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.
Thousands of bike fans will watch the world's best riders at work. In addition to the battle for seconds, this weekend in the Epic Bikepark Leogang there is also the full action package off the tracks – countless side events await. Where the big wow moments can be experienced at the double World Cup from 10 to 12 June at the Epic Bikepark Leogang is clear: Right next to the track, when the world’s best downhill and cross country riders seemingly fearlessly throw themselves over roots, obstacles and steep curves, sometimes at high speed into the valley. But also away from the racing scene, the bike event in Saalfelden Leogang awaits with some side events worth seeing. Where? For example in the Team & Expo Area or in airy heights at the Red Bull Airshow! An exclusive look behind the scenes of the bike sport 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. 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. There are also several raffles, such as at Scott’s booth, where a signed N1NO Schurter jersey is given away every day. The latest products can also be tested in the Shimano Test Area. Red Bull shows on Saturday and Sunday But not only on the ground, but also in the air, the supporting program at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang plays all the pieces. On Saturday at 12:15 p.m., 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 follow the final races live on Red Bull TV and ORF Sport +. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.mtb-weltcup.at/en or on site during the event weekend.
The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup is on the calendar at the Epic Bikepark Leogang. In the first double World Cup of the season in the disciplines Cross Country and Downhill, fans are also celebrating a comeback along the track. The concentrated Austrian mountain bike power, around Vali Héll, Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger, proudly presented “their” home World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang during a press conference at the Panzerhalle in Salzburg today. The first double World Cup of the season takes place from 10 to 12 June in the Olympic Cross Country (XCO) and Short Track (XCC) as well as in the Downhill. More than 800 athletes from 44 nations will compete for valuable World Cup points on the challenging routes at the Epic Bikepark Leogang. Among them also the local matador from Saalbach Hinterglemm, downhill World Cup overall winner Vali Héll and the two Tyrolean cross country athletes Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger, who spoke at the press conference about the upcoming home World Cup. “Leogang is a special race and tests me over and over again, but I know and love my home track and – as they say – all good things are three,” explains Vali Héll, who, after suffering an injury at the 2020 World Championships last year due to a fall at the finish line, still had the confidence to win in the elite class, but still managed to take the excellent second place. Laura Stigger returns to Leogang with fond memories. In the Cross Country Olympic last year, she took home the first World Cup podium: “When I think about it today, it’s still goosebumps. It was a very special moment – in front of family and friends. This year, I’m especially looking forward to the spectators who will be cheering us on along the track as well. The past World Cups have shown how important the fans are for our sport,” says Stigger. After Mona Mitterwallner, the third in the group of successful Austrian mountain bike ladies, dominated the previous World Cups in Leogang and of course also the World Championships 2020 in the junior and U23s, this year she returns to her home World Cup for the first time as an elite rider. With high expectations: “I love to ‘climb’, so the sticks, with their steep ascents, are totally suitable for me. Of course, the pressure is huge, especially the one I put on myself. I want to go out there and enjoy it, that's what I set out to do. First and foremost, it's about showing the audience what we're up to," says Mitterwallner. Fans create an exceptional atmosphere on the track For the first time this year, spectators will be allowed along the route. “We expect between 7,000 and 10,000 spectators per day. The previous World Cups have been well presented and this shows how much the sport is booming. The scene is once again burning to be part of it live on site. To be part of it right at the track is a very special feeling,” says Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen and World Cup organiser. In addition to the spectator areas at the finish, there will also be a moderated hotspot along the downhill route. The Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik and World Cup organizer Marco Pointner explains: “This is our third year as a double World Cup or World Cup and the third year with completely different conditions – this year again with spectators on the track for the first time, the paddocks of the teams will be open again. You can really get close to the stars of the scene and it’s the perfect start to the summer season for us,” says Pointner. Also beside the track the full load Bikesport In addition to exciting World Cup decisions, numerous side events and a large exhibition area ensure a considerable plus when it comes to cycling. Among other things, a Red Bull air show, a BMX show with Senad Grosic or a big signing session with the top athletes from FOX Racing await. 150 volunteers are on duty at the World Cup weekend and it is they who contributed with their efforts that athletes, coaches, officials, UCI and media representatives awarded the downhill World Cup the best of the season last year: “Being the best World Cup is what we have been working towards for over ten years,” explains Kornel Grundner: “It is a huge award for us and our team.” Live broadcast to 93 countries The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup from 10 to 12 June is not the only venue for pure bike racing. The decisions in the cross country and downhill are broadcast live by the Red Bull Media House and broadcast on 26 TV channels in 93 countries: “The dimensions of the World Cup are now clear from the number of accredited people: more than 2000 people were there last year,” says Pointner. The World Cup is the event spearhead of a region that, as “Austria’s largest bike region” with the towns of Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn, is completely dedicated to the topic of bike. It is also an international flagship for SalzburgerLand, as every fifth guest in SalzburgerLand is now a mountain biker. Since the beginning of the season, Epic Bikepark Leogang and the surrounding trails have focused on sustainability and on new, hand-made, sustainable trails. This is also appreciated by Sportland Councillor Stefan Schnoll: “Saalfelden Leogang is a best practice example when it comes to mountain biking.”
