Cross-country races close to the city, and then at a place like the Munich Olympic Park, that sounds great. High spectator numbers are almost guaranteed. But what will the participants be riding on August 19 and 20, 2022, when the park has no mountain bike infrastructure? To ensure that the competitions can take place on suitable terrain, a special circuit is being built - a cool job for the trail construction company.

As nice as the whole thing sounds, the story has a pale aftertaste for me: the fun is short-lived, as the course is dismantled again after the competitions. The organizers of the inter-sport European Championships, of which mountain biking is a part, proclaim sustainability.

The press release from European Championships Munich 2022 states: "We want to generate long-term added value for the host city, the region and the nation and serve as a source of inspiration for future major sporting events. As the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), we are aware of our responsibility towards nature, society and the economy and are committed to making an active contribution to local and global sustainability."

That reads great. But what a temporary route has to do with added value and sustainability is a mystery to me. As I understand it, sustainability would be achieved if the track was permanent and open to the public. It makes sense that a permanent track in the Olympic Park might not be possible. However, if the organizers were to consistently follow their own guiding principles, they would have a track built on the outskirts of the city that the people of Munich could benefit from after the competitions.

More blog posts by Balz Weber

ride.ch/blog/weber