June 18, 2010 (Leogang, Austria) – Leogang is a new venue for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano, and is already receiving praise from riders. The site will play host this weekend to round four of the 4-cross series and round three of the downhill competition, as the gravity racers come to the end of the Spring season in the run up to their national and continental championships.

The 4-cross course was designed and built by German professional racer Guido Tschugg. It is already proving to be a hit with the riders thanks to some good line options and overtaking sections. Unfortunately, Tschugg won’t get to race on his creation, since he crashed and fractured his ankle in Willingen, Germany, last weekend.

However, there is more than enough competition to satisfy spectators. In the women’s competition, Czech rider Jana Horáková continues to lead the series with 220 points, but will be absent as she prepares for BMX World Championships. This leaves local Austrian star Anita Molcik (only 40 points back), the chance to benefit from local support. Defending World Cup champion Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center), is still looking for her first win of the season.

In the men’s competition, World Champion and defending World Cup champion Jared Graves (Yeti Fox Shox) has opened a commanding lead over his two RSP 4-cross rivals Joost Wichman and Tomas Slavik. It is unlikely that either could overtake Graves with a win in Leogang, but it would put them back into contention.

The downhill course is also drawing praise, and it will take a complete rider to do well here. It is a mixture of different courses – steep in places (like Champéry), slippery, root-studded sections, (like the Schladming course it replaces) and a middle section with grass banks, plus manmade turns and jumps. There has been considerable rain over the past week, but organizers have been working hard to keep it rideable.

The women’s competition is neck and neck between rivals Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Rachel Atherton (Commencal). Each has a win in the first two rounds, and Jonnier leads by a slim 15 points. Floriane Pugin (Scott 11) is also still in contention, just 75 points behind Jonnier.

For the men, it is similarly close with Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) leading another Commencal-sponsored Atherton – Gee – by the same 15 points. Again, each has a win apiece, and the pair is well ahead of third placed Cameron Cole (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain). Another rider who can’t be counted out is Sam Hill (Monster-Energy-Mad Catz-Specialized), who will be looking to return to competition after missing the second round in Fort William, Scotland due to a training accident.

Action begins this evening with the 4-cross qualifications.