Quite exciting news here, mainly because the first round will be in the UK at Innerleithen and online registration is open.

This year, the iXS Downhill Series will again include a wide range of race events. First and foremost is the “iXS European Downhill Cup”, with venues in 7 countries. In addition to races in Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland there will also be events in Great Britain and the Czech Republic. This makes the international series second in importance only to the World Cup. The website for registration to take part in the first race in Innerleithen has now been activated. The dates for Cup events are as follows:

29 – 30 May 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #1 Innerleithen (GBR)
12 – 13 June 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #2 Verbier (SUI)
26 – 27 June 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #3 Leogang (AUT)
3 – 4 July 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #4 Ilmenau (GER)
14 – 15 August 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #5 Špičák (CZE)
21 – 22 August 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #6 Pila (ITA)
11 – 12 September 2010 iXS European Downhill Cup #7 Châtel (FRA)

iXS Sports Division also sponsors two national race series, both of which are sure to attract attention again. The „iXS Swiss Downhill Cup” and its younger brother, the “iXS German Downhill Cup”, will both run over four races in the coming season. The high profile of both series is reflected by the large numbers of competitors, also from the international community. This year the Swiss Cup includes two new venues, both well-known on the downhill scene: Monte Tamaro will be the location for the first race in the series and, after a break of several years, Crans Montana will once again be hosting an event. The race dates for the series are as follows:

1 – 2 May 2010 iXS Swiss Downhill Cup #1 Monte Tamaro
17 – 18 July 2010 iXS Swiss Downhill Cup #2 Wiriehorn
28 – 29 August 2010 iXS Swiss Downhill Cup #3 Crans Montana
2 – 3 October 2010 iXS Swiss Downhill Cup #4 Bellwald

22 – 23 May 2010 iXS German Downhill Cup #1 Winterberg
10 – 11 July 2010 iXS German Downhill Cup #2 Rittershausen
24 – 25 July 2010 iXS German Downhill Cup #3 Bad Wildbad
25 – 26 September 2010 iXS German Downhill Cup #4 Thale

And, finally, the iXS Rookies Cup will be flying the flag for up-and-coming riders. This iXS series, now in its fourth year and thus the newest iXS series, will again be visiting four bike parks. Competitors aged 11 or above can join the starting line for one of the following races:

24 May 2010 iXS Rookies Cup #1 Winterberg (GER)
5 – 6 June2010 iXS Rookies Cup #2 Ochsenkopf (GER)
31 July – 1 August 2010 iXS Rookies Cup #3 Steinach (GER)
7 – 8 August 2010 iXS Rookies Cup #4 Anzère (SUI)

For further information visit ixsdownhillcup.com.