While some 800 athletes from 40 nations promise top-level competition in Saalfelden Leogang, more than 20,000 visitors can also look forward to a diverse program away from the race courses. The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series impresses not only with World Cup races in the Cross-Country Olympic, Cross-Country Short Track, Downhill, and Enduro formats, but above all with the unique experience that unfolds throughout the race weekend. In the Expo Area and the Team Areas, fans can immerse themselves in the world of mountain biking, gain insights into the daily lives of the race teams, and enjoy numerous additional activities.

Up close with the World Cup stars

Among the special program highlights is the signing session with the FOX athletes on Saturday. Another highlight awaits at the booth of Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn: There will be an autograph session with local hero Vali Höll, who traditionally enjoys particularly strong support at her home World Cup. At Sport Mitterer, visitors can design their very own “Customized Stance Socks” and create a unique World Cup souvenir. RockShox also invites visitors to linger: with morning coffee served by Satellite Coffee & Misspent Summers. Another meeting spot is the Commencal booth, where a Sunday morning brunch is planned. Monster Energy will also be creating a special atmosphere in the Teams and Expo Area during the World Cup weekend. A Hot Spot Activation is scheduled for Saturday, and from Friday through Sunday, there will be after-race parties featuring Austrian dirt jumper and freerider Elias Ruso.

The next generation is also in the spotlight during the World Cup weekend. It kicks off with a kids’ press conference featuring local students, designed to bring young bike fans up close and personal with the UCI World Cup action. Friday features “School Day”: Registered school classes receive free admission and can also look forward to goodie bags.

A highlight for ambitious amateur riders is the Enduro Open Racing. This format gives them the opportunity to ride the same stages as the pros in the UCI Enduro World Cup. Participants start just a few hours before the pros and can directly compare their times with the world’s best under identical conditions. This brings the feeling of racing like a pro closer than ever before.

Sustainable and free travel

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang also sets high standards in terms of organization. A free, secure bike parking lot makes traveling by bike easier. Additionally, the event ticket also serves as a public transit ticket throughout the entire state of Salzburg, enabling sustainable and hassle-free travel to and from the event. Shuttle buses running regularly between Saalfelden and Leogang comfortably transport guests to the event grounds. A new World Cup app provides up-to-date information and even better navigation. Active visitors will also get their money’s worth. Those who want to discover the region’s open lines and trails on their own receive a 10% discount on bike tickets during the World Cup weekend.

Global Live Broadcast

For those who cannot be there in person, the final races will be broadcast live on Eurosport, HBO Max, Discovery+, SRG, Direct TV, MTB World Series TV, FloSports, L’Équipe, Stan, VRT & RTL, as well as Czech TV. In Austria, the races will be broadcast on K19 for the first time. The channel is available both online and via terrestrial broadcast and has been featuring major cycling events such as the Tour of Austria and the Ötztaler Cycling Marathon for many years.

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang is thus much more than just a race weekend. It is a gathering place for the international biking community, an experience for families, an adventure for recreational riders, and a strong statement for sustainable event organization.