The Olympic Games are both the highlight and the start of the peak season for mountain bikers. The competitions in Tokyo will take place on July 26/27; the European Championships will be held in Novi Sad from August 12 to 15.

Two weeks later, from August 25 to 29, the world champions will be determined in Val di Sole. In the Italian province of Trentino, in addition to the decisions in cross-country, those in short track and traditionally those in downhill are on the program for the first time.Swiss Cycling has nominated 19 athletes each for the continental title fights in Serbia. The World Championship squad in the cross-country discipline currently comprises 13 female and 17 male athletes; subsequent selections are possible after the European Championships. Which nominees will also compete in the short race will be determined at a later date. The Downhill World Championship team, which is expected to be led by defending champion Camille Balanche, will be published in August.While Mathias Flückiger and Nino Schurter have decided not to take part in the European Championships, Olympic athletes Sina Frei, Linda Indergand and Jolanda Neff are all planning to take part in both the European Championships and the World Championships. The Swiss Cycling teams are also outstanding in the junior categories. "Our aim is to fight for podium places in all categories," says Head of Competitive Sports Beat Müller.