The EKZ Cup has been held in the cantons of Zurich, St. Gallen and Glarus for decades. Thanks to the sponsorship commitment from Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ), the mountain bike race series will continue until 2018, with changes not only to the venues but also to certain categories.

Over 2,300 people took part in the EKZ Cup bike races last season. Thanks to the commitment of presenting sponsor EKZ to extend the popular race series for a further two years, it will certainly continue until 2018. OC President Heinrich Disch is very pleased about this: "After various adjustments and changes, we are now ready for the 2017 racing season." The EKZ Cup will be held at seven different locations.

The seven dates have been set

The starting shot will be fired for the first time on April 30 in Schwändi, Glarus. This will be followed by Wetzikon (ZH) on May 21 and Hittnau (ZH) on July 2. After the summer break, the competition continues on August 20 in Dietikon (ZH), August 27 in Uster (ZH), September 3 in Eschenbach (SG) and the final on September 10 in Egg (ZH). "Unfortunately, it was no longer possible to fill the OC positions for Gossau and Hinwil, so we had to cancel these venues," explains Disch. "However, we are delighted that two new organizers have been able to fill the gap thanks to Race Team Limmatal and Velo Club Volketswil."

New format

In addition to the geographical changes, there will also be adjustments to the regulations. In 2017, girls and boys in the cross, soft and pfüderi categories will be sent onto the course separately. The EKZ Cup Rookies can now qualify for the final on September 10 in Egg in the first six races. This day will show who will take over from the reigning "EKZ Cup Rookie 2016" Yves Lüthi (Rapperswil-Jona/SG). The EKZ Cup Rookies will start in the new "For All" category.

Registrations possible from March 1

The definitive regulations and the prize money scheme will be published directly on the website in January. The details of the respective events will be available on the website from February. Registration for the first race will be possible from March 1.

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