DOWNHILL
Downhill is the most spectacular and adrenaline-packed event in the mountain bike world. It can be compared to alpine skiing downhill, it takes place on purposely built tracks which feature a mix of natural sections, on compact terrain with rocks or roots, and man-made sections with jumps and parabolic curves. Timed runs seed athletes for the final, with the fastest rider from the timed run going last which always builds tension and excitement. The final consists of single runs, in which every rider has to finish the course in the shortest time possible.
Val di Sole trail
Downhill races will be held on the legendary Black Snake in Daolasa, resort that will play host to 4Cross on a special track. The course is among the favourite ones in the world and hosted memorable races such as the one in 2008 on the occasion of the prestigious World Champs, when one of the legends of the discipline, Australia’s Sam Hill, missed a sure win due to a crash on a bent just before the finish line. The Black Snake has recently been included as a fixture in the UCI World Cup MTB, leading to 2016, when Val di Sole will host the World Championships Masters and Elite. The trail builder team, headed by Pippo Marani, continues to design a track, which is a prefect mix between speed, spectacle and technical sections. The last upgrading of the Black Snake was carried out in 2015: the track is 300 m longer, reaching 2,200 m with 540 m elevation gain/drop. On the upper part there is a fast flow section with a thrilling road jump, while the Hell section remains the same: an impressive wall of rocks and roots before the final Pippo Jump.
FOUR CROSS
Four cross, or 4X, is the development of one of the historical knobbly-tyre bike races, Dual Slalom. Current competitions remind of Boarder Cross on Snowboards, featuring four athletes – instead of 2 in the Dual Slalom – who race shoulder to shoulder on a steep technical track wide enough to play host to the tough battle, about 30 seconds long (about 600 metres). The race board is like a tennis match, athletes run in groups of 4 and only the first 2 will go on to the second round. Events begin with qualifying rounds progressing through exciting knockout stages until the semi-finals and final are reached with the last 4 riders battling it out for victory.
Val di Sole track
Daolasa will play host to 4Cross events, on a track built near the final section of the Black Snake. It was designed for 2008 World Champs and it is among the most spectacular and fast-flowing tracks in the world. Jumps, parabolic curves, dips and rocky sections provide a great show for the public crowded on the stands. It is not only the longest 4X Pro Tour circuit track, the equivalent of the World Cup in Four Cross, with the famous Pro Line, a section only for expert riders due to three long and treacherous double. The whole event from the knockout series to the finals will be held at night.
TRIALS
Trials is a very enthralling event. It is always an individual race, and it does not take place on a long track as for instance Cross-country or on a steep slope, as downhill, but on a limited section. It can be completely natural, inside a quarry or man-made, in any case it has to be designed for the purpose. Two special bikes are used according to their wheels size: 20” and 26”. Riders attempt to get over obstacles with difficulty different levels within a certain time limit. Results depend on the time employed and number of penalty points received. Riders must not make mistakes; they have to smoothly negotiate each section without touching the ground with their feet or other part of their bodies in order to obtain the lowest number of penalties.
Vermiglio race area
On the occasion of the UCI World Championships Elite, Trials will be held in Vermiglio. In a completely natural environment, with obstacles taken directly from the territory, 10 different sections will be set up for the races dedicated to 20” and 26” categories. Spectators will be able to watch the spectacular performances of the athletes from the stands. (by Cristiano Guarco).
Alberto Penasa - Azienda Turismo Val di Sole
Viale Marconi, 7 - 3827 - Malè - (TN)
Tel. +39.0463.900863 - Fax +39.0463.901563
www.valdisole.net - penasa.a@valdisole.net
