It all began 20 years ago with one lift, two shapers, two trails and a good dose of motivation – Austria's first bike park opened in 2001 in Saalfelden Leogang. Although initially only very few outside the region even knew what a bike park was and what or whom it actually was good for, people in Saalfelden Leogang always believed in their vision of creating an Eldorado for mountain bike riders. Within a very short time, the success proved them right and even after 20 years the Epic Bikepark Leogang continues this story. For its big birthday this year, the bike park not only celebrated with new routes, hosting its first double Mountain Bike World Cup or the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang, but above all with a big smile on the faces of the thousands of visitors. 20 years of Epic Bikepark Leogang The story of the Epic Bikepark Leogang is above all a story of passion and belief in the future of mountain biking. Over 20 years ago, at the turn of the millennium, the Leoganger Bergbahnen – together with 33 shareholders – invested 450,000 euros in an idea unfamiliar and critically eyed by the general public: a bike park. But against all odds, the bet paid off and quickly turned into a complete success. Today, the Epic Bikepark Leogang is one of Europe’s largest bike parks, that has given stoke, flow and happiness to hundreds of thousands of mountain bike riders. With the organization of ten UCI Mountain Bike World Cups, two UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, a Trials World Championship and countless other large and small events, the Epic Bikepark Leogang gave the region of Saalfelden Leogang a worldwide reputation as a summer holiday destination and bike region. The following video gives a deeper insight into the history of the Epic Bikepark Leogang: https://youtu.be/oP6s8aAWEAI Celebrating the 20th anniversary as well as their many years of successful cooperation, the Epic Bikepark Leogang and its long-term bike partner SCOTT raffled a custom painted SCOTT Gambler 900 tuned in a special Leogang Edition this season. The unique bike – painted in the colors of the bike park and with the hashtag #20epicyears on the chain stay and “The Epic Bikepark Leogang” on the head tube – was presented to the lucky winner, chosen among 360 participants, as part of the BIKE Festival. New trails are a complete success What started two trails, now has developed into 11 trails with a total length of over 30 kilometers, accompanied by more than 10,000 square meter practice area, the Riders Playground, a paved pump track of 5,000 square meter with a dirt jump area, the GoPro Bagjump and much more. It doesn’t stop there: over the past 20 years the region of Saalfelden Leogang region has also invested in the creation and expansion of a huge network of mountain bike trails surrounding the bike park. This year’s new additions, already have received an overwhelmingly positive feedback, are “Vali's Hölle” and the “Knappentrail”. After the debut of Vali's Hölle as a new, extremely steep and technically demanding section of the downhill race track of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championship last year, it became part of the Epic Bikepark Leogang as official line in 2021. But watch out! Vali's Hölle is anything but a flowline and holds a great challenge even for experienced riders. Furthermore, the “HOT SHOTS fired by GoPro” has been extended right up to the mountain station of the Asitzbahn and now offers even more airtime and flow on big jumps and huge berms. With the opening of the new Knappentrail the range of routes outside the bike park was expanded, too. The moderately difficult, natural trail starts right next to the Schwarzleo Trail and meanders with lots of flow, spiced up by some north shore elements back down to the valley. Season Highlights: Double World Cup and BIKE Festival Despite difficult conditions, Saalfelden Leogang was able to successfully and, above all, safely host two event highlights this year. The first UCI Double World Cup in the Epic Bikepark Leogang at the beginning of June marked the season opening of the downhill circuit and ensured thrilling and spectacular downhill and cross-country races. Thanks to a sophisticated safety and hygiene concept, a limited number of spectators was allowed onsite to witness and celebrate the victories of Camille Balanche (SUI) and Troy Brosnan (AUS) in downhill as well as the double victories of Loana Lecomte (FRA) and Mathias Flückiger (SUI) in the cross-country and cross-country short track from right next to the track. The second big event of the year, the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang, was once again a great success. During the festival, thousands of visitors marveled at the latest bikes, components and products of 30 exhibitors and were able to test most of them directly on the lines and trails in and outside the bike park. In addition to live music and a variety of workshops with professionals and stars of the scene such as Jasper Jauch, the Pump Track World Championship Qualifier once again offered hot racing action for young and old. Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen: “20 years of Epic Bikepark Leogang. That's really a thing. We are super proud of what we and the entire Leoganger Bergbahnen team have built here over the past two decades and are already looking forward to the years to come. With the Epic Bikepark Leogang, we have created a magnet for visitors in the region and are able to present them an absolute highlight, but we also have moved a lot for our local mountain bike community. With Vali Höll we now even have an overall World Cup winner in downhill from our region who, despite her young age, is already inspiring future generations of riders." Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik: “A lot has happened here in the bike park and I have great respect for the people who had the courage to start this project 20 years ago. After the initial challenges, not only the bike park steadily expanded, but a whole network of trails and countless options outside the bike park were created for activity-seeking tourists in Saalfelden Leogang. Thanks to the many event highlights and offers for mountain bike riders, touring cyclists, e-bike riders and hikers and due to the cooperation with the Leoganger Bergbahnen and the Epic Bikepark Leogang, the region of Saalfelden Leogang has become an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. The success of our work and our offer is also reflected in our visitor numbers. We now have a 50:50 distribution between summer and winter in terms of the number of overnight stays. However, we will not rest on this success. We are already working on a whole series of new projects and are constantly expanding our range. One can look forward to the future." What’s in for the next season 2022? For the coming season, the trail network in Saalfelden Leogang will be expanded by the addition of another natural trail, on which mountain bike guests in the region can collect vertical feet outside the park, while other highlights are being planned for the expansion and the refinement of the Epic Bikepark Leogang itself. The Epic Bikepark Leogang is also looking forward to hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup again as part of the Out of Bounds Festival in Leogang. From 10-12 June 2022, all eyes will again be on the Pinzgau region, when the best of the best in downhill, cross-country and cross-country short track will compete against each other for important World Cup points. Of course, the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang will return as well. As per tradition, it takes place in September (16-18).
The ‘Epic Bikepark Leogang’ is still open until 7 November and the Leogang mountain railways and many businesses and hotels in the region are also keeping their doors open in autumn. After summer is before winter? Not in Saalfelden Leogang. Here, locals and guests alike can enjoy the full range of sports, leisure, culinary and wellness offers in the low season. Until 7 November, all bike enthusiasts can pedal in the ‘Epic Bikepark Leogang’ and really let off steam on eleven different lines and trails and on the 10,000 square metre Riders Playground. Leogang mountain lifts operate into winter for the first time Even after the end of the bike park season, the Leogang mountain lifts will remain open until the start of winter operations (expected 26 November). This means that hikers can use the Steinbergbahn cable car - even with a current season ticket for winter 2021/2022 - to enjoy the golden season from the peaks of the local mountains. But many businesses and hotels in the region also keep their doors open in the off-season and provide catering and overnight accommodation. Saalfelden Leogang once again presents itself as a holiday destination for 365 days a year.
Over 30 well-known exhibitors presented their new products in the bike sector - and also made them available for testing. After last year's pandemic-related break, the third edition of the Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang offered a colourful programme of various workshops and test rides accompanied by experts, two competitions on the Velosolutions Pump Track and plenty of entertainment in the Expo area: ‘From test rides to workshops, from beginners to advanced riders - all participants were able to enjoy brilliant conditions on the trails, the workshops were super popular and the weather also played along perfectly,’ says a delighted Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. Around 5000 visitors attended the Bike Expo over the three days of the event. Everyone adhered to a strict hygiene concept, with a 3-G rule and online registration at the entrances to the exhibitor area. Two competitions were also part of the programme again: on the Velosolutions Pump Track, participants competed for a qualifying ticket for the big World Championship final in Lisbon. The top four finishers in the men's category (Max Eijndhoven, Max Wegener, Hannes Slavik, Luca Eckardt) and the four fastest women (Kristina Madarasova, Michaela Hajkova, Kristina Novakova, Lisa Prochiner) were delighted to qualify. The following day, over 40 children tackled the SCOTT Junior Race. The 20th anniversary of the EPIC Bikepark Leogang was also celebrated on Saturday. The Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang heralds the start of the autumn season in the Pinzgau biking region. The trails in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang are open until 7 November. This year, for the first time, the Leogang mountain lifts will remain open without interruption into the winter season for all hiking enthusiasts.
