Let the Trick Showdown Begin at 26TRIX in Leogang

Even though seconds don’t count at the 26TRIX contest like they do in the downhill and four-cross races this weekend, it’s still going to be a thriller. A field of world-class riders will battle it out for precious FMB World Tour ranking points on June 13th and 14th. Today the pre-qualifiers rode the fast and flowy course. The top ten rippers have advanced to the qualifications tomorrow and will compete against the elite set riders.


An awesome atmosphere, FMB World Tour points and a course to go nuts on! It’s no surprise that the best athletes on the scene have signed up for the 26TRIX contest. With three FMB victories already under his belt this season, will Thomas Genon be the man to beat? One thing is for certain: it’s not going to be easy for the Belgian since many others are gunning for the win. The trick giant from Sweden, Martin Soderstrom, is back in the saddle after his injury and looking as strong as ever. His fellow countryman Anton Thelander never ceases to impress the judges with his consistent riding style. The powerhouses, Great Britain and Canada are each sending over four athletes, including Sam Pilgrim (GBR), the reigning FMB champion and last year’s 26TRIX winner. Antoine Bizet (FRA) and Matt Jones (GBR) have shown their double backflips earlier this year and we can expect to see them once more in Leogang. Szymon Godziek (POL) and Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) will also be on an even playing field as they both have the stunning cashroll trick on lock down.


The level of raw talent at this year’s 26TRIX contest is best illustrated by today’s pre-qualification. 40 riders from all over the world – Colombia to Canada, Croatia to Finland – have put their skills to the dirt with hopes of earning one of the ten much sought-after places in the main contest. Young Swede, Max Fredriksson proved to be the on top form and pre-qualified first this afternoon. Two of the hottest Italians, Torquato Testa (ITA) and Diego Caverzasi (ITA), followed closely behind. Tomorrow, on Friday June 13th between 2:30 – 4:15 pm – they will face the 20 set-riders in the qualification. Only 12 of those athletes will then make it the grand finale on Saturday (starting at 7:30 pm), where an additional 1,000 euro will be up for grabs at the “GoPro Best Trick” competition.



Here are the set-riders:



And the ten best pre-qualifiers:



Even though 26TRIX will provide jaw-dropping action at the highest level, there is much more to see at this year’s Out of Bounds Festival. On Saturday, starting at 5:30 pm, the winner of the UCI Four-cross rainbow-jersey will be determined in a series of spectacular races. The speed-kings will hit the “Speedster” track for the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup on Sunday from 12:30 pm. Everything is ready to make sure you don’t miss a moment of fun. Two action spots with live screens and commentary as well as great music guarantee to get the most of the amazing race. Signing-sessions, give-aways and pit-chat-wisdom will be served-at-will in the extensive Team & Expo-Area between competitions. Overall, medals will be handed out left, right and centre to the best mountain bike athletes in the world this weekend. Naturally, this can only mean that there is a lot to celebrate! DJ Darius & Finlay will be providing the beats at the Oe3 After Bike Party on Saturday (9 pm) and on Sunday (6 pm).