In the downhill, all eyes are on Gee and Rachel Atherton. The siblings from England have won the first two World Cup races. While Rachel is the clear favorite in the women's race, a bunch of riders hungry for victory are lurking behind Gee's back in the men's race. World champion Greg Minaar (RSA), Steve Smith (CAN), Brook MacDonald (NZL) and, of course, local hero Cedric Gracia have the best maps.

Good maps have been rare for the Swiss downhillers so far this season. Swiss figurehead Nick Beer failed to qualify for the final run once due to a puncture and he had a crash in the second World Cup race. Sunday will show whether the World Cup break will bring a turnaround for the fast Bernese athlete.
In the newly created junior category, the chances of a Swiss victory are good. Noel Niederberger has indicated in recent races that he wants to be at the top again in Vallnord.

The forecast also looks good for the Swiss women. Emilie Siegenthaler has the best maps for a podium finish. Miriam Ruchti is riding her first race after her injury. If things go well for the Zurich native, a place in the top ten is possible. For Carina Cappellari, the main aim is to qualify for the final of the top 20. If she achieves this, there is even more in it for the 22-year-old, as she is currently in good form.

Good form is essential on this course. The new downhill course in Vallnord, Andorra, is considered one of the most difficult of all. Claudio Caluori, the Bernhard Russi of mountain bikers, rode the course with an onboard camera, as he does at every Downhill World Cup, and commented on it straight away. The video only approximates the difficulty and steepness of the course as it is in reality.

Program Downhill World Cup Vallnord/AND
Friday
13.15	Seeding Run	Junior category
14.30	Qualification	Women's and men's category
Sunday
12.30	World Cup Final Run	Junior category
14.15	World Cup Final Run	Women's category
15.00	World Cup Final Run	Men's category