Nach einem Jahr Pause fährt das Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang vom 10. bis 12. September wieder mit vollem Programm auf. Neben einer großen Expo Area mit mehr als 40 Ausstellern und zahlreichen Workshops für jedes Niveau, geht in diesen Tagen im Epic Bikepark Leogang unter anderem auch ein Qualifikationsevent für die weltweit größte Pump Track Serie über die Bühne. Am Freitag, 10. September, fällt um 11 Uhr der Startschuss zur dritten Auflage des Continental BIKE Festivals Saalfelden Leogang. Über drei Tage gibt das legendäre Event dann die Möglichkeit zu testen und auszuprobieren – nicht nur die neuesten Bike-Modelle der Folgesaison 2022, sondern auch die eigenen Skills auf dem Rad. Highlight im Wettbewerbskalender ist der Pump Track World Championship Qualifier am Samstag. Hier gilt es für alle Hobbysportler und -Sportlerinnen auf dem Velosolutions Pump Track zu pumpen, was das Zeug hält, und sich so vielleicht ein Ticket für das große Finale in Lissabon zu sichern. Das Rennen in Leogang ist einer von 25 Qualifikationswettkämpfen weltweit und damit Teil der größten Pump Track Rennserie überhaupt. Auch die Rookies zeigen, was sie draufhaben Natürlich gibt es von Freitag bis Sonntag auch für die Kleinsten unter den Bike-Begeisterten die Gelegenheit, sich so richtig auszutoben. So geht etwa am Abschlusstag mit der Scott Junior Trophy ein weiteres Highlight auf dem Velosolutions Pump Track in Szene. Hier können sich Kids und Jugendliche zwischen fünf und 17 Jahren über Wellen und in Steilkurven beweisen – aber vor allem Spaß am Sport zeigen. Tags zuvor geht von 10 bis 15 Uhr der „20 Epic Years Kids & Youth Day“ über die Bühne. Hier lernen Kinder zwischen sechs und 14 Jahren in Kleingruppen alle wichtigen Skills, um ihr Bike sicherer zu beherrschen. Workshops für jedes Fahrer-Niveau Daneben warten in diesen Tagen im Epic Bikepark Leogang zahlreiche Workshops um die eigenen Fähigkeiten auf dem Bike auf das nächste Level zu heben. Egal ob Einsteiger, Fortgeschrittener oder Expert, gemeinsam mit professionellen Guides und Coaches, wie den beiden Profis Elias Schwärzler oder Jasper Jauch, geht es ab auf die Strecken, um sich mit wertvollen Tipps in Sachen Fahrtechnik und -sicherheit weiterzuentwickeln. Das Angebot reicht vom „Downchill“- Workshop, über einen EMTB-Testride für Einsteiger, bis hin zu einem Go Pro Bag Jump-Workshop. Wer schon immer professionelle Fotos von sich auf dem Bike haben wollte, sollte beim "Fox Hit the Park" mitmachen - die Profi-Bilder sind für die Teilnehmer gratis. Und endlich gibts auch wieder was auf die Ohren: Am Freitag- und Samstagabend warten Livekonzerte mit Johnny Gass und Chris Shermer. Nur noch eine Woche um SCOTT Gambler 900 zu gewinnen! Der Epic Bikepark Leogang verlost zusammen mit seinem langjährigen Partner SCOTT ein Custom Paint SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition. Zur Feier der jahrelangen erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit und passend zum 20-jährigen Bikepark-Jubiläum hat nun jede/r, der den Epic Bikepark Leogang vom 07. Juli bis 31. August 2021 besucht, die Chance das einzigartige Bike zu gewinnen. Die feierliche Übergabe an den glücklichen Gewinner wird beim BIKE Festival in Leogang vom 10. - 12. September stattfinden.