This summer, the most contrasting habitat in the Alps offers a varied programme of music and culture. In addition to the famous jazz festival Saalfelden, the theatre summer Saalfelden Leogang takes place, the Kunsthaus Nexus presents many concert and theatre series. Treasures of the past can be admired in the two museums and in the show mine, and the annual customs return to the region this summer, such as the summer solstice and the peasant autumn. 42nd Jazzfestival Saalfelden from 18 - 21 August 2022 60 concerts – 4 days – 150 artists – 10 locations For over 40 years, the Jazzfestival Saalfelden has been a meeting place for the international jazz scene, where there is always something new and innovative to discover. The combination of breathtaking scenery and experimental sounds attracts visitors from all over the world to the small town on the Steinerne Sea every August. On these four days, international artists will perform new and already established stages in and around Saalfelden. Saalfelden understands jazz less as a style of music than as a synonym for openness and freedom, for musical crossing of boundaries and experimentation. Visitors can expect great musicians like 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” and much more! Among the various venues are the Congress Saalfelden, the Kunsthaus Nexus and the Otto-Gruberhalle, an empty industrial hall from the 1950s. In addition to the indoor venues, concerts will also take place in the open air – as in the already established park, and musical hikes on the mountain are again on the agenda. More than half of the concerts are free again this year! ALM:CULTURE: Tradition meets modernity In July ALM:KULTUR will start again under the motto “Tradition meets modernity”. Every Friday from 15.07. - 09.09.2022 various art and cultural projects will take place on the surrounding alpine pastures. Among them are concerts in a wide variety of styles up to various workshops, such as a photo hike over the high path to the Argenbauernalm on 22.07.2022 or a music hike to the Steinalm on 05.08.2022. SOUNDTRACKS: Enjoy music at sunset on the mountain In addition to the TONspur islands, which are located all year round between the mountain station and the summit Asitz, the popular TONspur concerts will take place again this summer. On five Thursdays between June 30 and August 18, different bands and musicians play: at sunset on an outdoor stage at the foot of the Great Asitz with a breathtaking view. In case of bad weather, it is diverted to the Asitzbru. Kunsthaus Nexus: lots of concert series, cinema and theatre The Kunsthaus Nexus in Saalfelden is an integral part of the Pinzgau cultural scene with a diverse offer for young and old. Cinema for kids and Gschnagga theatre for the little ones, clubbings and band contests for the youth, jazz concerts, blues, rock and metal events, exhibitions in the Kunsthalle, programme cinema, literature, lectures, theatre and cabaret – the programme leaves nothing to be desired. At the Jazzfestival Saalfelden from 18 to 21 August, the Kunsthaus Nexus will again be one of the central stages. Regionality Fair: local products in the foreground On 26.06.2022 the 7th Regionality Fair will take place in Saalfelden. Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. there is a wide selection of local products to browse, taste and buy, such as liqueurs, brandies, stone and wood crafts and decorative goods, natural herbal cosmetics, cheeses, bacon and sausages, organic natural furniture, wild herbs and much more. At 14:00 all visitors have the chance to listen to a lecture by Mag. Alexander Ohms on "Austria in Climate Change – from Measurement Data of the Present to the Scenario of the Future". The lecture sheds light on the topic of climate forecasts and explores the question of how possible changes in the coming decades could affect Austria. On the summer solstice: the game of fire on the mountain Every year the traditional fire game takes place on the mountain. On June 18th, the mountain ridges will be illuminated again to drive away the evil spirits. The ancient custom is also supposed to “foster” growth and fertility on meadows and fields. The tradition can also be witnessed at various events in Saalfelden Leogang. Either you enjoy the solstice festival at the Ritzensee, the solstice fire at the Asitz or the “fire performance” with Thomas Girbl and musical accompaniment at the Hotel PURADIES. Kulturverein FRERAUM: nature romantic, culture-loving & communal The Kulturverein FRERAUM wants to promote grown and new culture on site and offer artists the opportunity to develop themselves. This year, the art trail at the Asitz will be filled with works by Adriana Franza, who conveys in her works the connection with her native Sicily. In addition, FRERAUM also organizes the already mentioned “fire performance” with Thomas Girbl and e.g. A reading with the editor-in-chief Florian Klenk. Theatre summer in Saalfelden Leogang In the Saalfelden Leogang region, the theme of theatre is important. This year, the theater summer begins with "Thinderella" on June 8. This year, the Theatre Ecce will once again enrich the region with a workshop for children and youth and two plays, e.g. Henry Miller's poetic fable "The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder" runs through Aug. 14. Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang - 30 years of history This summer takes place between 12.05. - 31.10. The special exhibition “Screw Medals – Salzburger Geschichte in Silver” will be held at the Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang. The unique exhibition will be presented on the occasion of the 290th anniversary of Salzburg’s emigrants, who had to leave their homeland in 1732. The exhibition will feature curious works of baroque crafts, so-called “Screw Medals”, which contain a dramatic chapter of Salzburg’s history. Another special exhibition is called “Pearls of Gothic”, which will be on view from 24.06.2022 due to the 30th anniversary. The Stiftung Vogl-Reitter from Kitzbéhel exhibits its private collection in Leogang. Among them are a total of 50 panel paintings, sculptures, reliefs and furniture from the Gothic period. The collection is complemented by objects on loan from Belvedere Vienna, the Christian Museum Esztergom and the Diocesan Museum Bamberg. With the preservation, retrieval and unification of Salzburg’s cultural assets, the developed special areas of the last decades are made visible in an exhibition. Museum Saalfelden in the castle Ritzen The museum in Saalfelden in Schloss Ritzen is also unique. At the moment there is a special exhibition on the anniversary of 100 years of mountain rescue Saalfelden and Maria Alm, which can be admired until 26.02.2023. Another special exhibition can also be visited until the end of June: the Saalfelden artist Ernst Trybula shows his particularly artistic inlay works (inlays). He uses different wood veneers and you are amazed at what great artistry he displays. In addition to the numerous special exhibitions, you can also permanently immerse yourself in the history of Saalfelden.
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
JAZZ SAALFELDEN WEEKENDER, the 2020 edition of the festival, made it into the top three of all nominees in the category "MAECENAS OVER1 Audience Award 2021" and received the recognition award at the ceremony on May 6, 2022. The Austrian Art Sponsorship Award MAECENAS has been awarded annually since 1989 by the independent Economic Committee Initiatives Wirtschaft fer Kunst in cooperation with ORF. Austrian companies are awarded in the categories “Small and Medium Enterprises” and “Large Enterprises” as well as Austrian cultural providers for “Successful engagements in cooperation with business”. For the first time, a special prize was awarded to companies for “best practice in economically and culturally challenging times”. The winners were selected in these categories by a jury of experts. Unique among the awards given out is the ?1 Audience Award, in which the ?1 Audience determines the winner in an online vote. At this year's awards ceremony, which took place for the first time at the Palais Hansen Kempinski in Vienna, both the 2021 MAECENAS winners were crowned and the 2020 awards ceremony was rescheduled. JAZZ SAALFELDEN WEEKENDER 2020 – offering artists and visitors a perspective The JAZZ SAALFELDEN WEEKENDER took place from 20 to 23 August 2020 as a replacement for the 41st Jazz Festival Saalfelden, which had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this reduced edition, 40 concerts over 4 days and 11 venues were extremely successful. Thus, the staging of this festival contributed significantly to providing a stage for the beleaguered art and cultural scene as well as allowing the audience to experience live music again. One region – two award winners Not only Saalfelden, but also the regional partner Leogang had reason to celebrate. Leoganger Bergbahnen GmbH won the main prize in the category “Small and Medium Enterprises 2020” with the TONspur Islands at Asitz and was thus able to bring one of the coveted MAECENAS sculptures to the holiday region Saalfelden Leogang. These TONspur islands allow guests 365 days a year to listen to past TONspur concerts on wooden deckchairs, enjoying a unique combination of mountain panorama and music. Photo: Theresa Eder and Andrea Neumayr (both Production Assistant Jazzfestival Saalfelden) with the MAECENAS OVER1 Audience Award 2021// © Jazzfestival Saalfelden
The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup 2022 has started. While the pedals will be pedalled this coming weekend in Albstadt, Germany, the Epic Bikepark Leogang in Saalfelden Leogang is on the move from 10 to 12 June 2022. With a double World Cup and a rich supporting program, the Salzburg bike mecca is once again on the scene. If you want to see local greats such as Hell, Stigger, Mitterwallner and Co. live in action – this year also finally up close on the track – you can already secure tickets now. At the last stop of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Petropolis (BRA), Austrian stars Laura Stigger and Mona Mitterwallner left a powerful impression with top placings and are eager for more – especially for the home races in Saalfelden Leogang from 10 to 12 June 2022. These days, however, the first double World Cup of the season brings not only the best cross-country riders in the world, but also the downhill elite around local matador