This weekend marks the debut of a new circuit in the World Cup, specifically Crans-Montana in Switzerland.
This event is the fifth round of the 2024 XCO and Short Track World Cup, part of the eight-race calendar for the year. It follows last week’s competition in Val di Sole and promises thrilling action with its fast and highly technical course.
The Crans-Montana XC Course: Alpine Inferno
Initial videos from recent training sessions reveal a course filled with rock gardens and steep descents, resulting in significant crashes and some criticism from riders and spectators alike.
The 3.5 km track includes 162 meters of vertical gain per lap, featuring long, extended climbs on narrow, winding forest trails with root obstacles. Downhill sections demand the utmost skill from riders, with large rock gardens, drops, ramps, logs, and highly technical obstacles. Playing it safe on these segments might be wise, saving attacks for the climbs.
Key Absences Due to the Proximity of the Olympic Race
Several notable riders will miss this fifth round due to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic race on July 28 and 29. French riders Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Victor Koretzky (the current men’s overall leader), and American Savilia Blunk, early-season favourites, will not be at the starting line.
However, World Champion Tom Pidcock returns to the Cup. He will compete a week before the Tour de France and after participating in the Tour of Switzerland. Although he is the initial favourite, the high technical demands and danger of the course might lead him to avoid risks ahead of the Tour and the Olympics.
Top Contenders and Spanish Participation
Nino Schurter, fresh off his victory last week in Val di Sole, will be Pidcock’s main rival. Anything other than a win by one of these two would be a surprise. In the women’s category, the race is more open with several contenders: current leader Haley Batten, Alessandra Keller, Loana Lecomte, and Puck Pieterse.
For the Spanish contingent, the BH Coloma team stands out, with David Valero and Jofre Cullell leading the charge in the men’s races.
