Cycling: After starting on the Tuscan coast in Punta Ala, Italy, the European Enduro Series advances into new and spectacular realms and moves on to the "Bike Republic Sölden". The second stop in the series will take place there as part of the opening of Open Borders. From icy glaciers to crunchy root paths, every imaginable terrain is there for the drivers on July 4th and 5th, 2015.
Sölden is well known as a place of superlatives. Whether winter tourism, après ski or the Alpine Ski World Cup, Sölden has them all. But winter sports alone are not the only way to prove yourself in the Tyrolean Alps, the Ötztal is becoming more and more famous for its network of great single trails and for hosting fascinating bike events. With the Bike Republic Sölden, an unmistakable brand is created on the basis of a clear vision, which is clearly distinguishable from other bike regions not only by extensive terrain, diverse trails or Tyrol's largest pump track. The unique Ötztal dialect was not forgotten when it was created - every republic has its own language, including the newly founded Bike Republic Sölden. The Ötztal dialect flows into the naming of the various lines and characterizes the characteristics of the trails in a very special way. The variety of trails makes Sölden a huge playground for bikers, where all-mountain bikers, endurists and freeriders get their money's worth.
Sölden is thus establishing itself more and more from an insider tip to a mountain bike hotspot and it is about time that the elite of European enduro riders paid a visit to Sölden. On July 4th and 5th, 2015, the trails all around the Ötztal Glacier will take off directly from the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the fascinating landscape of the valley, one of the highlights will be the start on the Rettenbach glacier at 3.247 m above sea level. Over a total of 24,56km, the first enduro race in the region leads directly to the center of Sölden and also over the idiosyncratic 'Tear Line' - a 6km long pump track with 130 curves, part of the 'Bike Republic Sölden'. From flowing trails to technical parts, the five stages will push the riders to their limits. To guarantee the maximum trail yield during the race, the Sölder mountain railways are integrated.
The venue Sölden is located in the middle of the Tyrolean Alps, more precisely in the upper Ötztal. It is a unique hotspot in Austria that has no less than 250 peaks over 3000m high, three of which - the "BIG 3" with special viewing platforms, are the highlights among them. Sölden is a spectacular location that, in addition to the beautiful landscape, also offers sporting challenges.
In the second stop of the EES, pros and amateurs will once again compete against each other. Robert Williams (GBR), last year's overall winner, has already registered for the entire tour and will also start in Sölden. After the first stop in Tuscany, where he finished 3rd, the form seems to be right. The winner of Punta Ala, Michal Prokop (CZE), has already been registered and wants to extend his lead in Sölden. It goes over the eternal ice of the Rettenbach glacier - the second stop of the EES guarantees an exciting race in a unique environment.