Vali Héll to the Epic Bikepark Leogang. While the decisions in the Cross Country Short Track are made on Friday, on Saturday the downhillers are on the infamous Speedster World Championship track. On Sunday, the cross country riders will compete in the Olympic discipline. Not only Mona Mitterwallner, who was crowned world junior champion in Leogang in 2020, is looking forward to the event in front of a home crowd: “I have great memories of Leogang.” Also Laura Stigger, as well as local matador Vali Héll, want to present themselves in top form. What is certain is that cycling will definitely show its best and most exciting side in Saalfelden Leogang these days. Many elite riders count the Salzburg bike mecca, voted by the UCI as the best downhill World Cup of 2021, as one of their favorite spots - also, thanks to the local atmosphere, which can be experienced again in Leogang style: fans can finally get up close and personal with the world's best right on the track once again. Expo area, team area and much more At the World Cup weekend, however, Saalfelden Leogang offers not only high-class races. The approximately 20,000 visitors will also have an Expo Area with the latest news from the bike world and, of course, the Team Area, where you can look over the shoulder of the world’s best riders. In addition, various side events provide entertainment away from the racing. The two areas are open on Fridays from 12pm to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm and Sundays from 9.30am to 5pm. Tickets for this extra class bike weekend are available online: https://tickets.mtb-weltcup.at/ For those who cannot attend the Double World Cup live, there is the possibility to watch the final races live on Red Bull TV. May 7: Hit the trails at Epic Bikepark Leogang And all those who do not just want to watch and are already hot for a ride over Speedsters and Co. – from May 7th there is the opportunity. Epic Bikepark Leogang is opening its doors for the 2022 season.
The 2022 World Cup season kicked off in style, with nail-biting Downhill and Cross-Country races in Lourdes (FRA) and Petrópolis (BRA), setting the tone for the rest of the year. Traditionally, the World Cup will also land in Saalfelden Leogang, the Austrian town which was recently awarded the title of “Best Downhill World Cup venue 2021”, making it a mandatory stop for any Mountain Bike World Cup fan. The legendary bike park in Saalfelden Leogang will once again play host to the first World Cup double header of the season. From 10 – 12 June, the world’s best Cross-Country and Downhill racers will test their mettle in the idyllic Austrian town, putting tires to dirt on a specially designed XC course, which will see racing on Friday and Sunday, while the Downhill aces will navigate the Speedster, including the tricky Vali’s Hölle section. Race Schedule: Friday, 10 June: Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) Women Elite – 17:30 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) Men Elite – 18:15 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) Saturday, 11 June: Downhill (DHI) Men Juniors – 09:45 CEST Downhill (DHI) Women Juniors – 10:30 CEST Downhill (DHI) Women Elite – 12:30 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) Downhill (DHI) Men Elite – 13:30 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) Sunday, 12 June: Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) Women U23 – 08:30 CEST Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) Men U23 – 10:15 CEST Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) Women Elite – 12:20 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) Men Elite – 14:50 CEST (Live on Red Bull TV) “Not many athletes can say that they get to race in front of their own home, so it is really special to me to race here, on the trail where I grew up, so to say. I used to watch my idols race there and now I’m right in the middle of the action. Of course, I have a score to settle with the track, as the last two times I raced there, things didn’t go my way. I know I have what it takes to win on that track, but there are always so many things that influence a race run. Third time’s the charm, right?” – 2021 World Cup Overall winner Vali Höll. Apart from the World Cup action, there is plenty more in store for visitors. The Expo Area will feature the cream of the crop of the bike world and the Team Area is always a hot ticket item, offering the 20.000 mountain bike fans that are expected a look behind the scenes of a World Cup stop, giving them a look in the pits and offering the chance to look over the shoulder of their favorite athletes as they prepare to give it their all on the track. A packed schedule of side events guarantees fun and suspense throughout the entire weekend. Both areas are open to the public and fans can visit from 12:00 – 20:00 on Friday, 10:00 – 20:00 on Saturday and 09:30 – 17:00 on Sunday. Tickets are available online and as previous years have shown, it pays to be fast. For more information related to the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang can be found on www.mtb-weltcup.at. For all those who cannot be present live at the double World Cup, there is the possibility to follow the final races on Red Bull TV.