When your calves are burning in the evening and you fall into bed with satisfied exhaustion, you know what you've achieved. THE CHALLENGE - bike your limit. This is the name of the new challenge starting on 13 August in Austria's largest bike region, which only the most enduring mountain bikers can master. The entire region around Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn has to be ridden in just one day. With almost 100 kilometres of trail and only a few kilometres of gravel, as well as around 5,500 metres of downhill, THE CHALLENGE is the longest mountain bike tour in Austria's largest bike region. The terrain under the tyres changes from flowing trails to challenging bike park lines and scenic pedal sections. There are uphill sections with up to 9 cable cars - you only have to climb 300 metres in altitude under your own steam. Nevertheless, the tour should not be underestimated, as the time limit for THE CHALLENGE is tight. Anyone who completes the tour in one day and can show their well-deserved skiline.cc badge at the main ticket office will receive a cool water bottle and be entered into the seasonal prize draw. The prizes are: 1st prize: 1 x 1 week holiday in Austria's largest bike region incl. bike tickets 2nd prize: 2 x bike tickets for one week 3rd prize: 3 x bike tickets for one day The challenge can be started at any location. The only important thing is that the mountain railways listed in the route suggestion are used and that the result is immortalised on skiline.cc.
The Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang presents the latest innovations for the 2022 season, as well as a number of side events over the three days. It's all about browsing, talking shop and, above all, biking. What's new in terms of bikes and equipment in 2022? The Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang in mid-September is the best place to get to the bottom of this question. After a one-year break, the renowned festival will take place for the third time from 10 to 12 September and will provide information about the latest news in the bike scene with a large outdoor trade fair. More than 50 exhibitors will be presenting their models for the coming season and making them available for test rides free of charge. With the trails in and around the EPIC Bikepark Leogang, the ideal terrain for putting the brand new bikes through their paces awaits. In addition to the expo and numerous testing opportunities, the three-day Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang will once again offer high-calibre side events. Bike athletes can compete against the competition in competitions such as the Pump Track Qualifier and the FOX Hit the Park, or take their personal skills to the next level at various workshops. The programme also includes the popular SCOTT Junior Race. So if you want to crown the approaching end of the season with an extraordinary bike event, you should pitch your tents in Saalfelden Leogang from 10 to 12 September.
