Races can finally be ridden. For many athletes, the upcoming start of the PROFFIX Swiss Bike Cup season in Leukerbad is a relief after months without racing. The course in the Valais tourist resort has been made more attractive than last year.
"We're looking forward to finally getting started," says Simon von Allmen from the race organization.

However, conditions will not be normal, it is a so-called ghost race. Spectators are not permitted and the event has been extended from two to three days due to official requirements. This will ensure that crowds do not exceed the prescribed limit, and the wearing of masks is also recommended in the care zones.
"We have drawn up a protection concept together with an access concept. All participants have been informed of the requirements by personal email and we ask everyone involved to adhere to these measures," explains von Allmen.

What about the form of the stars?

Nino Schurter and Jolanda Neff, the two top stars of the mountain bike scene, will also be at the start. We will see on Sunday how their form compares with that of their opponents. With athletes such as Gerhard Kerschbaumer, Titouan Carod, Elisabeth Brandau, Julie Bresset or the strong Swiss group around Mathias Flückiger, the Engadin Giro winners Simon Vitzthum and Alessandra Keller as well as Sina Frei and Ramona Forchini, the competition is fierce and exciting races are guaranteed.

The races will be made available to all interested parties via livestream. The livestream of the elite races is available here: www.upstream-live.ch/live/pxsbc

The second round of the Proffix Swiss Bike Cup will take place in Gränichen just one week later. As in Leukerbad, the program in Gränichen will be extended to three days. While the hobby and junior categories start on Friday and Saturday, the Swiss champions will be determined on Sunday.
Jolanda Neff and Nino Schurter will then try to defend their titles.