize on it is Austrian Valentina 'Vali' Höll. Growing up just a stone's throw away from the iconic World Cup stop, she knows the track like no other and has a score to settle with the 'Speedster' after crashes in 2020 and 2021 took her out of the running for an Austrian win. Camille Balanche, who sits in first place in the Overall rankings after winning the season opener in Lourdes and finishing second in Fort William, will be hoping that the idyllic town continues to be her good luck charm, especially after winning the 2020 World Championships and the 2021 World Cup in this very town. Hot on the heels of Vali and Camille will be current World Champion Myriam Nicole (FRA) and Nina Hoffmann (GER), who was the fastest woman in Fort William. "It's crazy to witness the development of the World Cup, especially over the last three years. Back in the days there were maybe one or two riders who could say they won a World Cup, but now, there are six women who all have what it takes to win. Just to get into the Top 5 has become a challenge in itself. Of course, that's really motivating, but it's also a bit annoying that there are so many fast riders. Leogang is always an interesting race for me. I've qualified first every single time in Leogang, which gave me the "Quali-Vali" nickname, but I would struggle during finals. I think that that has to do with routines and the ability to deal with pressure. I know that as long as I don't crash, I'll have a good race." Valentina Höll. With two wins in two races, French rider Amaury Pierron has become the man to beat. His closest rivals, including Laurie Greenland (GBR), Thibaut Dapréla (FRA), Benoit Coulanges (FRA) and Finn Iles (CAN), have yet to find a way to break Pierron's dominance. With Loic Bruni (FRA) out due to a collarbone fracture suffered in Fort William, who will prove fast enough to beat Pierron? Electrifying atmosphere with 20,000 fans, a packed event schedule and more Saalfelden Leogang World Cup weekend means a lot more than spectacular racing. It means party vibes, bike action on- and off the trails, signing sessions, an air show and more. For the first time since 2019, spectators are once again allowed trackside in the Epic Bikepark Leogang. "We're expecting between 7,000 to 10,000 visitors per day. The other World Cup stops have done very well, and it shows just how much the sport is booming. The scene is dying to be there again, to experience a race trackside, because that's an extremely unique feeling," says Kornel Grundner, director of the Leogang cable car and organizer of the World Cup. It wouldn't be a Leogang World Cup stop without a packed schedule of side-events, including an air show of the Flying Bulls with the Trojan 28B and pilot Miguel Hochleitner, a BMX show hosted by Senad Grosic as well as a signing session with some of the best FOX Racing athletes. The Expo Area will be filled to the brim with the latest and greatest from the bike world and in the Team Area, visitors can get a look behind the scenes at the daily life of athletes during a World Cup weekend. Both areas can be visited on Friday (12:00 - 20:00), Saturday (10:00 - 20:00) and Sunday (09:30 - 17:00). Tickets for this bike-action filled weekend can be purchased online or at the box office and if history shows, it pays to be fast, as they're sure to sell out. As a "Green Event Salzburg", the World Cup focusses heavily on sustainability. The organizers aim to reduce their ecological footprint to a minimum by, for example, providing free public transport and shuttles on site, providing the means to separate and reduce waste and motivating people to use the MTB World Cup app in order to reduce paper usage, but also use energy efficiently. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, head over to www.mtb-weltcup.at. For everyone that cannot make it to the double World Cup, the action can be followed live on Red Bull TV.
