The European series will start in Switzerland this season and, as was to be expected, many international notables of the Downhill sports can be found in the starting lists. More than 300 cyclists will be at the start of the new course.

The contingent for the free category was exhausted shortly after registration opened. The licensed classes, however, also quickly reached the limit boundaries. However, it is quite clear that not quantity but quality counts with the iXS European Downhill Cup.  The Scott 11 Team around Claudio Caluori can be regarded as a firm institution of this racing series. It is, however, questionable whether Nick Beer (SUI - Scott 11) can defend his title as overall winner of the series for a fourth time. It is already a fact that he will have a lot of competition and the performance density at the top will be even greater. Many World Cup cyclists have already signalled that they will participate in the European Cup this year.

The starters list of Monte Tamaro contains famous names such as the former Junior World Champion Brook MacDonald (NZL - Evil Bikes), Adam Vagner (CZE - RockMachine), Wyn Masters (NZL - Kenda PLAYBIKER) or the Red Bull cyclist Filip Polc (CZE - Evil Bikes).  However, one should also have the incumbent national champions Marcus Klausmann (GER - Ghost ATG) and Lorenzo Suding (ITA - Black Arrows) on the list. There will also be fierce competition right from the beginning in the Elite Women’s Class for the important points for the overall standing. Miriam Ruchti (SUI - Suspension Center) will not find it easy repeating her overall victory this season. 

It’s a fact that the season will be exciting and everyone is keen to put their performance ability to the test after the long winter break. Monte Tamaro will be the first big race for most of them and therefore first orientation in the international comparison.