The Mountain Bike World Cup 2017 Will Kick Off In Lourdes

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will be back in Lourdes from 28th to 30th April to start off the 2017 series.

40,000 spectators are expected to be there to once again witness this incredible international competition featuring the best riders on the planet.

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The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup has a long, colourful history and enjoys a solid following throughout the world.

First established back in 1991, over the years, the UCI has modified the format and introduced new initiatives in order to keep up with evolving trends and meet the expectations of athletes and fans.

The 2017 series will see nine stages:

29-30.04.2017 Lourdes France DHI

20-21.05.2017 Nove Mesto na Morave Czech Republic XCO

27-28.05.2017 Albstadt Germany XCO

03-04.06.2017 Fort William Great Britain DHI

10-11.06.2017 Leogang Austria DHI

01-02.07.2017 Vallnord Andorra XCO/DHI

08-09.07.2017 Lenzerheide Switzerland XCO/DHI

05-06.08.2017 Mont-Sainte-Anne Canada XCO/DHI

26-27.08.2017 Val di Sole Italy

It’s the third consecutive year, the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup has kicked off in Lourdes with a round 100% dedicated to downhill.

Since 2015, riders and fans have appreciated this opening event in the foothills of the Pyrenees, which offers a stunning view of the French market town.

In total, 139 teams from 30 countries have been registered for the 2017 season. Two nations – Slovakia and the Republic of Korea – have registered a team for the first time.

Along with Fort William and Leogang, Lourdes is one of three downhill-only events on this year’s UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar.

Downhill mountain biking, one of the two main disciplines, is a race against the clock in which the rider negotiates a succession of fast and technical passages. The participant must demonstrate courage as well as sharp technical and piloting skills in order to battle tree roots, rocks, banked sections, bumps, jumps and other natural obstacles along the way.

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup rewards not only the best athletes but also the best organisers. Each year, UCI Mountain Bike Teams, sponsors, and UCI officials vote for the top events for each of the two formats: cross-country and downhill.

This creates healthy competition between the organisers and encourages them to stage events of the highest quality.

Cross-Country Olympic: Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN)

Since its first involvement with the UCI World Cup in 1991, the Canadian resort has become a not-to-be-missed feature on the calendar. Hosting its 26th UCI event this year, this classic rendezvous was voted best XCO event thanks to its excellent organisation and ever-popular course that every year boasts innovations.

Downhill: Fort William (GBR)

This legendary spot in the Scottish Highlands won the “best event” vote for 2016. Also host of the 2007 UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships, Fort William organised a World Cup stopover for the 15th time in 2016.

Several times winner of the “best event” award, the Scottish destination again won over the voters thanks to its course, large crowds, unique atmosphere, watertight organisation and team facilities: in summary, a fantastic promotion for the discipline.