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World Cup Mountain Bike Season Begins As we know, the World Cup of mountain bike racing is run and owned by cycling's governing body, the UCI (Union Cycliste International). Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the UCI makes a schedule each year of 16 events; eight cross-country (XC) and eight downhill/dual (DH/DL) races around the world. With the exception of one double race at Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec, Canada, (where both XC and DH/DL will be held), the two tours are totally separate. Then there is the one-event World Championships, typically held at the end of the season. Last but not least are the Olympic Games, which include cross-country only which was added for the first time in 1996. Since the Games aren't being held until September (because of Australia's wacky weather down under), the World Championships have been rescheduled to June. That's what makes this season (at least for XC racers) so unique. The World Championships are early, the Olympics late. So everyone is trying to figure out how to train, when to peak and, in many cases, whether or not they'll even be on their nation's Olympic squad. The first races this spring will give a good indication of who is in shape, but will be useless in indicating who to watch for come September. Almost useless, as it already seems clear that defending gold medalist Bart Brentjens (NED, Subaru-Specialized) is back in form and rarin' to go this season. Otherwise, we have no idea, because the season is still 48 hours away from this writing. There are hundreds of men and women racing the World Cup on any given weekend, but only a couple dozen women and a passel of men campaign the entire eight rounds and can actually make the podium. And the number of competitors who are capable of winning is even smaller, so it's not too hard to highlight the people you should be watching. Go ahead, mark our words.
Women to watch in 2000: Marga Fullana (ESP, Subaru-Specialized) is the World Champion and can seemingly win any race she enters. Problem is, she doesn't like to travel without her boyfriend (who hates to travel period), so it limits her racing. Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR, DBS) almost won the overall last year, and just gets stronger every season. She'll probably pick her races and be all over the podium. Annabella Stropparo (ITA, Volvo-Cannondale) was 3rd overall in '99 and did well in the '96 Olympics. Expect to see her on the World Cup podium this season. Alison Dunlap (USA, Team GT) is America's sweetheart – and the country's best mountain biker. She likes this year's schedule and already has a road and MTB win under her belt. Wild Card: Hedda Zu Puttlitz (GER, Be-One) has quietly been speeding up the past few seasons, and looked strong at Sea Otter, while Mary Grigson (AUS, Gary Fisher/Saab) is rejuvenated with a new team and hometown Olympic dreams.
Men to watch in 2000: Bas Van Dooren (NED, Be-One) is always a threat, but looks white-hot this year. He hasn't proven he has the longevity for a World Cup title, but if he peaks in June and again in September... watch out. Christoph Sauser (SUI, Volvo-Cannondale) is the hot young gun, the next Evans/Martinez. He's also a cool-headed, nice guy who is fun to root for. Michael Rasmussen (DEN, Haro/Lee Dungarees) won the '99 Worlds with authority, and hasn't slowed down. If he doesn't go out too hard too early this season, could be the upset star of '00. Filip Meirhaeghe (BEL, Subaru-Specialized) is an unknown at this point in the season, but knows how to peak at just the right time. Has the experience and strength to step it up to a new level in 2000. Wild Card(s): The French. We're not sure what Christophe Dupouey and Jerome Chiotti were doing off the back in pre-season, and Miguel Martinez has been inconsistent lately. But they're wiley, smart and dead serious about winning.
The Schedule:
March 26th: Napa Valley, California
April 2nd: Mazatlan, Mexico
April 30th: Houffalize, Belgium
May 7th: St. Wendel, Germany May 14th: Sarentino, Italy June 11th: World Championships, Granada, Spain
July 2nd: Mont Sainte-Anne, Canada
July 9th: Canmore, Canada
September 3rd: Lausanne, Switzerland
September 24th: Olympic Games, Sydney, Australia
Ari Cheren, not feelin' the transition for MountainZone.com
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