Two Swiss races in the iXS Downhill series, one national race in spring plus the Swiss championships are not enough, all scene representatives agree. But finding organizers is difficult, especially as entering the international race series iXS Downhill Cup entails high costs. Costs that some organizers cannot pay off.

The "HOT TRAIL" association, known for the racing team of the same name and as the organizer of the downhill races in Homberg and Wiriehorn, became active last autumn. After several months of intensive work, the association is now announcing the end of the drought in the event calendar and is already presenting the "HOT TRAIL Series" comprising six downhill races for this year.

As very few organizers are still able to afford large fees, the aim was to put together a reasonably priced package including timekeeping and well-developed race regulations that even small organizers can afford. For example, 120 participants should be enough to cover the minimum costs. At the same time, the participants should also benefit from lower entry fees.
While there are already six events for this year, other organizers have already expressed their interest for 2020.

From professionals to the youngest

Though there are no UCI points, the races are all on the Swiss Cycling calendar. This means that the races are also permitted for licensed riders and accordingly there are the same categories as in the iXS Downhill Cup plus an extension. There will be an U15 category so that the younger age groups can gain a foothold in racing.

As mentioned, the Hot Trail Series is a simplified race series but with professional timekeeping on race day. However, the mode differs slightly from that of the iXS Cup races. There will be no timed run the day before. Two race runs will be ridden on race day, with the faster run counting towards the daily classification. However, both race runs will count towards the overall ranking of the race series. This is similar to the World Cup, where the qualifying run also counts towards the overall standings.

The race dates and venues

Traditionally, the Homberg Race from April 26 to 28, 2019 marks the start of the season. The next races are on July 20/21. The series continues on August 24 and 25 at the newly opened bike park in La Berra, in the canton of Fribourg. Three weeks later, the big downhill classic will take place on the Wiriehorn.
Hot Trail agreed on a double event with the iXS Cup event in Bellwald. The race from October 4th to 6th counts for both race series, but without the u15 category.
The season ends on October 19/20 with the legendary "No Chain Race" on the Wiriehorn. But possibly on the "Old T-Bar" flow course.

www.hot-trail.ch