You can expect a festival with about 60 concerts in the city, in the woods and meadows, music hikes in the midst of our beautiful mountains and of course some surprises. With the Mainstage and the Short Cuts - the main stages of our festival - we return this year with those stages that are especially dedicated to international formations. Last year, the Otto-Gruberhalle, a vacant industrial hall from the 1950s, was used for the first time as a stage. The Otto-Gruberhalle is also an integral part of this year's edition and will be integrated into the Mainstage concert ticket for the first time. The bookbindery Fuchs and the stage in the forest Kollingwald will once again become a place for spontaneous musical encounters. Furthermore, the roofed city park as well as the evening concerts in the Kunsthaus Nexus will become the meeting point with free admission. For the first time, the restaurant Brücklwirtshaus in Saalfelden, a historic building that was first mentioned in a document around 1400, will be a venue as well. Two impro sessions will take place here on Saturday and Sunday. Mario Steidl, the artistic director of the festival, has nominated two Artists in Residence, Austrian musician Katharina Ernst and Norwegian artist Gard Nilssen, who will each present four projects: Gard Nilssen: Drummer, composer, sound adventurer - the 39-year-old Norwegian is one of the most exciting and consistent musicians on today’s European scene. Born into a family in Skien where “everyone played drums”, Gard Nilssen tours at least 200 days a year with his own bands and as a drummer in Maciej Obara 4tet, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, or with Thomas Dybdahl. The "vintage drum freak" can be heard on over seventy recordings – and as the "artist in residence" at the Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2022 with his groups Supersonic Orchestra, with Acoustic Unity, Bushman's Revenge and as a guest of Cuong Vu at the "Mountain Tracks" concert in the forest Kollingwald. Katharina Ernst: Irritation and composition, the overarching and attacking art of combination, seem to be paramount for the percussionist and painter. Born in Vienna, studied in France and living in Berlin, Katharina Ernst particularly appreciates the performative and chaotic, the polyrhythmic and polymetric aspects of her often electronically supplemented drums, her instrument of choice since the age of nine. Music, art and choreography complement each other in her work, from the theater stage via the gallery or the concert hall to the club. Always moving, always in motion, as can be witnessed in her various projects as part of her "artistic residency" at the Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2022. This year's Jazz Festival edition is all about large formations: with four projects on the Mainstage (L.U.M.E. - Lisbon Underground Music Ensemble, Christoph Cech Jazz Orchestra Project, Trondheim Jazzorchestra & Jason Moran, Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra) and several commissioned projects, so-called "Cartes Blanches", among others for Mette Rasmussen (NOR) and Fabian Rucker (AUT) on the Mainstage as well as for Cansu Tanrikulu (TUR) and Max Andrzejewski (GER) at the Shortcuts. Further guests will be The Vijay Iyer Trio, Jason Moran, Vincent Courtois, Emilé Parisien Sextet "Louise" feat. Theo Croker, Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few, Alba Careta Group, Paal Nilssen - Love and many more.
