For the 19th time in total and for the 6th time in the Schänzli, the event, which has become indispensable as a regional sporting event, is taking place. At a time when similar events are struggling to survive, this is not a matter of course. The driving forces behind the organization, Rene Schenker and Christoph Jenzer, have another goal than "just" offering the international mountain bike elite an opportunity to compete. Rather, their vision is to promote cycling in general.

Raising the next generation of cyclists
To ensure that Mr. and Mrs. Swiss can continue to enjoy performances like those of Nino Schurter or Fabian Cancellara in the future, young talent must be recruited today. With the intention of infecting young people with the cycling virus and thus finding some talented youngsters, a School Cup is being organized for the first time this year as part of the Bike Festival. All participating school classes have the opportunity to take part free of charge. On the newly designed routes of the Baselbieter Bike Challenge, which vary in length, everyone will find a challenge to suit them. Especially in times when young people are spending more and more time in front of the computer and television, it is particularly important to show young people the cool and varied possibilities that exist with a mountain bike or racing bike in the great outdoors.

One sport - many disciplines
The fact that cycling is more than just pedaling is once again impressively demonstrated at this year's Bikefestival Basel. In addition to the world's best cross-country riders, there will also be dirt jumpers riding over huge jumps and artistic cyclists. The presence of various cycling disciplines and the most important clubs from the region is intended on the one hand to show young people what types of cycling there are and where they can practise them. On the other hand, this colorful mixture from the entire cycling universe should give the event the character of a folk festival. After attending the event, not only the very young visitors should realize that cycling is not just about fighting, sweat and pain, but that action, fun, dynamism and passion are also synonymous with this fascinating sport.

www.bikefestival-basel.ch