As the last of the snow melts, the Pinzgau bike paradise will soon be conquered again by mountain bike enthusiasts. On 7 May 2022, the Epic Bikepark Leogang will open its gates for the season, looking forward to a promising mountain bike-filled calendar with top-class events and specials. The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will once again be held as a double header promising another year of tight Downhill and Cross-Country racing, with the latter including both Short Track and Olympic distance. Later this year, the bike community will once again come together for the BIKE Festival in September, giving young and old the opportunity to sample the latest models from numerous bike brands and put them through their paces. As a pioneer of sustainable trail building, Saalfelden Leogang is driven by sustainability and environmental protection. This year, the bike park will live up to ththat core value with an attractive special following the motto "Keep the Bikepark Leogang clean!" Spring in Saalfelden Leogang means skis are replaced by bikes, the bike park comes to life and before the last snow has disappeared, the first shovel strokes can be heard scratching on the trails and shaping lines. The experienced shapers of the bike park and the singletrails in Saalfelden Leogang put in hard work weeks before the opening, meticulously maintaining the unique variety of the Epic Bikepark Leogang and the Saalfelden Leogang region. This season, mountain bikers will once again be able to enjoy trails such as "Vali's Hölle" or the new trail start of the Hot Shots fired by GoPro Line. Sustainable trail building and nature conservation In Saalfelden Leogang, the operators of the bike park and singletrails have always kept a close eye on the nature that surrounds them. Already in 2019, local shapers Markus Hampl and Reini Unterberger were able to complete their flagship trails “Schwarzleo” and "Forsthof" Trail, ushering in a new era of singletrail building. These trails were created completely in harmony with nature, without using machines and with the builders only using hand-powered tools. The use of the existing terrain and the lines defined by the forest create a very special experience where you quickly ask yourself whether you are still on an established trail. The same applies to the "Knappentrail", which meander naturally through the forest and into the valley, with some added North Shore elements to spice up the action. In contrast to the bike park lines, the “Schwarzleo” and the “Knappen” Trail can already be ridden from the beginning of April and during the Easter holidays. Completely in the spirit of environmental protection, the Epic Bikepark Leogang has not only established new rules, but also actively supports them with campaigns such as "Roll Off instead of Tear Off". With 100% as one of their partners, on rainy days the Bikepark Leogang offers a free film for their goggle roll-off system, as well as a 20 % discount on a new 100% goggle with roll-off system from Sport Mitterer – leaving no excuses for bad weather rides! World Cup, BIKE Festival and comeback of the treasure hunt From 10-12 June, for the second time in a row, Leogang will host a double header World Cup. The season highlight which last year counted no less than 629 athletes from 44 nations, will once again bring together the world's best mountain bike riders from the Downhill and Cross-Country disciplines. The breathtaking races on the "Speedster" Downhill course and the newly created Cross-Country course are sure to become a highlight of the season. Tickets for this all-weekend mountain bike party are already available and highly sought after, so you better be quick! Of course, the BIKE Festival will also be back in 2022, from 16-19 September. Year after year, the well-known festival attracts a broad variety of bike brands, numerous test bikes, new models and products that haven’t been released yet. Whether young or old, beginner or professional, everyone will find the right bike for their riding style and can test it extensively on the wide range of trails at Bikepark Leogang, which is available to festival participants in its entirety. Of course, workshops and tours with the stars of the scene are again part of the program. Besides the World Cup and the Festival, the Epic Bikepark Leogang offers another season highlight. From the start of the season, bike park visitors will once again have the chance to win a huge prize, as last year's successful treasure hunt is making a comeback: a treasure map with tricky riddles provides clues to the locations of single letters, hidden around the park, which together make up the solution. This treasure map changes every two weeks and numerous solution words give visitors the opportunity to participate several times and increase their chances of winning. The prize-giving ceremony will take place during the BIKE Festival. The lucky winner can look forward to a big package with prizes from Scott, Maxxis, EVOC and many other well-known brands. The treasure hunt is open for participation until the end of August. Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen, is already looking forward to the opening: "After two years marked by uncertainty, we are looking forward to returning to normality step by step in the 2022 season. With the renewed execution of the double header World Cup and the BIKE Festival, we look forward to welcoming numerous mountain bike riders, fans and spectators to our bike park again this year!"