Tausende Bike-Fans werden dabei den weltbesten Fahrern bei ihrer Arbeit auf die Räder schauen. Neben dem Kampf um die Sekunden gibt es an diesem Wochenende im Epic Bikepark Leogang aber auch abseits der Strecken das volle Actionpaket – unzählige Side-Events warten. Wo die großen Wow-Momente beim Doppelweltcup vom 10. bis 12. Juni im Epic Bikepark Leogang zu erleben sind, ist klar: Direkt neben der Strecke, wenn sich die weltbesten Downhiller und Cross Country-Fahrer scheinbar furchtlos über Wurzeln, Hindernisse und Steilkurven, teils mit Highspeed ins Tal werfen. Aber auch abseits des Renngeschehens wartet der Bike-Event in Saalfelden Leogang mit einigen sehenswerten Side-Events. Wo? Etwa in der Team & Expo Area oder in luftigen Höhen bei der Red Bull Flugshow! Ein exklusiver Blick hinter die Kulissen des Bike-Sports Freitag (12 bis 20 Uhr), Samstag (10 bis 20 Uhr) und Sonntag (9.30 bis 17 Uhr) bietet die Team & Expo Area direkt im Festivalgelände an der Talstation der Asitzbahn einen exklusiven Blick hinter die Kulissen des professionellen Mountainbike-Sports. Hier kann man die Fahrer bei der Renn-Vorbereitung beobachten, aber auch den Mechanikern beim Finetunig der Bikes über die Schulter schauen. Natürlich geben auch unzählige Aussteller die Möglichkeit, die Neuheiten in Sachen Bike-Technologie und Radzubehör genauer unter die Lupe zu nehmen. Wer mit den Ridern weiter auf Tuchfühlung gehen will, der hat am Freitag um 16 Uhr an der Kassa der Talstation Asitz Gelegenheit, sich bei einer Fox Racing Signing Session ein begehrtes Autogramm zu holen. Dazu warten noch diverse Gewinnspiele, wie z.B. am Stand von Scott, wo täglich ein signiertes N1NO Schurter Jersey verlost wird. In der Shimano Test Area können die neuesten Produkte auch getestet werden. Red Bull-Shows am Samstag und Sonntag Aber nicht nur am Boden, auch in der Luft spielt das Rahmenprogramm beim Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Worldcup in Saalfelden Leogang alle Stücke. Am Samstag um 12.15 Uhr, vor dem Finale der Downhiller, wird Flying Bulls Pilot Miguel Hochleitner mit der historischen North American T-28B eine beeindruckende Airshow mit artistischen Flugeinlagen in den Himmel zaubern. Am Sonntag geht es dann auf dem BMX zur Sache. Vor dem Finale der Cross Country-Rider liefert Senad Grosic eine geniale Show am Eventgelände. Nicht zu verpassen auch am Weltcup-Wochenende: die Parties in den umliegenden Bars. Das „Warm Up“ gibt es etwa am Freitag in der Kralleralm, die Rider´s Party steigt am Samstag im Outback. Spezialtipp: Eine kostenlose Anreise mit den Öffis! Am Freitag ist die öffentliche Anreise in ganz Salzburg kostenlos und am Samstag und Sonntag ist die Event-Eintrittskarte auch die Fahrkarte mit den SVV & ÖBB (S-Bahn & REX). Für alle, die nicht live beim Doppelweltcup dabei sein können, gibt es die Möglichkeit die Finalrennen live auf Red Bull TV und ORF Sport + zu verfolgen. Tickets können vorab online unter www.mtb-weltcup.at oder am Veranstaltungswochenende direkt vor Ort erworben werden.
Der Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup steht im Epic Bikepark Leogang auf dem Kalender. Beim ersten Doppelweltcup der Saison in den Disziplinen Cross Country und Downhill feiern auch die Fans ein Comeback entlang der Strecke. Die geballte österreichische Mountainbike-Power, rund um Vali Höll, Mona Mitterwallner und Laura Stigger, präsentierte heute im Rahmen einer Pressekonferenz in der Salzburger Panzerhalle stolz „ihren“ Heimweltcup in Saalfelden Leogang. Beim ersten Doppelweltcup der Saison stehen vom 10. bis 12. Juni die Entscheidungen im olympischen Cross Country (XCO) und Short Track (XCC) sowie im Downhill an. Über 800 Athletinnen und Athleten aus 44 Nationen werden über die anspruchsvollen Strecken im Epic Bikepark Leogang um wertvolle Weltcuppunkte kämpfen. Unter ihnen auch die Lokalmatadorin aus Saalbach Hinterglemm, Downhill-Weltcupgesamtsiegerin Vali Höll und die beiden Tiroler Cross Country-Athletinnen Mona Mitterwallner und Laura Stigger, die bei der Pressekonferenz über den anstehenden Heimweltcup sprachen. „Leogang ist ein spezielles Rennen und testet mich immer wieder. Aber ich kenne und liebe meine Heimstrecke und - wie heißt es so schön - aller guten Dinge sind drei“, erklärt Vali Höll, die nach der Verletzung bei der WM 2020 im vergangenen Jahr aufgrund eines Sturzes im Zielhang noch den sicher geglaubten Sieg in der Eliteklasse vergeben hatte, sich aber