iXS European Downhill Cup - Châtel Preview

This September is one of the busiest months for the European downhill elite. Right after the World Championships the sixth and therefore second-last race of the iXS European Downhill Cup is scheduled. And right afterwards the finals of the European and World Cup will be held straight away.

Châtel, situated in the Portes du Soleil region, is part of the European Cup since five years now, and therefore one of the most established races of the series. As the race has usually been the final round in the past years, it will succeeded by another stop this year. It is still an important race with valuable points to win the overall series, with over 200 riders from 20 nations taking part, amongst them Mickael Pascal (FRA - CK Racing), Markus Pekoll (AUT - MS Mondraker), Johannes Fischbach (GER - Ghost Factory Racing) and Floriane Pugin (FRA - Scott 11).

Johann Potgieter (RSA - Canfield Factory Racing) is currently leading the overall series, closely followed by Robin Wallner (SWE - Team Åre Bikepark) and Markus Pekoll. In the Elite Women Emmeline Ragot (FRA - MS Mondraker) is still leading, but the current Swiss Champion Miriam Ruchti (SUI - SC-Intense) is chasing her. Marcus Hansson (SWE - Hanssonbil.se) has secured the most points in the U17 category, but did Ferdinand Brunold (GER - Mag41.com Racing Team), currently second, could already draw attention on him for a few times this season.

The weather looks favourable this time, the total opposite to last year’s race, where it slightly snowed for the finals. The GoPro Course Check will give an insight into the course, which is 1.5 km long and drops about 300m on its way. We are curious which rider Claudio Caluori will pick as pilot and commentator from his Scott 11 team. More information, the live report from the race including video race footage produced by Red Bull Media House can be found at ixsdownhillcup.com.