This weekend the World Cup starts in Petrópolis cross country, putting Brazil back on the international mountain bike radar six years after the Olympic Games. The route promises to be modern and technical (see the video referring to a ride on the Petropolis route).
We remind you that LIVE can be followed on Red Bull TV.
XCO - Elite F: 16 Italian hours and Elite M: 19.15 Italian time
Petrópolis is the hometown of local cyclist Henrique Avancini, UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Champion 2018, the first Brazilian mountain bike cyclist to ever win a UCI world title.
Henrique Avancini: “It is an opportunity to show the world my hometown and the MTB culture my people have developed. It is an opportunity to bring fun and action to my city, a very special place for me ”.
Evie Richards: “I'm not sure what to expect this season. I had a really good winter, I trained very hard and my coaches and I worked so hard to make sure I was ready to represent the iris well. My big goal is the world champion. It was so amazing to wear this shirt. I just want to do my best to defend it and the world championships take place in Les Gets (France), which is my favorite venue, so I'm super excited to be racing there this year. "
“I've never been to Brazil. So, it's super exciting for me to get to a new place and race where the fans are so passionate. I expect big crowds, lots of sunshine and a really fun first World Cup with my Trek teammates. "
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot: “I am happy to come to Brazil for the second time in my career. I love the Brazilian audience. People are really nice and welcoming. I can't wait for it to arrive on Friday and Sunday to race and get to know the Brazilian fans a little more ”.
Loana lecomte: “I am happy to start the World Cup season in Brazil. Before getting on the plane, I saw photos of the circuit on social media and it really made me want to race. Even though I won the absolute World Cup last year, the counters are back to zero, I don't have a specific goal for this first race, the season is long ”.
Mathias Fluckiger: “Especially in Brazil and South America, mountain biking has certainly grown a lot. You can hear a huge resonance from there and it's great. I still remember what the Olympics were like in Rio. The fans are very excited. This makes me really happy ”.
What will we see in this 2022?
Will the young Loana Lecomte and Evie Richards continue to fly high and dominate like they did in 2021?
How will experienced athletes Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Jolanda Neff respond to talented young athletes?
Who will stand out in a very close men's competition? Keep an eye out for reigning World Cup overall winner Mathias Flückiger (SUI), World Cup winners Victor Koretzky, Henrique Avancini and Christopher Blevins and the legend Nino Schurter.
To find out, we just have to follow the action of the World Cup live and for free on Red Bull TV this Friday and Sunday.
Opening hours
XCC
- The Women's Elite final will take place on Friday 8 April at 21:30 pm (Italian Time)
- The Men's Elite Final will take place on Friday 8 April at 22:15 pm (Italian Time)
XCOM
- The Women's Elite final will take place on Sunday 10 April at 16:00 (Italian time)
- The Men's Elite final will take place on Sunday 10 April at 19 pm (Italian time)
