The iXS European Downhill Cup will once again kick off this year in Santiago de Besteiros, Portugal. The first stop will take place from April 10 to 12, counting as a qualifying race for the World Cup and offering additional training days and a second C1 race one week later.

This year, the iXS European Downhill Cup comprises seven races in seven countries. Five of these races are part of the Continental Series, while the other two are held under C1 status. As was the case last year, the series kicks off in Santiago de Besteiros in northern Portugal.

The iXS European Cup race is the perfect start to the season and is seen by many as the first indicator of performance levels. In addition, Santiago de Besteiros is hosting another C1 race a week later, making the trip doubly worthwhile. There will also be opportunities for training both before the race and between the two competitions.

The location

The Monte Sao Marcos Bike Park is located in the Serra de Caramulo, in the district of Viseu, about 100 kilometers southeast of Porto. For all participants from the Alpine region, the fastest and cheapest route is via the Basque Country and Salamanca in Spain. The Serra do Caramulo is a mountain range in central Portugal, known for its breathtaking views, diverse nature, and peaceful, unspoiled landscapes. The region is a well-known hiking and mountain biking area in Portugal, offering a variety of challenging trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Registration for the race is now open and can be done at ixsdownhillcup.com. Last year, the race was fully booked with almost 400 riders from 27 nations, so it is advisable to register as soon as possible.