Hobby bikers from twenty nations unite in Saalbach Hinterglemm for the 12th World Games of Mountainbiking.

Around thousand bikers determine the Amateur World Champion in the disciplines Marathon, Cross Country, Downhill and Dual-Eliminator.

With the brand new Joker Card all World Games competitors hold a trump card in their hands. Upon booking a World Games accommodation package in a Joker Card partner accommodation, the lift ticket is included among a lot of other benefits.

Olympic gold medalist honors amateur champions
This year a prominent guest will honor the worldgames champions in the marathon ceremony: ski champion Stefan Eberharter. The triple World Champion, Olympic Champion and two-time overall World Cup Champion celebrated his career breakthrough at the World Alpine Ski Championships 1991 in Saalbach Hinteglemm as double World Champion.

Live-Timing on www.worldgames.at 
For the first time at the World Games of Mountain Biking all marathon times are transmitted over the Internet, so those who stayed at home and all spectaors can follow live, where the  athletes are.

The Topography of the Pinzgauer Grass Mountains offers altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 metres - an ideal setup for Marathonists. A total round of 80.44 Kilometres and an altitude of 3,678 metres which will challenge the strength and endurance of the Marathon participants. On the other hand “only” 42.77 Kilometres and height of 1,980 metres have to be tackled in the Half Marathon. Perfect for Marathon Novices is the shorter round with 31 Kilometres and an altitude of 1,160 metres.

The Spectators cheer on their heroes not only at the Finish line, but also on the highest points of the route, such as on the Zwölferkogel and on the Schattberg, where you will be entertained with Music. The Zwölferkogel and Schattberg are also easily reachable by the gondola lift for spectators and companions.

Pure Suspense by Cross Country! Alternating Up and Downhills and challenging Single trails throughout the 2,600Metre long circular course call for skill and endurance. Only who is fit enough to make the final sprint into the pedestrian area crossing the finishing line first is a well deserved World Games Champion! The finals of the Cross Country take place on Friday.
With Full-Speed to the podium! The varied Downhill course is 1,9 kilometers long and rises to an altitude of 498 meters through varied and, in some cases, quite demanding terrain on natural single trails, root and rock sections, jumps and hairpin bends back down to the centre of Hinterglemm.

Breathtaking action at the Dual-Eliminator: A brandnew Dual track was built at the Reiterkogel for the DAKINE Freeride Festival. So  this year the Freeride-Eliminator is replaced by a Dual-Eliminator. Two Bikers start together on the twisty course at the bottom station of the Reiterkogel lift – that requests speed and tactics. Who will forge ahead in the first corner? Who has the better ellbow tactics? Only the fastest of each heat qualifies for the next round.

A highlight for Kids: the SCOTT USA Junior Trophy! For once a Mountainbike Race just like the adult’s race. Riding over the same finishing terrain as the Professionals. Cheered on by countless enthusiastic spectators. Get into the race atmosphere, it’s not only great fun for the Kids but also for the Parents and Spectators.

The World Games Party in the Marquee on Saturday evening is legendary. With Live Band Gerry & Gary: The Munich Musicians will wow the crowd with their performance and after a couple of minutes everyone will be dancing on their seats.

This event has been an Institution for a long time for the Hobby Bikers and the Race Calender would not be the same without it. The Marathon Route is signposted the whole year through – perfect for Training for the World Games of Mountainbiking.


Media accreditation
Online at www.worldgames.at