October 6/11 15:16 pm - UCI Announces Top MTB World Cup Events for 2011

Posted by Editor on 10/6/11
 

Every year, the UCI has riders, teams and media (including the CC Editor) vote on the top events of the year for the three disciplines:  Cross-country, Downhill and 4-Cross.  Today, the winners for 2011 were announced:

Cross-country: Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic
Part of the World Cup calendar for the first time, the Czech event convinced all. The perfect organization, great TV production and enthusiastic crowds, with as a cherry on the cake the win of the national hero Jaroslav Kuhlavy, had many considering the event as the best in years. Offenburg (GER) was lauded as one of the most technical courses of the series and came in second place ahead of last year's elected winner, Yorkshire's Dalby Forest (GBR).

Downhill: La Bresse, France
La Bresse (France) who joined the World Cup calendar just two years ago was voted best downhill event of the season. The smooth organization, unique atmosphere and the thousands of spectators that turned out for this event ensured its popularity within the mountain bike community. The short, old school track which renders tight results was also cited. Last year's winner, well established Fort William (GBR), also proved popular in second place, noted for its great loud, big and boisterous crowd and long demanding track. The small ski resort three hours north of New York City, Windham (USA), took third place with a particular mention for the excellent organization as well as the welcome and enthusiasm of the local population and its local community support/work.

Four-cross: Fort William, Scotland
Ten years of World Cups / World Championships has seen Fort William rise as the most popular Four-cross event of 2011. The new track provided great racing and clearly seduced everyone. Val di Sole (ITA), which in 2008 hosted the Mountain Bike World Championships, was also well liked and took second place. The Austrian resort of Leogang in third place is creating a buzz with its permanent track, designed by the German Four-cross rider, Guido Tschugg. Leogang will host next year's Mountain Bike World Championships.