The Epic Bikepark Leogang, the first bike park in Austria, celebrates its 20th birthday this summer. SCOTT, proud bike partner of the Epic Bikepark for over eight years, has prepared a very special birthday present: A one-off SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition with top end equipment, which is now available to win in a giveaway by the bikepark. Video: https://youtu.be/Mo6DhDHvW1o Giveaway-Landingpage: Gewinne ein SCOTT Gambler Tuned #20epicyears Edition (saalfelden-leogang.com) The Epic Bikepark Leogang and SCOTT are raffling a custom Gambler 900 Tuned in the colors of the bike park, with details including the hashtag #20epicyears on the chainstay and "The Epic Bikepark Leogang" on the head tube. After years of successful collaboration and to mark the 20th Bikepark anniversary, it’s the ideal occasion for something special to celebrate with. From 7 July until 31 August 2021, everyone who visits the Epic Bikepark Leogang has the chance to win the unique bike. The ceremonial handover to the winner will take place at the BIKE Festival in Leogang between 10-12 September. Until then, the bike will be on display at Sport Mitterer at Asitzbahn bottom station. With SCOTT as official partner, all of the bike park as well as surrounding trails can be explored on a wide variety of SCOTT bikes, available to rent. The premium bike manufacturer also appears at various events in the Saalfelden Leogang region as an event partner. How to win: Five different treasure map boards with QR codes are hidden on five different tracks in the Epic Bikepark Leogang, which you have to collect. Once you have collected all the QR codes, you have to form the hidden word and enter it together with your respective bike park ticket, Gravity Card or season pass number on the competition landing page, press send and you're done. Raffle tip: The solution word changes every two weeks. So if you visit Epic Bikepark Leogang more often, collect more hidden words and submit them online, you have a higher chance of winning! Facts about the SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition Carbon frame and hardware weighing only 2,650 grams; total weight of the bike under 16 kg and thus one of the lightest bikes in the Downhill market Customizability: One of the most versatile Downhill bikes. Whether wheel size, geometry, chainstays, steering angle, everything adaptable to the respective preference One-piece Syncros Hixon iC DH carbon cockpit, lightest DH cockpit on the market Top equipment (XO1 equipment, FOX 40 Factory fork, FOX DH X2 Factory shock, Shimano XTR 4 piston brake) Retail price as series bike: 8.499 € Julian Oswald, SCOTT Marketing Manager Germany: "Congratulations on 20 years of Bikepark Leogang! SCOTT has been on board as a partner since 2013. The varied, exciting bike trails, embedded in a great landscape, fit perfectly with our bikes and our brand. Therefore, we celebrate the anniversary and our excellent partnership with a very special bike: The SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned in a unique design. It’s one of the fastest, most versatile, lightest and most successful bikes in the downhill circus. In the colors of the bike park it’s an absolute unique bike.” Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen: “We are very happy to have such a great partnership with SCOTT for so many years. They are not only a premium brand in bike sports, but also in all mountain sports - summer and winter. The SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition as a signature bike looks sensational and with its special design it is absolutely unique! Everyone who has seen it so far is thrilled! Big thank you to SCOTT for this great idea and this sensational price for the 20th anniversary of Epic Bikepark Leogang!"
From 6 pm, all uphillers have to prove their stamina in order to conquer the challenging route up Saalfelden's local mountain. With record numbers of participants last year, the Biberg uphill bike and mountain run is waiting for its conquerors again this year. The challenge: 700 metres in altitude over a distance of just 5.5 kilometres. Mountain bikers and mountain runners start individually from the valley station of the Saalfelden summer toboggan run, via Gasthaus Huggenberg, up to Berggasthof Biberg. If you want to lift the coveted ‘Biberghirsch’ at the end, you have to show true uphill qualities on this crisp route profile. An event for professionals, amateurs and hobby athletes But even when it comes to setting the best time of the day - the fun of the sport together is the top priority. The Biberg Auffiradler and mountain run is therefore also a sporting event for everyone in 2021. In addition to the numerous race trophies, there are also attractive prizes to be won in a raffle. Registration is possible at marketing@sport2000-simon.at, at Sport2000 Simon in Saalfelden, or at the start area up to one hour before the start of the race. The 3-G rule applies.