dennoch den hervorragenden zweiten Platz holen konnte. Laura Stigger kommt mit besten Erinnerungen zurück nach Leogang. Im Cross Country Olympic fuhr sie im vergangenen Jahr ausgerechnet beim Heimrennen zum ersten Weltcuppodium: „Wenn ich heute daran denke, ist das immer noch Gänsehaut pur. Es war ein ganz spezieller Moment - vor Familie und Freunden. In diesem Jahr freue ich mich besonders auf die Zuschauer, die uns auch entlang der Strecke anfeuern werden. Die vergangenen Weltcups haben gezeigt, wie wichtig die Fans für unseren Sport sind“, so Stigger. Nachdem Mona Mitterwallner, die dritte im Bunde der erfolgreichen österreichischen Mountainbike-Ladies, die vergangenen Weltcups in Leogang und natürlich auch die WM 2020 bei den Juniorinnen und in der U23 dominierte, kommt sie heuer erstmals als Elite-Fahrerin zurück zum Heimweltcup. Mit großen Erwartungen: „Ich liebe es zu `klettern`, deshalb taugt mir die Stecke, mit ihren steilen Auffahrten total. Natürlich ist der Druck riesig, vor allem jener, den ich mir selbst auflege. Ich möchte an den Start gehen und Freude dran haben, das habe ich mir vorgenommen. In allererster Linie geht es darum, dem Publikum zu zeigen, was wir draufhaben", so Mitterwallner. Fans sorgen für Ausnahmestimmung an der Strecke Erstmals sind in diesem Jahr auch wieder Zuseher entlang der Strecke erlaubt. „Wir rechnen mit 7.000 bis 10.000 Zuschauern pro Tag. Die vorangegangenen Weltcuporte haben ordentlich vorgelegt und das zeigt, wie sehr der Sport boomt. Die Szene brennt wieder darauf, live vor Ort dabei zu sein. Direkt an der Strecke hautnah mitzufiebern, ist nämlich ein ganz besonderes Feeling“, weiß auch der Geschäftsführer der Leoganger Bergbahnen und Weltcup-Veranstalter Kornel Grundner. Neben den Zuschauerbereichen im Ziel wird es auch wieder einen moderierten Hotspot entlang der Downhill-Strecke geben. Volles Programm also, erklärt auch der Geschäftsführer der Saalfelden Leogang Touristik und Weltcup-Veranstalter Marco Pointner: „Es ist unser drittes Jahr als Doppelweltcup bzw. Weltmeisterschaft und das dritte Jahr mit völlig unterschiedlichen Vorrausetzung – heuer erstmals wieder mit Zuschauern an der Strecke, die Paddocks der Teams werden wieder geöffnet sein. Man kann den Stars der Szene so richtig nah sein und es ist für uns der perfekte Auftakt in die Sommersaison“, freut sich Pointner. Auch neben der Strecke die volle Ladung Bikesport Neben packenden Weltcupentscheidungen sorgen zahlreiche Sideevents und eine große Expo-Area für ein gehöriges Plus in Sachen Bikesport. Unter anderem warten eine Red Bull Flugshow, eine BMX Show mit Senad Grosic oder eine große Signing Session mit den Top Athleten von FOX Racing. 150 freiwillige Helfer und Helferinnen sind am Weltcup-Wochenende im Einsatz und sie sind es auch, die mit ihrem Einsatz dazu beigetragen haben, dass Athleten, Trainer, Funktionäre, UCI und Medienvertreter den Downhill-Weltcup im vergangenen Jahr zum Besten der Saison ausgezeichnet haben: „Bester Weltcuport zu sein, darauf haben wir über zehn Jahre lang hingearbeitet“, erklärt Kornel Grundner: „Es ist eine riesige Auszeichnung für uns und unser Team.“ Liveübertragung in 93 Länder Aber nicht nur vor Ort ist beim Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup vom 10. bis 12. Juni Bikesport pur geboten. Die Entscheidungen im Cross Country und Downhill werden durch das Red Bull Media House live übertragen und auf 26 TV-Sendern in 93 Ländern ausgestrahlt: „Welche Dimensionen der Weltcup mittlerweile angenommen hat, zeigt sich an der Anzahl der Akkreditierten: Über 2000 Personen waren im vergangenen Jahr vor Ort“, weiß Pointner. Der Weltcup ist die Event-Speerspitze einer Region, die sich als „Österreichs größte Bikeregion“ mit den Orten Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang und Fieberbrunn ganz dem Thema Bike verschrieben hat. Auch für das SalzburgerLand ein internationales Aushängeschild, jeder fünfte Gast im SalzburgerLand ist nämlich mittlerweile Mountainbiker. Im Epic Bikepark Leogang und auch auf den umliegenden Trails setzt man seit Beginn der Saison besonders auf Nachhaltigkeit und auf neue, händisch angelegte, nachhaltige Trails. Das schätzt auch Sportlandesrat Stefan Schnöll: „Saalfelden Leogang ist ein Best Practice Beispiel, wenn es um den Mountainbikesport geht.“
