Even seven months after the 2018 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Lenzerheide, the images of Nino Schurter crossing the finish line and the roaring crowds are still fresh in many people's minds. Over 65,000 mountain bike fans created a unique atmosphere along the cross-country and downhill course over five days of competition. Athletes, coaches, officials and fans all agree: history was made at the 2018 World Championships in Lenzerheide.

Swiss medals as a spectator magnet

After the sporting success, the organizers around OC President Christoph Müller can now also communicate the economic success. "We can close the event with a profit of 75,350 francs," confirms Christoph Müller. The experienced OC President sees the reason for this in the sensational performances of the Swiss athletes. "The Swiss victory in the Team Relay at the start on Wednesday and the emotional medals won by Alexandre Balmer (XCO Junior), Alessandra Keller (XCO U23) and Sina Frei (XCO U23), as well as the high expectations for Jolanda Neff and Nino Schurter, have mobilized the masses," Christoph Müller is convinced.
On Saturday alone, 24,000 spectators flocked to Lenzerheide for the men's and women's elite cross-country races, creating a deafening atmosphere along the course. With a total of 65,000 mountain bike fans, the budgeted number of spectators over all five race days was almost doubled. "The additional income from ticketing and catering is therefore one of the main reasons for the extremely positive result," confirms Christoph Müller. In addition, thanks to the tight and experienced event organization, the various expenses could be kept within budget.

Promoting young talent benefits from success

The positive financial results of the Mountain Bike World Championships in Lenzerheide are now also benefiting young Swiss mountain bikers. "All of the federal funds promised for the event will not be paid out to us due to the positive outcome," confirms Müller. Instead, the six-figure sum will go to the Swiss Cycling Association, where it will be used to promote young talent.

The journey continues: UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2019

The organizing committee in Lenzerheide is already in the middle of preparations for the next major event: with the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup from 9 to 11 August 2019, mountain bike fans can once again look forward to spectacular cross-country and downhill races in Lenzerheide. As usual, the competition area is located around the Rothorn valley station.