Schaan is all about mountain biking on April 11 and 12, 2015. Olympic champions, world and European champions, World Cup winners and numerous national champions from various nations will be battling it out in the first BMC Racing Cup race on the challenging cross-country circuit. The Liechtenstein municipality is hosting the top-class Swiss racing series for the fifth time. Numerous stars of the scene are gathering at the start of the season and are eager to compete against the competition after the winter break. A total of around 800 participants are expected over the two days of racing.

In the women's race, the focus is on Jolanda Neff. For her, the BMC Cup race in Schaan is something of a home race due to the short journey from Thal in St. Gallen. Neff last competed in the 2011 event when she was still a junior. "I'm really looking forward to riding in Schaan again. It's a cool race, I have good memories and I'm feeling pretty fit at the moment," says the Stöckli rider happily. The world number one also has a series victory to defend. In 2014, she achieved the feat of taking five victories in five starts in the BMC Racing Cup. "I hope to continue the streak. But it's hard to say. Basically, it's the first meaningful comparison this season," explains Neff.However, it won't be easy for the three-time U23 world champion. In Schaan, she will have a number of rivals who could end her streak. Currently there is the Russian Irina Kalentyeva. The 2014 World Championship silver medallist and two-time world champion from the Möbel Märki MTB Pro Team. In addition to the two-time world champion, Olympic champion Julie Bresset (FRA) is also among the favorites, as are the two Germans Sabine Spitz and Adelheid Morath. But you should also keep an eye on Corina Gantenbein. The Grisons rider from the Haibike Ötztal Pro Team is also at home not far from Schaan and is in good shape. For her team colleague Kathrin Stirnemann, on the other hand, the race will be more of a test. She has only been back in training for three weeks after prematurely ending the Cape Epic for health reasons.

Absalon reduced - Lukas Flückiger with confidence
In the men's race, reigning world champion Julien Absalon is the top favorite at the start, but not in the best of shape. The BMC rider has recently had major problems with a new allergy. "I've only been able to train intensively again for a week. That's why I won't be in top shape for the first BMC Racing Cup," says the 34-year-old skeptically. Two of his biggest rivals come from his own camp. Lukas Flückiger and Ralph Näf have already proven their good form at Monte Tamaro. Lukas Flückiger is confident, even though he too was often slowed down by infections in the spring. "The infections didn't bother me much. The track in Schaan suits me and I think, or at least hope, that I can ride at the front."

Moritz Milatz, who is a new member of the Koch-Engineering-Müsing-Bikes team, is starting his competition season in Schaan. The German is now a student and is therefore riding a reduced training program. But he is a double title defender in two senses. On the one hand, the German won last year's race in nearby Buchs and also the overall Cup ranking. Stöckli rider Mathias Flückiger recently suffered a training crash. As a result, his output is also somewhat uncertain. "He certainly won't be in top form, but he's always in good shape in the spring, even without having ridden many races," analyzes his brother Lukas Flückiger.

Race on the big screen - information on the app
RV Schaan is breaking new ground as a club and is "at the start" with an app. This app, for Apple and Android devices, offers interesting news about the event and provides information directly from the race. "It was important for us to move with the times. With the app, interested parties are always well informed and up to date, including on the race action," explains OC boss Jan Alicke from RV Schaan.

Also for the first time in Schaan, a live broadcast on a large screen will provide visual information about the racing action. This makes the races even more attractive for spectators. This is also important to the head of the municipality, Daniel Hilti, as he explains: "The international BMC Racing Cup is very important for Schaan and we are proud to be able to host this world-class sporting event. We are looking forward to great competitions and lots of spectators." The junior and hobby classes will be competing on Saturday and the license categories on Sunday. The race weekend will be even more attractive for spectators. In the finish area, numerous exhibitors will provide information about the latest innovations on the bike market and everyone can pedal themselves in the spectacular Swiss Cycling roller sprint over 1,200 meters in the finish area. Another new feature is that the young riders will ride through the marquee during their races.

Motivation for young talent
OC boss Alicke and his team - Andre Rheinberger, Marco Sprenger, Thomas Hollenstein, Evi Vallone, Bruno Stuker, Michael Marxer and Martin Püntener - are working flat out to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Around 100 helpers from RV Schaan and the Funkenzunft are on duty, as around 8,000 bike fans are expected to attend the two days of racing in Schaan. "The race weekend is the best advertisement for our sport and I am sure that it will provide great motivation for our young riders. After all, we are welcoming the best bikers in the world to our country. I would like to say a big thank you to our helpers. Without them, it would not be possible to hold this event," concluded Alicke.

www.bmc-racing-cup.ch
Starting lists
www.rvschaan.li
RV Schaan App
www.rollensprint.ch

Program BMC Racing Cup Schaan/ FL
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Catgeory	Track	Start time
Soft	Course	10:30
Cross	Course	11:00
Rock	3 small rounds	12:30
Mega	4 small rounds	13:30
Hard	3 large rounds	14:45
Fun men	5 large rounds	16:00
Fun Masters	5 big rounds	16:05
Fun Seniors	5 large rounds	16:05
Fun women	4 large rounds	16:08
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Juniors	5 large rounds	09:30
Amateurs/ Masters	5 big laps	09:35
Elite women	6 big laps	12:00
Junior girls	4 large rounds	12:05
Elite men	7 big laps	14:00