The eliminator sprint riders kick off the long World Cup weekend today, Thursday. Austrian Daniel Federspiel is the top favorite. Opposite him are Ralph Näf, Marcel Wildhaber, Sepp Freiburghaus, Patrick Lüthi and Stefan Peter, a handful of strong Swiss riders who will do everything they can to beat the reigning European champion. The crisp and technically demanding Eliminator course should benefit the Swiss.

In the women's race, Swiss hopes rest on Jolanda Neff, Kathrin Stirnemann, Nathalie Schneitter and Linda Indergand. European champion Jenny Rissveds and world champion Alexandra Engen from Sweden are the top favorites.The cross-country decisions continue. After the junior categories, the women will start shortly before midday on Saturday. World Cup leader and European champion Tanja Zakelj from Slovenia will probably be the most highly regarded rider. Whether she can maintain her top position after such a long break from the World Cup will be extremely exciting. The Swiss will definitely be well prepared for the race and will certainly want to have a say in the top places.The question is similar for the men. Will European champion Absalon and world champion Schurter continue their dominance and continue their duel or will the maps be reshuffled after this time? What is certain is that the Swiss men will also be perfectly prepared for the start in Vallnord. The route should also suit the Swiss riders here. Three longer climbs on meadows and forest roads, short steep sections and a longer, rough descent as well as rooted single trails are somewhat reminiscent of the trails in the Engadine, as described by world-class rider Fabian Giger.

As usual, you can watch the races live on Red Bull TV.

www.redbull.com/en/bike

Program Vallnord/AND World Cup
Thursday
16.30	Qualification Eliminator Sprint	Category women and men
17.25	Final heats Eliminator Sprint	Women's and men's category
Friday
17.00	XCO World Cup	U23 men's category
Saturday
09.00	XCO World Cup	U23 women's category
09.02	XCO World Cup	U19 women's category
11.30	XCO World Cup	Elite women's category
14.00	XCO World Cup	Elite men category
16.30	XCO World Cup	Junior category