Rd1 Schwalbe Euro 4X Series Preview

This weekend, round 1 of the Schwalbe Euro 4X Series begins at the DirtMasters festival in Winterberg, Germany. The Series now in its 4th year continues to grow in popularity and in Winterberg next weekend we are expecting 200 of Europe's top 4X riders to battle it out to see who will take the win at round 1 of the series.

The track in Winterberg is pretty unique in today's 4X world. Set in Winterberg's Bikepark, the track is surfaced, flowing and relatively smooth. It is a perfect venue for the Schwalbe Euro 4X Series as it helps to develop confidence and race experience for Europe's riders and acts as a feeder Series for the 4X ProTour.

The Dirt Masters festival is also a great host for round 1 of the Schwalbe Euro 4X Series. With the BergLine FMB World Tour stop, IXS Downhill and Enduro events all taking place between 17th and 20th May, there really is something for every fan to enjoy at this festival.

Men's race:

Defending Men's Euro Series Champion from 2012, UK rider, Scott Beaumont will be there and is ready for the title defence:

'I've had a great winter training and I am up for the challenge of defending the Euro Series title. Hopefully I can repeat the consistency of 2012 and take the overall series win again. My season started well last week in the 4X ProTour with a 3rd place so I'm looking to improve on that in Winterberg'.

The challenge will surely come from Tomas Slavik, winner of the first round of the 4X ProTour last week, but expect Michal Prokop, Quentin Derbier, Michael Mechura, Felix Beckeman, Joost Wichman and the rest of the European 4X guys to push hard for the win.

Women's race:

Defending women's Champion, also from the UK, Katy Curd is also up for the challenge:

'Last week I took the win at the opening round of the 4X ProTour in Poland, so I am in good form coming into Winterberg. There are always a lot of women racing in the Euro 4X Series so I am looking forward to battling in Winterberg and getting the 2013 Series started'.

Celine Gros, Lucia Oetjen, Steffi Marth and plenty of local women will be gunning to beat Katy for sure.

The great news is that the race will be shown live on the internet. www.bigair.tv will be showing the whole race from start to finish on Sunday 19th May.

Information – Schwalbe Euro 4X Series:

The Schwalbe Euro 4X Series began in 2010 and has provided some fantastic racing, influenced new up and coming riders and maintained steady growth ever since. Providing an opportunity for riders to experience international 4X racing in a relaxed environment at tracks that are fun and flowing was the aim for series. Now in it's 4th year, the series continues to grow and provide the vital link between National Series events and the 4X ProTour.

Michael Kull, Schwalbe Global Marketing said:

'Schwalbe are really happy to continue with the title sponsor of the Euro Fourcross Series. Schwalbe have sponsored the best 4X riders in the World for the past few years and we are very proud to continue with our sponsorship of the Euro Fourcross Series in 2013. We continue to see 4X growing stronger and we look forward to a great partnership with the Euro 4X Series over the next few years'.

Chris Roberts, joint Euro 4X Series organizer said:

'The Schwalbe Euro 4X Series has provided some of the best 4X racing ever seen in the last 3 years. We are looking forward to plenty more in 2013 in Winterberg, Harthill and Leibstadt'.