The Julien Absalon vs. Nino Schurret duel is eagerly awaited. It is the first time this season that the world numbers 1 and 2 have met. Image: Michael Suter

High-tension duels at the BMC Racing Cup
The third round of the BMC Racing Cup will take place on Saturday as part of the Bike Days. The duel between Julien Absalon and Nino Schurter is eagerly awaited. This will be the second time this season that the world's number 1 and 2 will meet in Solothurn. Lukas Flückiger (Leimiswil/BE) and Florian Vogel (Jona/SG), both also among the top ten in the world rankings, and Ralph Näf (Happerswil/TG), who took the lead in the overall BMC Racing Cup standings after his victory in Tesserete, will also be at the start.

Esther Süss meets the current leader of the BMC Racing Cup and world number one, Jolanda Neff, in Solothurn. Picture: Michael Suter

Multiple world and European champion Esther Süss (Küttigen/AG) will face the current leader of the BMC Racing Cup and world number one, Jolanda Neff (Thal/SG). Jolanda Neff has four consecutive victories in the Swiss Cup series. However, Esther Süss has won the race in Solothurn in recent years. An exciting race with an open outcome lies ahead.

The Mini Drome, hosted by former professional cyclist Franco Marvulli, is open to all interested parties. Picture: Andreas Graber

Get into the ring yourself
Even more spectacle is promised when top athletes compete against each other in the MTB dirt jump, BMX flatland and trials. Those who are starting to feel the sporting ambition themselves can compete with other athletes in the Bergamont Pump It Up Race or Mini Drome Open. Even the little ones will have the opportunity to get into the ring: they can race on the popular balance bike course.

The expo site still looks like this: The meadow is being made fit for thousands of visitors and possible downpours. Image: Facebook Bike Days

If you want to test a bike: off to Solothurn
For three days, visitors to Bike Days can find out about the latest trends at Veloexpo, Switzerland's largest bike fair, get advice from experts and test the latest bike models for themselves. Test tracks are offered for almost every type of bike. The recently reopened Weissenstein cable car takes test riders of downhill bikes comfortably to the Nesselboden station.

More action for everyone on the Chantierwiese
In addition to the well-known Test Village and various exhibitors, the new Active Zone can also be found on the Chantierwiese from this year. Action-loving spectators can look forward to the pump track, the folding bike competition, the smallest race track in the world, called the Mini Drome, the roller sprint and a jump airbag. The catering facilities have also been expanded to create a relaxed chill-out zone where visitors can take a break from the action or just watch it.

For the first time a Velokino
In collaboration with the Migros Aare Culture Percentage, a new feature will be presented at Bike Days 2015. In the Velokino, 13 people on 13 bikes produce energy together to make the cinema run and thus power a projector that projects the spectacular BMX Flatland shows live onto a screen, for example.

The Bike Days also offer plenty of action from 9 p.m.: on Friday and Saturday, flatlanders and breakdancers provide breathtaking and energetic battles. Photo: Michael Suter

Bike Nights provide a turbulent nightlife
The legendary Bike Nights ensure that the action in Solothurn's Rythalle continues well into the night. On Friday and Saturday from 21:00, flatlanders and breakdancers provide breathtaking and energetic battles. On Friday, the best flatlanders in the world will compete in a battle of nations. On Saturday, the flatlanders will compete against the Swiss breakdance group Ruff'n'X. DJs Loo Mapper, lowtom, Lindar, Drifter & Morgenstern and Don8 as well as FreeJ Igore will keep the party going until the early hours with their sound and video sets.

www.bikedays.ch