At the European Mountain Bike Championships in Alpolago, Switzerland won the gold medal in the relay ahead of the teams from France and Sweden. The Swiss rode in the combination of Näf, Schurter, Henzi and Fanger, all title or at least medal candidates in their categories. Ralph Näf took over from Vogel, who was originally in the line-up but wanted to take it easy for the main race due to a slight cold.