The organizers put on a great event and are already looking forward to hosting their next double World Cup, which will take place in Saalfelden Leogang from June 10 - 12, 2022. Already for the tenth time the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup took place in Epic Bikepark Leogang, but for the first time with the two traditional disciplines Cross-Country and Downhill as part of the Out of Bounds Festival. Across disciplines, a total of 629 athletes from 44 nations were at the start of the first double World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang. Friday's racing was heavily influenced by rainfall on the day before. Riders were faced with slippery descents and challenging conditions, but by Saturday morning, Leogang was flooded with sun. For the Downhill riders, the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang was the first World Cup race of the season. The new track sections, especially Vali’s Hölle, was the key section where the best riders decided the victory among themselves. In the Downhill Elite Troy Brosnan (AUS) and Camille Balanche (SUI) turned out to be the fastest riders. In Cross-Country, the forest sections were just as tough, while the long, steep climbs showed who was in best shape endurance-wise. Over the entire weekend, 1,600 spectators were onsite to cheer for their favorites; the excitement of the audience created a great atmosphere. Both the World Cup race over the Olympic distance and the Short Track race were won by Mathias Flueckiger (SUI) in the Cross-Country Elite. In the women's race, young Loana Lecomte (FRA) took a superior double victory. Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik and organizer of the event: "The efforts of the previous year have paid off. By hosting the World Championships, we got the chance to hold double World Cup events in the future. We are very happy about such a successful event. Thanks to all helpers; without all parties involved this would not have been possible!" Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen and organizer of the event: "We’ve got great feedback from all sides, and that the best was to have fans and spectators back at the races onsite again. The atmosphere and the weather were perfect and we are already looking forward to the upcoming double World Cup next June." With a sophisticated health and safety concept, it was possible for spectators to attend a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for the first time since 2019. Especially for the athletes, but also for the staff and helpers, this was a great highlight.
The Leogang race course would become the perfect showcase for rider abilities and spectators gathered in the Austrian town witnessed history in the making and not only because this was the first-ever XCO World Cup in the Austrian town of Leogang. History is being written in the Women Elite division this season. French phenom Loana Lecomte would separate herself from the pack early and by the end of the second lap, held a lead of over a minute, which she only expanded as the race continued. The French rider would make light work of the technical descents on the Bongo Bongo section and looked cool and collected on the steep climbs of the course. Lecomte’s dominant performance in this race would make her the first woman to win all three opening races of the season since Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR), as well as only the third woman ever to win the Short Track and Olympic distances on the same weekend. “I’m very happy to be at this point. It’s a little bit unbelievable. I just keep doing all I can, I’m very happy. I had never won in the Juniors or U-23, so I don’t really know what to say,” said Lecomte following her win. The chase group, made up of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (FRA), Jenny Rissveds (SWE), Jolanda Neff (SUI) and, later in the race, Laura Stigger (AUT), was enveloped in a race-long battle for second place, which would come down to the very last few minutes of the race. Rissveds spent most of the race as part of a second chaser group, but stayed within striking distance and methodically closed the gap between her and the women in front of her. The Swede proved that she cannot be counted out on race day as she powered up the long, straight climb in the final lap and snuck past Stigger. Both riders pushed hard in the last set of turns, but the Swede would cross the finish line in 1:18:51, slightly ahead of Stigger. Just like Rissveds, the Austrian would need to fight her way back from outside the Top 5. The young Austrian would find her rhythm midway through the race, fighting her way past Rebecca McConnell (AUS) and Haley Batten (USA) before battling hard with Prévot and Neff, who were not willing to relinquish their position to the Austrian. Prévot and Neff would dominate the climbs, but