The iXS International Rookies Championships and the final of the PROPAIN Rookies Cup were held at the Bikepark Schladming for the third time. Over 300 riders from 27 nations travelled to the event and delivered a first-class competition.

A look into the future

This unofficial world championship has been taking place for many years. It used to be held in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria, but for the past three years, the former World Cup venue of Schladming has hosted this extraordinary event. Big names have already won the titles in the past, including Valentina Höll, Jackson Goldstone and Henri Kiefer. And that alone shows what big shoes the winners are stepping into. Each and every one of them will have a great career ahead of them in downhill sport, if they so desire.

Race of the year

Schladming is of course well known to everyone in the scene and has shaped the mountain bike landscape with its various events. A World Cup venue for many years, then a frequent competition venue for the iXS European Downhill Cup and then even during the difficult times of the pandemic, they didn't let up and organised the highly acclaimed iXS NotARace. The bike park is absolutely no insider tip, as the trails and atmosphere are widely known and appreciated. It is therefore definitely the first choice for such an event, which many of the young protagonists will probably describe as their highlight of the year.

Perfect conditions

After the weather has often been mixed in recent times and last weekend even provided images of races with snow, the external conditions for the event were perfect. Late summer temperatures and no precipitation were the ingredients for a high-calibre race.

International field of riders

Over 300 riders travelled to the event, as it was not only the Rookies Championships that were on the programme, but also the final of the PROPAIN Rookies Cup. The already extremely high international diversity of participants was even greater due to the event, with a total of 27 nations on the starting line.

„Champions of the world“

After the seeding run on Friday, things got down to business on Saturday, as the final runs of the iXS International Rookies Championships were on the programme. The winner of the Boys U17 class Kasper Hickman (FIN - Cube Next Generation) needed 2:25.961 minutes for the course. Even the World Cup pro and lead rider Andi Kolb (AUT Continental Athertons) was one second slower. The fastest female starter was Rosa Zierl (AUT - Cube Next Generation), who dominated the race with a time of 2:40.188 and a lead of over 3 seconds.

Grand Rookies Finale

The final of the PROPAIN Rookies Cup on Sunday was another highlight of the weekend. The weather, the track and the atmosphere of the spectators were perfect. Kasper Hickmann and Rosa Zierl once again set the fastest times of the day.

A perfect ending

The 2024 Rookies season is over. The last of the 4 races was once again an absolute highlight. You won't find this much racing action anywhere else. We are already looking forward to next season! If you still haven't had enough, you can experience one last DHC race at the beginning of October. There, the iXS Downhill Cup will enter its final round in Bellwald, Switzerland.