The Mountain Bike World in 2001In 2001, the Epic Bikepark Leogang opened its doors for the first time. In Vail/Beaver Creek, Nicolas Vouilloz was crowned Downhill World Champion ahead of Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar, while Anne Caroline Chausson won gold in the women’s event. Leogang legend Aaron Gwin turned 14, and future local hero Vali Höll was born. In Utah, freeride legend Wade Simmons prevailed at the first Red Bull Rampage.In Pinzgau, the bike park—initially viewed with skepticism—launched with four lines. The idea was based on a concept by the firm MTS, which in turn was based on the thesis of Martin Samek, initiator and chairman of Trailwerk Wachau. Following a visit to the Geisskopf Bike Park in Bischofsmais in October 2000, the decision was made to implement the project. The initial investment was shared by Leoganger Bergbahnen and around 30 local silent partners, including the municipality, the tourism association, private investors, and an earthworks contractor. “The start 25 years ago was anything but easy,” says Kornel Grundner, managing director of Leoganger Bergbahnen. “We had to convince many skeptics, overcome several hurdles, and reach a new target audience. Above all, the strong team spirit and our shared belief in the project have made the bike park the success story it is today. The early years were economically challenging. Through clear, target-audience-oriented communication and outstanding event formats—which we developed together with our long-standing partner agency Rasoulution—we were able to make the bike park known worldwide. The rewards for this include two UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events—thank you! Growth and Highlights from 2001 to Today Since its first season, the bike park has grown significantly. The number of lines and trails rose to 21, and with the addition of the Riders Playground, completed in 2013, the total reached 30. Annual rides increased from 16,700 in 2001 to 270,000 rides per biking season.The region and the park have hosted numerous high-profile events. In 2010, the first of what are now 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups took place in Saalfelden Leogang. The first Mountain Bike World Championships followed in 2012, the second in 2020. A third World Championship is planned for 2028. The World Cup will also remain a fixture here until at least 2030. From 2006 to 2017, the world’s best slopestyle riders captivated spectators at the 26Trix event in the Epic Bikepark Leogang. The White Style, held from 2006 to 2018, brought slopestyle to the ski slopes in winter as well. Riders such as Andreu Lacondeguy, Brandon Semenuk, Sam Pilgrim, and Thomas Genon celebrated international breakthroughs on the Leogang courses. The 2026 Anniversary The 25th-anniversary celebrations will take place from July 24 to 26. Details remain under wraps for now. The Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series is returning: From June 11 to 14, the world’s best mountain bikers will compete in downhill, cross-country, short track, and enduro. From October 2 to 4, the Bike Festival Saalfelden Leogang enters its seventh edition.The park continues to offer varied downhill, flow, and jump lines, as well as natural singletrack trails for all skill levels. The Ladies Shred Events specifically promote female empowerment in mountain biking. Camps, workshops, and special programs support technical training, safety, and networking among female riders.“In 2026, the Epic Bikepark Leogang will celebrate its 25th anniversary—a milestone for Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. What began here 25 years ago with a bold vision is now an international flagship for mountain biking. The bike park stands for athletic achievements, iconic events, innovation, and a growing community. Together with our partners in the region, we are working to offer our guests an unparalleled biking experience—and 2026 will once again showcase this,” says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism.Part of Austria’s Largest Bike Region Together with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, Leogang forms Austria’s largest bike region with more than 120 kilometers of lines and trails. The Epic Bikepark is the sporting heart of this region and, even after 25 years, remains a driving force behind the development of mountain biking in Europe.bikepark-leogang.com saalfelden-leogang.com