Junior series starts 2017 with new title sponsor
It was announced yesterday that Specialized is withdrawing as title sponsor from the Specialized-Sram Enduro Series in order to focus on young talent. The commitment is called the "Rookies Cup". The race series, which gives young athletes the opportunity to gain their first competitive experience in downhill racing in a relaxed environment, has made a name for itself internationally in recent years. Now it has been given a new boost by its new title sponsor: the "Specialized Rookies Cup presented by iXS" remains part of the iXS family and, with Specialized's involvement, underlines the importance of promoting young talent in the downhill discipline. With the new title sponsor, there will be six races for young downhill riders in Germany and Austria in 2017 - unfortunately there will be no race in Switzerland.
Since 2008, young downhill riders have been competing in the Rookies Cup as part of the iXS Downhill series. To ensure a smooth start to the international race, the standards and conditions are aligned with the other races in the iXS Cup. The fact that the concept works can be seen not least from the fact that the performance level at the top of the world has risen enormously in recent years: an early entry into racing is necessary for a career in downhill and the Rookies Cup offers young talent the appropriate framework conditions.
With Specialized as title sponsor, the junior series, often referred to as the "little" sister of the iXS Bund, is attracting new attention - and a certain independence, which is also reflected in its own website www.rookiescup.bike (but of course you can also find articles on the junior races at www.ixsdownhillcup.com).
Another innovation for next season is the expansion to six races: As usual, the season will start at the iXS Dirt Masters Festival in Winterberg before continuing at Crankworx in Innsbruck. Two weeks later, the Cup will make a guest appearance at the Glemmride in Saalbach. The Rookies Festival in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis heralds the start of the second half of the season: In addition to the Specialized Rookies Cup, the iXS International Rookies Championships will also take place here. After three races in Austria, the series then returns to Germany and is welcomed by a new yet familiar host, Oberammergau, where the Bavarian Championships are also on the program. The final will take place in Steinach, Thuringia.
Since 2008, young downhill riders have been competing in the Rookies Cup as part of the iXS Downhill series. To ensure a smooth start to the international race, the standards and conditions are aligned with the other races in the iXS Cup. The fact that the concept works can be seen not least from the fact that the performance level at the top of the world has risen enormously in recent years: an early entry into racing is necessary for a career in downhill and the Rookies Cup offers young talent the appropriate framework conditions.
With Specialized as title sponsor, the junior series, often referred to as the "little" sister of the iXS Bund, is attracting new attention - and a certain independence, which is also reflected in its own website www.rookiescup.bike (but of course you can also find articles on the junior races at www.ixsdownhillcup.com).
Another innovation for next season is the expansion to six races: As usual, the season will start at the iXS Dirt Masters Festival in Winterberg before continuing at Crankworx in Innsbruck. Two weeks later, the Cup will make a guest appearance at the Glemmride in Saalbach. The Rookies Festival in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis heralds the start of the second half of the season: In addition to the Specialized Rookies Cup, the iXS International Rookies Championships will also take place here. After three races in Austria, the series then returns to Germany and is welcomed by a new yet familiar host, Oberammergau, where the Bavarian Championships are also on the program. The final will take place in Steinach, Thuringia.
The 2017 calendar
| May 25, 17 | Specialized RDC #1 | Winterberg | Germany |
| June 24-25, 2017 | Specialized RDC #2 | Innsbruck | Austria |
| July 08-09, 2017 | Specialized RDC #3 | Saalbach | Austria |
| August 04-05, 2017 | Specialized RDC #4 | Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis | Austria |
| September 09-10, 2017 | Specialized RDC #5 | Oberammergau | Germany |
| October 07-08, 2017 | Specialized RDC #6 | Steinach | Germany |
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.