Once again this year, the biggest bike festival in Tessin offers an extensive supporting program with a major expo in the city center. Unlike in previous years, however, there is no short track (XCC) race on the agenda. The CIC Swiss Bike Cup races are held in Trevano behind the Cornèr Arena, the home stadium of HC Lugano, on a revised course. Steep, natural forest runs and attractive urban elements are the hallmarks of the XCO route.

Finishing touches for Litscher, Frischknecht, Guerrini and Griot

Many of the top drivers have already left for Brazil, where the first two World Cups of the Olympic season are taking place. Lugano, for example, is missing the current overall CIC Swiss Bike Cup leaders, Alessandra Keller and Vital Albin (both Thömus maxon). Not so Thomas Litscher (Lapierre-Mavic Unity XC Team), the reigning Swiss champion in short track: The veteran started the season late on Monte Tamaro after a severe flu had set him back in his preparations. In Lugano, he wants to continue refining his form.

Zurich Oberlander Andri Frischknecht (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team) wants to get the last race toughness in Lugano. Frischknecht won the overall Swiss Bike Cup standings in 2021 and wants to collect important world ranking points again on the Sunday before the start of the World Cup.

Similar situation with Marcel Guerrini (BIXS Performance Race Team): After he had to unexpectedly skip the first two CIC Swiss Bike Cup races this season, the Luzerner urgently needs a position assessment and a final competition test before the first World Cup.

However, the Swiss will by no means be alone; Frenchman Thomas Griot (CANYON CLLCTV XCO), for example, will start in Lugano. The current world number 10 was in the leading group at Monte Tamaro (12th), but had to let go after a mistake. The Frenchman is once again starting in Tessin to show his true form.

More than 500 participants in 19 categories are expected in Lugano over the weekend.