Home race with heart: Why Saalfelden Leogang is something truly special for the mountain bike elite

When the world’s best mountain bikers gather in Saalfelden Leogang from June 11 to 14, 2026, one of the highlights of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is once again on the calendar. Over four days, World Cup races will take place in Downhill, Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Short Track (XCC), and Enduro. This firmly establishes Saalfelden Leogang as one of the most traditional and versatile venues on the international mountain bike circuit.

But what exactly makes this World Cup so special for the athletes? The answers come from those who battle for the fastest times on these tracks year after year.

Vali Höll: Gratitude for a home World Cup

For Austria’s downhill star Vali Höll, the season couldn’t have started better. With a World Cup victory in South Korea and another recent win in France, she has begun her new chapter with a new team and new equipment in impressive form.

“My new team and my new bike – everything already worked really well in South Korea. I was able to carry strong momentum forward and feel extremely comfortable in my new bike-focused environment. I’m really excited for all the races ahead.”

But every year, one race stands out emotionally: her home World Cup in Leogang. For Höll, its significance goes far beyond competition.

“It’s incredible to have a home World Cup – and even a home World Championship – secured at least until 2030. We are very grateful for that.”

 

Andreas Kolb: “Probably the best-organized race of the year”

For Andreas Kolb, Leogang has long been one of the absolute highlights of the World Cup calendar. The 2023 winner particularly praises the people behind the event.

“The organizers in Leogang are incredibly innovative. For us athletes, it’s exactly these people who really push things forward. The races are perfectly organized every year and a true highlight for me.”

He is especially impressed by the passion of the entire event team: “You can see everything is well thought through and always runs smoothly. It’s probably the best-organized race we compete in all year.”

Beyond the organization, Kolb also highlights the unique atmosphere and the iconic Speedster track:

“On top of that, there’s an incredible atmosphere throughout the weekend and, of course, the mountain scenery around Leogang. The Speedster track itself is extremely varied: big berms, technical sections, high-speed sections on the Motorway, and the steep forest at the bottom – it really has everything and challenges every rider.”

His goal for the home race is clear: “Ultimately, I want to win every race I start in, so winning in Leogang is again the goal this year. It’s been three years since my last victory here.”

And if he had to sum up Leogang in one sentence?

“The World Cup in Leogang is a spectacle for everyone – something you absolutely have to experience at least once.”

Laura Stigger: Inspiration for the next generation

Cross-country athlete Laura Stigger is also eagerly looking forward to the home World Cup. The Tyrolean rider knows from experience how important international races at home can be for young talents.

“I was once at the World Championships in Saalfelden watching from the trackside, and I know how much motivation it gave me as a young rider to see my heroes racing. Home World Cups are important for the youth.”

After a challenging previous season, Stigger is ready to push again in 2026: “Last year didn’t go quite as planned, but we learned from it. This year I want to go full gas again.”

Her confidence is boosted by her recent World Cup win in Nové Město, and she also carries many positive memories of Leogang:

“I’m really looking forward to it and have so many great memories. I was able to celebrate my first XCO World Cup podium in the Bikepark Leogang in front of family, friends, and a home crowd.”

She perfectly describes the energy of racing at home: “It’s always special to race in front of a home crowd. It gives you that extra bit of motivation to push yourself to the absolute limit.”

Mona Mitterwallner: A world title to remember

For Mona Mitterwallner, Leogang is also closely linked to one of the biggest moments of her career.

“My best memory in Leogang so far is definitely my Junior World Championship title in 2020 – my first rainbow jersey, and at home.”

A moment that highlights just how emotionally important the region is for Austria’s mountain bike stars.

Greg Callaghan: “The fans make a huge difference”

It’s not only local athletes who love the World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang. Enduro veteran Greg Callaghan has long considered the stop one of his favourites on the calendar.

“The variety of stages makes Saalfelden Leogang a very special stop for me as an enduro rider. From slow and technical to fast and flowy, you really get everything here.”

What stays with him most is the crowd along the course: “The fans along the track make a huge difference, especially on the long stages when your body is already screaming but the atmosphere keeps pushing you forward.”

And what truly sets the venue apart, he adds with a smile: “What really sets Saalfelden Leogang apart from other stops is the incredible scenery… and of course the schnitzel!”

More than just a World Cup

The athletes’ words clearly show why Saalfelden Leogang has been one of the most popular stops on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series for years. It is not only the demanding courses or flawless organization that define this venue. It is the memories created here, the energy of the fans, and the unique atmosphere of a home race.

When the world’s elite returns to Austria’s largest bike region in June, both riders and fans can look forward to four days filled with emotion, world-class sport, and unforgettable moments.

Photos: Patrick Wasshuber, Stefan Voitl, Andreas Putz, Moritz Ablinger, Sebastian Astl