In diesem Sommer bietet der kontrastreichste Lebensraum der Alpen ein abwechslungsreiches Musik- und Kulturprogramm. Neben dem berühmten Jazzfestival Saalfelden findet der Theatersommer Saalfelden Leogang statt, das Kunsthaus Nexus präsentiert jede Menge Konzert- und Theaterreihen. Schätze der Vergangenheit sind in den beiden Museen und im Schaubergwerk zu bewundern, auch die alljährigen Bräuche kehren in diesem Sommer zurück in die Region, wie zum Beispiel die Sommersonnenwende und der Bauernherbst. 42. Jazzfestival Saalfelden von 18. - 21. August 2022 ca. 60 Konzerte – 4 Tage – 150 Künstler:innen - 10 Locations Seit über 40 Jahren ist das Jazzfestival Saalfelden ein Treffpunkt der internationalen Jazzszene, an dem es immer wieder Neues und Innovatives zu entdecken gibt. Die Kombination aus einer landschaftlich atemberaubenden Gegend und experimentellen Klängen zieht jedes Jahr im August Besucher:innen aus der ganzen Welt in die kleine Stadt am Steinernen Meer. Internationale Künstler:innen bespielen an diesen vier Tagen neue und bereits etablierte Bühnen in und um Saalfelden. Denn Saalfelden begreift Jazz weniger als Musikstil denn als ein Synonym für Offenheit und Freiheit, für musikalische Grenzüberschreitung und Experiment. Besucher:innen können sich auf großartige Musiker:innen wie Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, Alba Careta Group, Christoph Cech's Jazz Orchestra Project, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Jason Moran, Fabian Rucker, Ted Poor & Cuong Vu, Katharina Ernst, Vincent Courtois, The Vijay Iyer Trio, Gard Nilssen’s Supersonic Orchestra, Emilé Parisien Sextet „Louise“ feat. Theo Croker, L.U.M.E – Lisbon Underground Music Ensemble, Paal Nilssen-Love „Circus“ u.v.m. freuen! Unter den verschiedenen Veranstaltungsorten befindet sich das Congress Saalfelden, das Kunsthaus Nexus und die Otto-Gruberhalle, eine leerstehende Industriehalle aus den 1950er Jahren. Neben den Indoor-Locations finden auch Konzerte an der frischen Luft – wie im bereits etablierten Park statt, auch musikalische Wanderungen auf dem Berg stehen wieder am Programm. Mehr als die Hälfte der Konzerte sind in diesem Jahr wieder kostenlos! ALM:KULTUR: Tradition trifft Moderne Im Juli startet wieder die ALM:KULTUR ganz unter dem Motto “Tradition trifft Moderne”. Jeden Freitag von 15.07. - 09.09.2022 finden verschiedene Kunst- und Kulturprojekte auf den umliegenden Almen statt. Darunter befinden sich Konzerte in verschiedensten Stilrichtungen bis hin zu diversen Workshops, wie zum Beispiel einer Fotowanderung über den Höhenweg zur Örgenbauernalm am 22.07.2022 oder eine Musikwanderung auf die Steinalm am 05.08.2022. TONspuren: Musikgenuss bei Sonnenuntergang auf dem Berg Neben den TONspur-Inseln, welche sich das ganze Jahr über zwischen der Bergstation und dem Gipfel Asitz befinden, finden diesen Sommer auch wieder die beliebten TONspur-Konzerte statt. An fünf Donnerstagen zwischen dem 30. Juni und 18. August spielen unterschiedliche Bands und Musiker:innen bei Sonnenuntergang auf einer Outdoor-Bühne am Fuße des Großen Asitz mit einer atemberaubenden Aussicht. Bei Schlechtwetter wird auf das AsitzBräu ausgewichen. Kunsthaus Nexus: jede Menge Konzertreihen, Kino und Theater Das Kunsthaus Nexus in Saalfelden ist fixer Bestandteil der Pinzgauer Kulturszene mit einem vielfältigen Angebot für Jung und Alt. Kino für Kids und Gschnagga-Theater für die ganz Kleinen, Clubbings und Bandcontests für die Jugend, Jazzkonzerte, Blues, Rock und Metal-Events, Ausstellungen in der Kunsthalle, Programmkino, Literatur, Vorträge, Theater und