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30/05/08 After a three-week break, the Mountain Bike World Cup gets under way again this week-end in Andorra. Premont and Absalon (cross-country), Jonnier and Hill (downhill), Berteen and Alvarez de Lara (4-cross) are the leaders going into the competition. But the other participants won't spare them. We should be prepared for a few surprises during these Andorran races at altitude.

The show must go on!

Five out of the twelve World Cup rounds of the season have already delivered their verdicts. However, it is only in the sixth round that all three major disciplines are brought together. The first triple World Cup event this year will begin tomorrow in Cedric Gracia's garden, in Andorra. It is the first time that the region hosts a World Cup and everything has been set up to provide a show-like atmosphere…Whether watching live at the venue, on television (Europsport 2 is broadcasting the 4-cross live on Saturday) or on your computer, the show promises to be exciting. It is an event not to be missed

In 4-cross, the favourites were caught out in Maribor: Lopes, Wichmann and Saladini (Team Sunn) all failed to make it to the final. Revenge will be in the air. However, competitors should be wary of Alvarez de Lara (Spain), who won in Maribor and is the first leader of the year. For Anneke Beerten (Ms-Intense Factory-Team), the objective will be to keep her white World Cup leader's jersey.

In the downhill competition, Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis) reminded everyone that she was indeed the boss of the circuit by winning the inaugural stage. But Rachel Atherton (Animal Commençal) didn't enjoy leaving the first place to the French rider. We could also bet on Emmeline Ragot (Suspension Center) and on Floriane Pugin (Playbiker Iron Horse), while we should expect a reaction from Tracy Moseley (Kona) who finished in only 8th position in Slovenia. Finally, in the men’s competition, Sam Hill (Monster Energy Iron Horse) won his fourth World Cup in a row in Maribor and he doesn't intend to stop there. Especially now, since the humid weather conditions prevailing in Andorra should suit him perfectly. However, there are more than a few who would like to take the Australian World Champion's place on the highest step of the podium: Julien Camellini (Intense Chain Reaction) who's dreaming of a first international victory, but also Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) who hasn't won any major events for the last two seasons.

As far as cross-country is concerned, Julien Absalon (Orbea) will keep his leader's jersey after this race, no matter what. Indeed, after three consecutive victories, the French rider is 305 points ahead of Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory). Christoph Sauser has an ambitious Swiss colony behind him, with Florian Vogel (Swisspower MTB Team) a brand new Europe champion, along with Nino Schurter (Swisspower MTB Team) and Ralf Näf (Multivan Merida Biking Team), who will attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games. Most importantly, we mustn't forget Jose Hermida (Multivan Merida Biking Team) who dreams of imposing his national champion's jersey a few steps from home. In the women’s competition, with Gunn Rita Dahle's (Multivan Merida Biking Team), come-back and victory in Madrid, Marie Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain) will have to battle to retain her first place. Not to be overlooked is the Chinese Chenguyan Ren, who is capable of a great performance on the Pyrenean circuit.

All races are to be followed live on the Internet: Mountain Bike World Cup in Andorra

The 4-cross race will be broadcast live on Eurosport 2 on Saturday from 6pm.

Source: UCI

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