Just eight days before the showdown of the cross-country specialists at the World Championships in Pietermaritzburg, hot favorites Julien Absalon and Nino Schurter will meet at the Schänzli for the season finale of the BMC Racing Cup, with numerous other top riders also registered. The women's field is also first-class: The two world championship favorites Gunn-Rita Dahle, Sabine Spitz and the Swiss riders Esther Süss and Katrin Leumann will be at the start.

The semi-crashy stunts of the dirt jumpers thrill more and more spectators every year. In 2013, the course will be positioned parallel to the main grandstand, guaranteeing the best view of the freestyle bikers' breathtaking action. The contest will feature the following riders, among others, who are more than worth checking out on YouTube: Ramon Hunziker (CH), Teo Gustavson (SWE), Patrick Leitner (AUT), Daryl Brown (UK) and Ray Samson (UK). You can find a few snippets of their skills to whet your appetite on the Bikefestival Basel Facebook page.

A premiere at this year's Bikefestival Basel will be the performances of the artistic cycling acrobats and the two cycle ball tournaments, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday. The World Artistic Cycling and Cycle Ball Championships will take place in Basel in November, which is why these exceptional athletes will be guests at the Schänzli and will give spectators a rare outdoor insight into their fascinating world.The traditional popular sports event offers pure biking in the wonderful setting of the Basel region, without the hustle and bustle of competition. The routes are attractive for every sporting level. The entry fee is CHF 40 for adults and CHF 25 for participants under the age of 18
. The online registration portal for the three routes of different lengths is now open.- Chrischona 22 km / 367 vertical meters
- Blauen-short 55 km / 1052 vertical meters
- Blauen-long 74 km / 1733 vertical meters

www.bikefestival-basel.ch/blkb-challenge