One week after the exciting race in Windham, USA, three of the most important protagonists of the competition there will meet again. This time, the Muttenz Bike Arena in the Schänzli will provide the stage and the terrain is a contrast that could hardly be greater. On the flat terrain, which has a single climb, the weights can shift significantly.

Even though the next World Cup race is already scheduled for a week later in Méribel, France, the final of the BMC Racing Cup is still taken seriously. "It's not a training race for me. I've always ridden quite well there and want to do the same on Sunday," says Lukas Flückiger. The third-placed rider from Windham had a tough race there with Julien Absalon and Nino Schurter and is in top form.

We know from Absalon that he doesn't like the flat sections that much. But if the BMC rider doesn't miss the connection on the first singletrail, he should still be in the mix at the front. "If I have a start number on my bike, I want to win," is Absalon's standard phrase.

Ralph Näf had the right instinct last year and beat world champion Schurter in a long sprint. Näf is always dangerous in such races and with another three BMC riders, the team is very well positioned.

Because the overall leader Fabian Giger has decided with a heavy heart not to start in favor of undisturbed world championship preparations, Mathias Flückiger is in pole position. Although the Stöckli Pro Team rider had to concede defeat to Australian Daniel McConnell in Windham in the end, he still achieved a world-class performance in fifth place. His biggest rival in the battle for the yellow and black leader's jersey is Julien Absalon. The constellation is therefore more than interesting and promises fireworks in the bike arena.

Successful Swiss women against the bike legend

The women's race also has plenty of star potential. Just as Julien Absalon set a historic mark this year with his 29th World Cup victory, Jolanda Neff also made history last Sunday. As the youngest female biker of all time, the 21-year-old secured an early overall World Cup victory in Windham. "I'm riding to Basel with the goal of being able to fully equip my fifth soccer team," says Jolanda Neff with a grin. In plain language: the 55th victory in the Swiss Cup series since the start of her career, i.e. five times eleven. And seriously: "Of course, I'm riding mainly for the overall standings". Neff leads this after four victories, ahead of Kathrin Stirnemann.

Haibike rider Kathrin Stirnemann contributed to the grandiose success of the young Swiss riders with her early victory in the Eliminator World Cup. It is no coincidence that this duo will also be battling for overall victory in the BMC Racing Cup on Sunday in Muttenz. After the triumph, it will be time for an exhibition race in front of the home crowd.

"It's all about the overall standings for me," says Stirnemann, explaining the motive for her start. However, Jolanda Neff will be hard to dislodge from the top spot, as her lead is 65 points, so all she has to do is finish.

When it comes to winning the day, the Swiss will be tested above all by Gunn-Rita Dahle-Flesjaa from Norway. The most successful female mountain biker of all time did not compete in the World Cup races overseas because she fell ill. The 41-year-old is traveling from an altitude training camp, just like her competitors. The legendary eight-time world champion is currently staying in Livigno and is preparing specifically for the World Championships in her home country of Norway.

"It will be a shock for my body after so many weeks without racing," says a skeptical Dahle-Flesjaa. "It will be a training race in which I certainly won't be able to go to the maximum for the entire duration," says the Multivan Merida rider.

The role of local hero has been filled by Katrin Leumann. "I live there," she says with a laugh when asked about her motivation. The home crowd is inspiration enough for her year after year. Although the flat terrain doesn't really suit her, she is usually at the front of the field.

In addition to these sporting highlights, the Basel Bike Festival at the Schänzli once again offers a packed program with the marathon BBB Challenge, a cycle ball tournament and artistic cycling, including eight-time world champion David Schnabel from Germany and, of course, a large bike exhibition.

www.bmc-racing-cup.chwww.bmc-racing-cup.ch

Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014
SOFT (yrs 06-08) 10:30
CROSS (yr 04-05) 11:00
ROCK (yrs 02-03) 12:30
MEGA (Yr 00-01) 13:30
HARD (Yr 98-99) 14:45
FUN MEN / MASTERS (75-97) 16:00
FUN SENIORS 1 & 2 (74+older) 16:05
FUN WOMEN (97+older) 16:08

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014 (C1)
JUNIORS (96-97) 09:30
AMATEURS/MASTERS (95+older) 09:35
ELITE WOMEN (95+older) 12:00
JUNIOR WOMEN (96-97) 12:05
ELITE MEN (95+older) 14:00