In the main race on September 15, defending champion Francis Mourey from France will be the big favorite and the hunted in the men's race. His goal is clear. "I want to win," says Mourey with determination. Last year's runner-up Lukas Flückiger is aiming to take part for the first time. Flückiger suffered severe bruising to his back and knees and two broken ribs in a crash at the Mountain Bike World Championships in South Africa.

Swiss champion Julien Taramarcaz could step into the breach for Flückiger and ride the Swiss colors onto the podium. The Valais rider has clearly stated his ambitions: "I'm ready for a good result on this wonderful course, which has everything a big cyclo-cross race needs."
The German champion Philipp Walsleben, the Italian Enrico Franzoi and the two Swiss riders Simon Zahner and Ralph Näf are among Mourey's wide circle of challengers.

In the women's race, a handful of riders can count themselves in with a chance of victory, which is why the women's competition is even more open than in the men's race. Defending champion Marlene Petitgirard (FRA) is rather cautious: "The race has a much better field than last year. That's why I would be happy with a result in the top five." For Petitgirard, there are a handful of favorites. In addition to the 2011 winner Hanka Kupfernagel (GER), she also sees the Frenchwoman Lucie Chainel, the Czech Pavla Havlikova, the two Belgians Sanne Cant and Ellen van Loy and the young Dutchwoman Sophie de Boer as contenders for victory.

Great popularity among the participants
The Süpercross Baden will see a new record number of participants on Sunday. With 377 pre-registrations, last year's registration figures were significantly exceeded in practically all categories. Many late registrations are expected on race day, especially for the "TCS Kids Cross", where around 130 children have already registered. The 400 participant mark is therefore likely to be exceeded for the first time this year.

Changing fall weather awaits the athletes and spectators on Sunday. After two years of warm late summer weather, the meteorological conditions will have a direct impact on the sporting events. "Of course, as an organizer, you want lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. But from a sporting perspective, the humid conditions will make for even more exciting races. In technical terms, the course will place even greater demands on the athletes," says OC President Christian Rocha, who is even slightly pleased about the new situation.www.suepercross-baden.ch