Kabarett – das Programm lässt keine Wünsche offen. Beim Jazzfestival Saalfelden von 18. - 21. August gehört das Kunsthaus Nexus natürlich wieder zu den zentralen Stages. Regionalitätsmesse: heimische Produkte in den Vordergrund Am 26.06.2022 findet bereits die 7. Regionalitätsmesse in Saalfelden statt. Zwischen 10:00 und 17:00 Uhr gibt es eine breite Auswahl an heimischen Produkten zu begutachten, zu verkosten und zu kaufen, wie zum Beispiel Liköre, Schnäpse, Bastel- und Dekowaren aus Stein und Holz, Naturkosmetik aus Kräutern, Käse-, Speck- und Wurstwaren, Bio-Naturmöbel, Wildkräuter und vieles mehr. Um 14:00 Uhr haben alle Besucher:innen die Chance sich einen Vortrag von Mag. Alexander Ohms über ,,Österreich im Klimawandel – von Messdaten der Gegenwart zum Zukunftsszenario” anzuhören. Der Vortrag beleuchtet das Thema Klimaprognosen und geht der Frage nach, wie sich mögliche Veränderungen der nächsten Jahrzehnte auf Österreich auswirken könnten. Zur Sommersonnenwende: das Feuerspiel am Berg Alle Jahre wieder findet das traditionelle Feuerspiel am Berg statt. Am 18. Juni werden die Bergkämme wieder erleuchtet, um die bösen Geister zu vertreiben. Der uralte Brauch soll auch Wachstum und Fruchtbarkeit auf Wiesen und Feldern „anfeuern“. Der Tradition kann in Saalfelden Leogang auch bei verschiedenen Veranstaltungen beigewohnt werden. Entweder man genießt das Sonnwendfest am Ritzensee, das Sonnwendfeuer am Asitz oder die ,,Feuerperformance” mit Thomas Girbl und musikalischer Begleitung im Hotel PURADIES. Kulturverein FREIRAUM: naturromantisch, kulturbegeistert & gemeinschaftlich Der Kulturverein FREIRAUM möchte gewachsene und neue Kultur vor Ort fördern und Künstler:innen die Möglichkeit bieten, sich zu entfalten. Der Kunstwanderweg am Asitz wird in diesem Jahr mit Kunstwerken von Adriana Franza bestückt, die in ihren Werken die Verbundenheit mit ihrer ursprünglichen Heimat Sizilien vermittelt. Darüber hinaus veranstaltet FREIRAUM auch die bereits genannte ,,Feuerperformance” mit Thomas Girbl und zB. eine Lesung mit dem Falter Chefredakteur Florian Klenk. Theatersommer in Saalfelden Leogang In der Region Saalfelden Leogang wird das Thema Theater großgeschrieben. Dieses Jahr startet der Theatersommer bereits ab dem 8. Juni mit “Thinderella”. Das Theater Ecce bereichert die Region in diesem Jahr auch wieder mit einem Kinder- und Jugendworkshop und zwei Theaterstücken, wie zb. der poetischen Fabel "Das Lächeln am Fuße der Leiter" von Henry Miller bis 14. August. Bergbau- und Gotikmuseum Leogang - 30 Jahre Geschichte Diesen Sommer findet zwischen dem 12.05. - 31.10 die Sonderausstellung „Schraubmedaillen - Salzburger Geschichte in Silber verschraubt“ im Bergbau- und Gotikmuseum Leogang statt. Die einzigartige Ausstellung wird anlässlich des 290. Gedenkjahres der Salzburger Emigranten, die 1732 ihre Heimat verlassen musste, vorgeführt. Es werden dabei kuriose Fabrikate des barocken Kunsthandwerks ausgestellt, sogenannte “Schraubmedaillen”, die ein dramatisches Kapitel der Salzburger Geschichte zum Inhalt haben. Eine weitere Sonderausstellung nennt sich “Perlen der Gotik”, die aufgrund des 30-jährigen Jubiläums ab dem 24.06.2022 zu sehen sein wird. Die Stiftung Vogl-Reitter aus Kitzbühel stellt ihre Privatsammlung in Leogang aus. Darunter befinden sich insgesamt 50 Tafelbilder, Skulpturen, Reliefs und Möbel aus der Zeit der Gotik. Die Sammlung wird mit Leihobjekten des Belvedere Wien, des Christlichen Museums Esztergom sowie dem Diözesanmuseum Bamberg ergänzt. Mit der Bewahrung, Rückholung und Zusammenführung von Salzburger Kulturgütern, werden die erarbeiteten Spezialgebiete der letzten Jahrzehnte in einer Ausstellung sichtbar. Museum Saalfelden im Schloss Ritzen Einzigartig ist auch das Museum in Saalfelden im Schloss Ritzen. Momentan befindet sich hier die Sonderausstellung zum Jubiläum 100 Jahre Bergrettung Saalfelden und Maria Alm, diese kann noch bis 26.02.2023 bewundert werden. Bis Ende Juni kann auch noch eine weitere Sonderausstellung besichtigt werden: der Saalfeldener Künstler Ernst Trybula zeigt seine besonders kunstvollen Einlegearbeiten (Intarsien). Er verwendet dabei verschiedene Holzfurniere und man ist erstaunt, welche große Kunstfertigkeit er dabei an den Tag legt. Neben den zahlreichen Sonderausstellungen kann man aber auch dauerhaft in die Geschichte von Saalfelden eintauchen.
