IXS DOWNHILL CUP / SPECIALIZED ROCKSHOX ROOKIES CUP PROVISIONAL CALENDAR 2021

Of course, we also think that it is somehow not the time for big, long-term announcements, but we would still like to continue planning and provide an outlook for a possible 2021 season. Since autumn last year we have been trying to set up a racing calendar that, despite the adverse and changing circumstances, may be feasible in the end. Back in October we dared to predict what the coming season might look like and we're quite optimistic at the time, that racing would be possible again. To be honest, we had the hope that the entire Corona issue would develop a little less negative over the winter months and that the positive effects of the measures introduced could be recognised more quickly.

We had also hoped that the events would stay more under control and that they would offer a more favorable starting position for future planning, after all, our experiences from last summer were generally quite positive. Unfortunately, the pandemic still has us firmly in its grip and with the current situation it seems easy to lose optimism. Nevertheless, or precisely because of this, we dare a hopeful outlook at the upcoming season, even if it is currently clear that the coming summer will still be determined by the pandemic.

The first, cautious draft of the 2021 calendar was based on planning that almost corresponded to the framework conditions before the pandemic. However, it was clear to us from the start that especially large-scale events with a festival character would be the most problematic events and had already agreed on potential alternative dates with the respective participants. Since the current situation does not allow any prospect of a quick improvement, the festivals have now all been set for a later date as well. Leading to the fact that, the entire planning was adjusted again before our already and deliberately late scheduled publication of the calendar. According to the current circumstances, our racing season does not start until June, to provide a longer time span to get the infection process back under control. Despite the current situation, we have the opinion that races will be possible in the summer months, even if there may be some adjustments to the process and the rules of conduct. We are glad that despite these difficult conditions we still have so many event partners who continue to actively promote this subculture of sport and keep it alive. Below you find the provisional racing calendar for our three series. For the reasons mentioned above, unfortunately no registration for complete cups can be made for 2021 at the beginning of the season.

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iXS European Downhill Cup

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iXS Downhill Cup

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Specialized RockShox Rookies Cup

As you can see, some of the annual events are missing for a variety of reasons. Some places are currently under construction, others have put everything on hold due to the difficult winter season because there is simply no income. But we can reassure that all races that are not listed will be part of the schedule again next year.

One of the most noticeable changes is certainly that the date of the race in Maribor is in the middle of the week, but this is deliberately chosen because, for the first time in the history of the iXS Cup, we provide a ten-day racing program with the EDC #2 in Pila, the EDC #3 and the subsequent European championship in Maribor. Another change might raise the question why the iXS Dirt Masters in Winterberg does not include a Specialized RockShox Rookies Cup race this year. The reason for this is simply the fact that there is no public holiday on the correlating date in September and therefore unfortunately there is no time for it in the program.

Therefore, this is our cautious forecast for a hopefully possible season in 2021.

We wish for the coming season, if it can take place as planned, to meet as many racing riders as possible at our events to support all participating organizers and to revive our beloved sport after a difficult phase.

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SUPPORT THE DOWNHILL SPORT

Finally, we would like to express a big thank you to our sponsors, especially as they continue to believe in the sport and are still at our side despite the rather manageable consideration last year. Thanks to iXS, Red Bull, Maxxis, BMO, Specialized and SRAM.

-iXS Downhill Cup / Specialized RockShox Rookies Cup