The start and finish area of the cross-country course is located in the Bike Arena at the Rothornbahn valley station. With a route length of 4.1 kilometers and an altitude difference of 188 meters, a lap time of ten minutes is expected. The elite riders will therefore complete an estimated twelve laps. Various artificial obstacles have been added to the course. The dual section and the various drops should also be interesting hotspots for spectators.

Plan for the XC World Cup course

The start track shortly after the start line (here at the BMC Cup 2014) was widened especially for the World Cup. Photo© Armin Küstenbrück

"This long asphalt climb is important. This is the only place on the course where the riders have enough time to eat," explains course godfather Ralph Näf, alongside course manager Beni Ott. Then it's off under the downhill course into the first descent.

With a pulse close to the limit on the first descent, roots, stones, small ledges and switchbacks await the riders.

After the descent, the route turns sharply right into the first singletrail ascent.

No time for rest: after the ascent, the next descent awaits with the "Lenzerheide Cliff". "More excavation is needed here to create more of a ledge and make the section unrideable. You have to jump here - if you don't want to, take the chicken line," Ralph Näf instructs course builder Rafael Rhyner.

The course gods Steve Peat and Ralph Näf among themselves: "After the "Lenzerheide Cliff", the athletes chase over a crest and gain a lot of momentum for the next steep ramp downhill through the berm that arises here." The sore "spectators" with the bells around their necks will probably be somewhere else during the World Cup.

The World Cup course in Lenzerheide is tough as nails, but also designed for fun. After the "Näf Kante" jump, the "Dual Slalom" offers participants fair overtaking opportunities and fun at the same time. Ride editors Dario and Balz have already put this section to the test. Photo 1 © Armin Küstenbrück

After the fun slalom action, it's time to take the momentum into the following singletrail. Photo© Armin Küstenbrück

After a short singletrail descent, the next rooted trail is already tugging at your strength and concentration.

Out of the trail and again under the downhill track, the route rides towards the feed and tech zone.

This serves as a double zone and is passed through after the start and half of each lap. Photo© Armin Küstenbrück

Only flying is more beautiful: After the "grab a bite to eat", the world's best mountain bikers have to concentrate again, because just like at the BMC Cup, the World Cup course also leads over the dirt jumps. Photo© Armin Küstenbrück

The last section of forest is full of trails and variety. There is no rest here. At the end of this approx. five-minute loop, you turn onto the main route and shortly afterwards onto the home stretch. Photo© mstuder.ch

www.mtbworldcup-lenzerheide.com