The Swiss Bike Park will experience its first highlight on October 18/19, when the world's elite compete on the brand new pump track facility in Oberried near Köniz. After the eliminations on Friday, the first official UCI World Champion in this discipline will be crowned on Saturday at the "Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships". A total of around 200 athletes from 23 nations are expected to take part.

Switzerland is currently at the top of the world pump track with Christa Von Niederhäusern and David Graf. The two will be doing everything they can to confirm their performances and pull on the coveted rainbow jersey in Oberried. Bernese cross-country figurehead Mathias Flückiger will also be at the start.

Spectators can look forward to a double treat. Thanks to the construction of grandstands, they will be able to witness the spectacle up close. At the same time, a ticket for the "Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships" will give them the unique opportunity to ride the Swiss Bike Park exclusively before the official opening. Tickets are available at www.swissbikepark.ch/pumptrack-wm for CHF 5 for children up to the age of 12, CHF 10 for young people up to the age of 16 and CHF 20 for adults.

The Swiss Bike Park will also be buzzing the following week when it opens its doors to the general public. In addition to the free park experience, visitors can look forward to an attractive supporting program with a festival restaurant and top speakers in the evenings. On October 25, for example, there will be a climate policy evening with Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga. The day before, BKW CEO Suzanne Thoma will speak about the imminent decommissioning of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant. Sporting contributions will be provided by YB sports boss Christoph "Wuschu" Spycher on October 22, former professional cyclist Fabian Cancellara on October 23 and the Thömus RN World Cup mountain bike team with runner-up Mathias Flückiger on October 26.