It is time to get ready for another scavenger hunt. Following last year’s tremendous success, Epic Bikepark Leogang is once again preparing to send mountain bike riders all over the bike El Dorado so that they can explore every corner of the Saalfelden Leogang region on the hunt for precious treasure. Up for grabs is a prize package containing products from all of the bike park partners. The biggest Austrian bike region opens its gates on 7 May to kick off their 21st season, with their season-spanning “Gamble Now” Treasure Hunt starting on the same day. Similar to last year, the bike park will become a giant treasure map. The one difference in 2022? The hunt itself will last from the season opening until the end of August. The lucky winner of the prize package will be revealed during BIKE Festival Leogang, which takes place from 16 to 18 September. Think, Shred, Win – that’s all The Treasure Hunt is open to everyone that is planning to ride and explore the trails that the Saalfelden Leogang area has to offer. Besides a serious dose of leg power and stamina, the hunt also requires a bit of brain power. Participants will need to solve a number of emoji riddles on a treasure map before getting on their bikes. The locations on the map will lead riders to QR-coded signs which, when assembled in the right order, will reveal a password that needs to be entered on the Treasure Hunt page, along with proof of shredding, which is your lift ticket, Gravity Card or season pass. Pro Tip: The password changes every two weeks on a Friday, which means that the more riders solve, shred and explore, the more chances they have to win. The Treasure All the hard work will not go unrewarded. Epic Bikepark Leogang and its partners made sure the treasure chest is filled to the brim with some truly amazing prizes. The lucky winner will walk away with a complete, shred-ready package, including a Scott Gambler 920 Downhill mountain bike, as well as prizes such as shoes, clothing, a helmet, a luggage set and more. Yes, you read that right, 'the lucky winner', meaning that one person collects all of the prizes. The Epic Package - full list of prizes: • 1x SCOTT Gambler 920 • 1x Multicover Travel Set incl. World Traveller 125, Wash Bag, Snow Gear Roller and Mission Pro 28 by EVOC • 2x Bike outfits from FOX (1x women, 1x men) • 1x Knee protectors and a Xult Downhill Helmet from IXS • 1x Armega Goggle Anti Fog Clear Lens and Armega Forecast Film System - Full Kit from 100% • 1x Bottle for Life Bundle from MUC-OFF • 1x GoPro HERO 10 Black incl. SD-Card, Chesty & Handlbar Mount from GOPRO • 1x GRAVITA ALPACA X5 + ALPACA TOOL CARRIER saddle and GRAVITA TENSOR shoes by FIZIK • 1x MAXXIS Assegai & Minion tire set "Thousands of cycling guests visit Saalfelden Leogang to ride Epic Bikepark Leogang and the surrounding trails. We wanted to give something back to these visitors while at the same time also offering something new. The successful 2021 Treasure Hunt, with 360 entries in just two months, showed us that we have something special, so we decided to expand upon that. Just like last year, when the winner took home a custom SCOTT Gambler, we prepared a prize package that truly deserves the "Epic" moniker. I'm extremely grateful to all of the support that our partners have once again provided and I wish all of the participants the best of luck." - Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leogang Mountain Railway. For more information regarding the Treasure Hunt: bikepark.saalfelden-leogang.com/giveaway-2022