The cross-country circuit in Nove Mesto is one of the most popular routes among Swiss cross-country specialists in the World Cup. Crunchy and technical climbs, rock gardens, jumps and technical descents with numerous roots challenge the athletes' physique and concentration in equal measure. However, our fellow fast riders are well equipped for success.

Nino Schurter coped well with his first road race, as he impressively demonstrated at the BMC Racing Cup in Solothurn. But World Cup leader Julien Absalon also presented himself in excellent form last weekend in Heubach. This should inevitably lead to another edition of "Schurter versus Absalon". However, the two of them cannot be said to be alone in the lead. After all, two Czechs, Jaroslav Kulhavy and Ondrej Cink, are lurking in the wings, looking to profit from their home advantage. The Flückiger brothers are also hungry for the podium. "It was the right decision to skip the World Cup in Cairns, because the time at home did me good. I was able to train well and am now ready for the two upcoming World Cups and the European Championships in St. Wendel. Nove Mesto in particular is very important for me. I really want to be on the podium there," Lukas reveals. Mathias Flückiger is just as motivated: "To start a World Cup with the number 3 is awesome. Although I had a bit of a cold after Solothurn, I feel great and am looking forward to the race in Nove Mesto. The technically demanding course suits me very well.Florian Vogel also announced his ambitions following his second place in Solothurn: "I've been able to prepare well for the upcoming major events over the past few weeks. My form is good and that's why I'm aiming for a top 10 finish in Nove Mesto. With a good day, the top 5 is also possible." "I trained well after the World Cup in Cairns and am now in better shape than at the first two World Cups. My goal is a result in the top ten - or better, of course," says Fabian Giger, confidently explaining his goal.

With suspension travel to success
In the women's race, the focus is on Jolanda Neff as the World Cup leader. After a road race in England, she should be back in full possession of her strength to defend her overall lead in the World Cup in Nove Mesto. "The course in Nove Mesto is one of my favorites, so I'm really looking forward to this race," reveals Neff. With the South Tyrolean Eva Lechner, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (NOR), the Canadian Emily Batty or the resurgent Tanja Zakelj (SLO) breathing down Neff's neck, the race for victory will be extremely exciting.

Kathrin Stirnemann, who finished sixth in Cairns, has also recharged her batteries and is determined: "I've been able to train well since I got back from Australia. In the Eliminator I want to compete for victory and improve my fourth place in the overall classification. My goal in cross-country is to finish in the top 10. I like the technical course and it suits me. Maybe I'll go into the race with my new full-suspension Haibike cross-country bike if it gives me an advantage. Katrin Leumann also reveals her material plans: "I'm looking forward to the course and have a good feeling. That's why I want to achieve at least a top 10 result. I might start with my new Ghost Riot trail bike with 130 millimeters of suspension travel, which we have already trimmed for cross-country. This could help me achieve my goal on the rough course.

The live broadcast of the World Cup in Nove Mesto (CZE) starts on May 23 at 5.40 pm with the Eliminator sprint races. On Sunday, May 25, the women will be broadcast at 10:50 am and the men at 1:00 pm.

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