Once again, there will be XCO and short track (XCC) racing together. All this again on the American continent, afterwards the opening stage the previous week in Mairipora.
Where is it?
The second venue of the year is located about seven hours north of the first, Mairiporã. Araxá is a municipality in the western region of Minas Gerais, in the south of the country. Its highest point is 973 meters above sea level and its population amounts to just over 107.000 people.
For those runners feeling the inevitable strain of their return to action the previous weekend there is good news: Araxá is famous for its spa and wellness facilities. In the center is the Grande Hotel Termas de Araxá. First opened in 1944, the vast resort is famous for its medicinal muds and mineral waters.
Have there been races here before?
Yes, even in abundance! The venue celebrated 20 years of international racing at the UCI level this year and is poised to begin its third decade with its debut in the UCI World Cup. The route that winds through the forest to the back of the main resort building is well signposted and many Brazilian XCO circuit races have taken place around it.
How is the track?
The course is cut through the forest itself and has a good mix of energy-sapping, high-speed flat sections and fast, natural descents through the trees. Danger: red clay in rain!