Stigger took riskier lines on the descents, putting her ahead of Neff and on the back wheel of Prévot heading into the final lap, overtaking her shortly after. It looked like a done deal that Stigger would take second here in Leogang, but that was before Rissveds unleashed her attack on the climb. Only two seconds slower than her Swedish rival, Stigger would finish the race in 1:18:53, earning her a well-deserved third place at her home World Cup. In the Men Elite race, Ondrej Cink (CZE) cranked up the speed from the start, setting the pace early. It would not take long until Cink and Flueckiger separated themselves from the chaser pack, which included, amongst others, Anton Cooper (NZL), French riders Victor Koretzky and Jordan Sarrou, with Vlad Dascalu (ROU) and Thomas Griot (FRA) a little further back. In a hard-fought battle with Cink, Flueckiger showcased his strategic thinking, staying within a few meters of the Czech rider for the first two laps, before unleashing an attack, sneaking past Cink and pushing hard on the rooty descents. The two would be practically wheel-to-wheel for the remainder of the race. Cink took back the lead late in the race, but Flueckiger knew exactly where to push, putting a few critical seconds between himself and the Czech rider in the penultimate lap of the race. Heading into the final lap, the Swiss powerhouse built up an 11-second advantage on his rival, which would prove enough to give Flueckiger the fastest time of the day, with 1:15:50, as well as the leaders’ jersey. “It took a big mental effort today. I found more and more rhythm during the race and in the second-to-last lap I could make an attack and a gap to Ondrej. I’m really happy with this win. My legs got better during the race and once I had the gap, I was pretty confident that it would be enough to win the race,” said Flueckiger after the race. Cink, in pursuit of his first-ever World Cup win, and with a strong showing in the Short Track on Friday, was looking to capitalize on his current form. Establishing his lead early on in the race, the Czech rider held off Flueckiger for a long time, but was forced to watch the Swiss rider widen the gap as the race went on. Finishing the race in 1:16:04, he heads to Les Gets with two second place finishes here in Leogang. Cooper, despite being part of the lead pack early in the race, would see Cink and Flueckiger speed away. The Kiwi fought hard to stay in third place and widened the gap to the riders chasing him down which, for a while, included current World Champion Jordan Sarrou (FRA). Despite being chased down by the likes of Dascalu and Griot, Cooper put in a great performance finishing the race in 1:16:35 and is finally back on a XCO World Cup podium, heading into the rest of the season with a smile on his face. Before the Elite division took to the track, it was the turn for the U-23 racers to put their bid in for the podium. Kicking things off early, at 08:30 CEST, the U-23 women’s race provided the first spectacle of the day. Austria’s Mona Mitterwallner, the current defending Junior World Champion, was in the lead pack of 5 racers coming out of the start gate and within the first lap, had moved her way into first – a position that she did not relinquish anymore. Finishing the race in 1:06:30, Mitterwallner takes home her third win of the season, previously being fastest in Nove Mesto and Albstadt as well, with Blanka Kata Vas (HUN) and Caroline Bohe (DEN) rounding off the Top 3, finishing in 1:07:31 and 1:07:56 respectively. After narrowly missing out on a Top 3 finish in the Junior race during the 2020 World Championships right here in Leogang, young American Riley Amos is eager to prove himself in the U23 ranks this season. Backing up his second-place finish in Nove Mesto, Amos held a comfortable lead for the entire time, racing to first place in a time of 1:08:26. Martin Viadaurre Kossmann (CHI) managed to close the gap to Amos in the second lap, but the pace of the American would be too much to overcome. Kossmann, finishing in 1:08:38 and taking second place, managed to hold off a late surge by a pack of three riders, which included Joel Roth (SUI), as well as Italians Simone Avondetto and Filippo Fontana. The Swiss rider would prove too fast for the Italians, finishing in 3rd with a time of 1:09:15. XCO Men Elite Top 3: 1. Mathias Flueckiger (SUI) – 31:15:50 2. Ondrej Cink (CZE) – 1:16:04 (+14) 3. Anton Cooper (NZL) – 1:16:35 (+45) XCO Women Elite Top 3: 1. Loana Lecomte (FRA) - 1:17:03 2. Jenny Rissveds (SWE) – 1:18:51 (+1:48) 3. Laura Stigger (AUT) – 1:18:53 (+1:50) XCO Men Under 23 1. Riley Amos (USA) – 1:08:26 2. Martin Vidaurre Kossmann (CHL) – 1:08:28 (+12) 3. Joel Roth (SUI) – 1:09:15 (+49) XCO Women Under 23 1. Mona Mitterwallner (AUT) – 1:06:30 2. Blanka Kata Vas (HUN) – 1:07:31 (+1:01) 3. Caroline Bohe (DEN) – 1:07:56 (+1:26)
