Only a few days left until the Gurten showdown
Most of the top cracks still have fond memories of last year's race. The weather was crazy and almost washed the riders off their bikes in constant rain and thunderstorms. But the capricious weather didn't bother one rider: Olympic champion Julien Absalon from France demonstrated his skills even in adverse conditions and took a commanding victory ahead of Switzerland's Ralph Näf and Lukas Flückiger. Now the three-time world champion (2004, 2005, 2006 - previously U23 and junior titles) is determined to repeat his victory. "I really like the race in Bern. And because of the Hors Category class, it's of course like a World Cup, you really want to win a race like that!", said the smart Frenchman, adding with a smile "but as far as I'm concerned, it can be nice weather this year!".
Golden book: only big winners in Bern
The list of winners of the Bern Mountain Bike Race has so far only included some of the biggest names in the sport. Christoph Sauser from the Bernese Oberland won the premiere on the Gurten. Sauser is a seven-time Swiss champion and has already won the overall World Cup ranking twice. In 2005, the Spaniard Jose Hermida was the lucky winner and he openly showed his joy with a show performance at the finish. A week ago, Hermida won the European Championship title for the second time. And last year it was the great dominator of the last few years - Julien Absalon. The 27-year-old Frenchman has been one of the best riders the sport of mountain biking has ever had since his junior days. And who will win this year? The list of potential contenders for victory is bigger than ever before. So it will be interesting to see.
NEW: 23km marathon for beginners
The 45km marathon for amateur athletes on Saturday afternoon is designed in such a way that it can also be easily completed by less experienced bikers. Nevertheless, the organizers have now added a 23km loop to the programme. This is aimed at beginners and less ambitious amateur athletes who enjoy taking part in the race but still want to allow themselves a little more time. "In the 23km loop, time and rank are clearly in the background. Taking part, having fun, riding a race for once - these should be the motives for taking part!" says OC boss René Walker.
The good cause: biking for the bear park
The focus of the "Bike for Bear Park", which will be held on Saturday at the end of the first day of the event, is the planned new bear park. On a very easy, short route on the Gurten-Kulm, which makes no demands on fitness and technique, money will be raised for this project for each lap. Numerous celebrities from the worlds of sport, politics and business are also taking part in the "Bike for Bärenpark" race.
After last year's great success, 60 schoolchildren from Bern can look forward to training with top cracks again this year. On Friday, August 3, marathon world champion Ralph Näf will pass on his tips and tricks. Children can register now via the Berner Ferienpass "Fäger" homepage at www.faeger.ch.
Programme Swisspower Cup Bern
Saturday, August 4, 2007
10.00 Start Kids 11/12 years
11.00 Start Kids 13/14 years
12.00 Start Kids 15/16 years
13.20 Start marathon
13.30 Start beginners marathon
13.35 Start Kids 6-10 years old
18.40 Start Bike for Bärenpark
Sunday, August 5, 2007
09.00 Start juniors
09.05 Start amateurs
11.30 Start elite women
11.35 Start juniors
14.00 Start elite men
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.