The "eMTB Challenge" is aimed at eMountain bikers of all ages and abilities. The focus is not on competition, but rather on having fun together on the trails. "We have already been able to convince numerous cyclists of our new race format. The eMTB Challenge offers maximum fun for everyone. The routes are easy to ride for experienced hobby bikers and at the same time challenging for professionals," explains Claus Fleischer, Managing Director of Bosch eBike Systems.

Nathalie Schneitter, former mountain bike pro and Expo manager of the Bike Days and route planner in Solothurn, is delighted that the event is being held in her home town. "I know the trails in the region well, but it's still a nice challenge to plan the e-bike-specific route. I think the Challenge has the potential to be a highlight at the start of the mountain bike season," says Schneitter

Trek's e-MTB ambassador and Megavalanche legend René Wildhaber is also on board for the route planning alongside Solothurn Tourism and other regional authorities: "We are focusing on a successful nature experience, but also want to offer stages that are fun for everyone and cater to different levels," says Wildhaber. The route for motorized mountain bikers in Solothurn covers around 35 kilometers and up to 1,000 metres in altitude, and riders need riding technique, orientation, fitness and clever battery management. The so-called stages, a mixture of different uphill and downhill routes, are ridden for a time without prior training. The transfer routes, on the other hand, are not about speed: various landmarks have to be found along the route - if one of them is missed, the biker receives a 10-second time penalty. The rider with the fastest overall time wins.

New classification for beginners

An innovation that should be of particular interest to e-mountain bike newcomers: In addition to the two existing "Amateur" and "Advanced" classification classes, there is the option of competing as an ""Explorer"". Riders take part in the E-MTB Challenge without being timed - they can ride around all the stages. Despite different performance levels, families, partners or groups can register for the E-MTB Challenge together and enjoy the special racing atmosphere.

With the support of Solothurn Tourism, the event in Solothurn will feature a number of regional highlights. In addition, the last stage on Saturday evening will take place in the middle of the festival area at the Burggraben: a spectacular backdrop, a large audience and a good atmosphere should definitely be included.

The 2018 dates of the "eMTB Challenge":

• 28.04. - 01.05.2018: BIKE Festival Garda Trentino in Riva del Garda, Italy
• 04 - 06.05.2018: Bike Days in Solothurn, Switzerland
• 19 - 21.05.2018: BIKE Festival in Willingen, Germany
• 13 - 15.07.2018: Salzkammergut Trophy in Bad Goisern, Austria
• 15 - 16.09.2018: 5 Châteaux Bike challenge in Hohlandsbourg, France

www.bosch-ebike.com/emtbchallenge