The track in Nove Mesto is the complete opposite of the one in Albstadt. In terms of riding, it is one of the most attractive race tracks on the circuit. With its countless roots, the circuit is not only technically demanding but also puts more strain on the upper body. If you have a full-suspension bike here, every bump absorbed by the bike helps the rider to stay on the line in the notorious rock gardens. Technically experienced riders also have an advantage here.

Advantage for Schurter - competition closer than ever before

Nino Schurter, however, is not the only one technically, physically, mentally and materially capable of a top place. This race undoubtedly suits him very well, as he has already won the World Cup in Nove Mesto four times plus the World Championships once. As the race in Stellenbosch showed, the World Champion is not unbeatable and at the World Cup in Albstadt, the co-favorites Sam Gaze and Mathias Flückiger were affected by defects and the remaining riders did not make it easy for him either. Then there is the "great unknown" in Nove Mesto. National hero Jaroslav Kulhavy also likes the race in Nove Mesto and even if he wasn't at the front in Albstadt, you never know what he will conjure up from his helmet "at home".

The downhill in Nove Mesto is not quite as steep, but the course as a whole is more technical - ideal for Nove Mesto record winner Nino Schurter.

Women: Neff for second?

Jolanda Neff's solo ride from Albstadt was very impressive - so the form is right. It's a clear sign that the world champion will once again be at the front in Nove Mesto. But it is no guarantee of victory. Apart from a defect, the form of the day is just as decisive. The riders lurking behind should not be underestimated either: Take Yana Belomoina, for example, who took a long time to recover from her accident. She finished second in Albstadt, which should give the Ukrainian a further boost. Last year's overall World Cup winner could be a tough opponent for Neff on Sunday. Alessandra Keller and Anne Tauber are also worth keeping an eye on, and despite a bad day in Albstadt, Stellenbosch winner Annika Langvad could also pose a threat to the world champion.

Jolanda Neff can undoubtedly be fast on all courses, and she has already won once in Nove Mesto.

Short track - short endurance race with an open outcome

As Mathias Flückiger said, the short track race is an endurance race, albeit a short one. However, the outcome of the race is likely to be far more open than in cross country - for both the men and the women. What is certain is that the Vysocina Arena, known from cross-country skiing, is a great location for such a race. With the exception of the short forest loop, spectators have a great view of the short track circuit from the stands and the Mountain Bike World Cup is a permanent fixture in Nove Mesto na Morave.

Continuous changes at the top should make the race incredibly exciting in the second short track race as well.

The women's short track race starts at 18:00. The men's race starts at 18:45. Both races will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV.