Incredible fans, a legendary World Cup course and an organiser who had prepared everything down to the smallest detail – the fifth round of the iXS EDC got off to the best possible start. The whole weekend made it clear that Szczyrk has huge potential and knows how to make the most of it.

The perfect start

Sunshine and temperatures of up to 33 degrees made for a sizzling start to the race weekend. The organising team warmly welcomed nearly 300 riders from 36 nations, as well as teams and spectators, and created a relaxed yet professional atmosphere right from the start.

The track

The course featured the former World Cup line, which had been revised in a few places for the race. A few key sections were made slightly less challenging without altering the character of the course. As a result, the course remained fast, technical and demanding, whilst at the same time being even smoother to ride.

Summer-Racing 

Saturday also showed itself at its best. Once again, high summer temperatures made for some proper summer racing, whilst the track was in almost perfect condition. Dry, grippy and fast – the riders could hardly have asked for better conditions. There was plenty going on off the track as well. A fantastic atmosphere prevailed in the finish area all day long. Music, exhibition stands and numerous spectators created a real sense of an event, whilst the paddock also reflected the European Cup’s professionally relaxed atmosphere.

Ian Guionnet from France set the fastest time of the day in the men’s category. In the Elite Women’s category, Kate Hastings (NZL – Team High Country) secured first place, but Tess van Weerdhuizen clocked the fastest time among the women. The other junior categories once again demonstrated their potential and put the elite categories under pressure. 

Fog on Race Day 

A night-time thunderstorm brought a fair bit of moisture to the track. Conditions became slippery and riding was made considerably more difficult. Whilst visibility was good in the lower section, the start area remained shrouded in thick clouds and fog throughout the day. The limited visibility made life even harder for the riders and demanded maximum concentration right from the very first metres. 

The atmosphere along the course was particularly impressive. In the steep wooded section, countless fans crowded the sides of the course and cheered on every single rider loudly. By the time the riders reached the finish area, the atmosphere had reached a level worthy of a World Cup event – music, cheering spectators and plenty of emotion made for an unforgettable highlight of the season.

Surprise of the day

In the Elite Women’s final, Kate Hastings left no doubt as to her strength, winning convincingly ahead of Kerstin Sallegger (AUT – OmniBiotic Powerteam) and Catalina Calderon (ARG). However, it was Riko Mäeüibo who provided the biggest surprise of the day. The Estonian initially took his place on the hot seat and then had to watch as rider after rider attempted to beat his best time. Once the last of the favourites had crossed the finish line, the joy was immense – Riko could scarcely believe his luck and celebrated his first major victory in the European Downhill Cup ahead of Ian Guionnet and Zachariah Bradley-Hudson (AUS – Team High Country). 

Once again, the young riders made a strong impression. Lucy Jenkins Jablonski secured another victory in the Pro U17 women’s category, whilst the Pro U17 men’s race saw a thrilling three-way battle, which Quentin Gabriel Barbe (FRA – Gen-S) won by a margin of just 0.025 seconds ahead of Juliano Lavergne (FRA – COMMENCAL 101). Both riders impressively demonstrated just how high the standard in the junior categories has now become.

Szczyrk is a delight

The fifth round of the iXS European Downhill Cup impressively demonstrated that Szczyrk is the perfect venue for downhill races. Superbly prepared trails, excellent organisation, enthusiastic fans and an atmosphere that was palpable from the first practice session right through to the final podium ceremony made the weekend a real highlight. With thrilling races, surprise winners and a new generation of young riders closing in on the elite, the EDC bids farewell to Poland. 

If this weekend has shown us one thing above all else, it is this: the future of downhill cycling is faster than ever – and the iXS European Downhill Cup remains the stage on which it is showcased week after week.