Both favorites in the men's race have shown strong races and good results so far this season. However, they have not yet met. With the exception of the EKZ Cup, Looser only competes in marathon races, while Graf is a pure cross-country specialist. "The race in Wetzikon is usually tactical. Last year I was caught cold, this year I'll be more attentive and really heat up my opponents on the short ramps," says 2011 overall winner Konny Looser. The outcome of the race is therefore open and promises to be exciting, also in terms of the route.

A track that leaves everything open
After the start, there is a short ramp to conquer, here the riders should work their way to the front, because only 200 meters later, the track narrows to a single trail. After the short forest section, the trail widens again before the riders have to conquer an often muddy and, above all, decisive ramp in the second forest section. The following flat section allows riders who have been left behind to perhaps catch the slipstream of the riders in front. Later, the course leads into the ramp park with steep bends, bridges and obstacles, where technical skill is required. The short ramps on the course certainly hurt all riders, but are often not selective enough in the first part of the race. When the wind blows over the Meierwiesen, even supposedly weaker riders can decide the race in their favor with a clever move.

Duelling of the Sabrinas
In the women's race, we are still a little in the dark when it comes to the start list. Some World Cup racers like Ramona Forchini want to decide spontaneously and late registrations will be accepted up to 20 minutes before the start. As things stand at the moment, Sabrina Baumgartner and Sabrina Maurer are the favorites on the start line. Maurer is slightly favored, although Baumgartner has improved a lot compared to last year. Both have won the EKZ Cup in the past. "I don't want to complete my set of medals with a third place," winks the 24-year-old Baumgartner and confirms: "So I have to show off now."

Ramps and banked turns offer a spectacle
The race will be held over ten laps in the men's overall category. "So far, everything remains the same. The popular ramps and banked turns are back again this year. For the "Rock" category, we have lengthened the lap slightly so that they can also enjoy the trail in the forest," says OC boss Ernst Jucker. In addition, a large part of the route can be followed with the naked eye, so the spectators will certainly not be bored. The following Tuesday evening, a five-minute race report will be broadcast on Sport Szene Fernsehen SSF. In the EKZ Cup Magazin at 7.50 pm, the most important aspects of the race in Wetzikon will be summarized once again. The protagonists will have their say and background information on the event will be presented. In addition, further exciting video and photo contributions will be available on the social media channels from Monday.