June 13, 2008 (Snekkersten, Denmark) – The International Cycling Union’s (UCI) Management Committee has approved the 2009 calendar for the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano. The committee approved the calendar during its meeting in Snekkersten, Denmark, on June 12 and 13.

New initiatives for the 2009 season

World Cup downhill races have already taken place in Stellenbosh, South Africa, in 1997 and 1998 but for the first time in World Cup history, the world’s best will gather on the African continent for a triple event in 2009. The South African town of Pietermaritzburg will open the season for Olympic cross-country, downhill and 4-cross. The downhill star Greg Minnaar will definitely want to shine in his home town. This season’s cross-country revelation, Burry Stander, will also have the chance to prove himself on his home ground.

The mythical cross-country site, Houffalize, will host, for the first time, the World Cup 4-cross riders.

Overall, eight legs will be organized for each discipline at 12 different sites. Taking into account the UCI World Championships, which will take place in Canberra, Australia, four continents will provide mountain bike athletes with the chance to prove themselves in 2009.

In order to finalize the calendar for the 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, the events on May 9-10 and on August 1-2 will soon be confirmed. The 2009 calendar is available on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup page here. Get ready for a 2009 season that promises to be an exciting one.