The iXS European Downhill Cup has now officially opened the season and so almost 200 participants from 22 nations travelled to Losinj in Croatia. The Mediterranean island has been the kick-off race of the European series for the past three years and therefore always provides the first indicator of who to expect for the rest of the season.

The weather couldn't have been better for the start of the season and the impressive scenery with the view of the blue sea somehow created a holiday feeling. But don't be fooled by the typically relaxed atmosphere that is so appreciated at the European Cup races, because the former World Cup course had it all. Even though the course organisers had put a lot of work into it in the run-up to the race and taken out some of the sharpness in many places, the rocky surface and the sometimes narrow lines were still very demanding.

Qualifying was won by Adam Rojcek (SVK - Osmos Gravity Team) with a time of 1:56.711 minutes and Abigal Hogie (USA - Beyond Racing) with 2:25.444 minutes, although a closer look at the list revealed that the fastest times were to be found in the U17 classes. U17 rider Lina Frener (AUT) beat the American's time by a whole 2 seconds, while Slovenian champion Azbe Kalinsek (SLO - MTB TRBOVLJE) set the fastest time with just 01:56.50 minutes.

On Sunday, the participants were met with optimal conditions. However, the short but very tough course once again claimed some material victims. For example, co-favorite Kine Haugom (NOR - DH Talent Team) had to abandon any ambitions with a rear wheel defect and concede victory to the previous day's fastest rider, Abigal Hogie. In the Elite Men class, Denis Kohut (SVK - Osmos Gravity Team) secured victory in the Super Final with a time of 1:53.929 minutes and a lead of just under a second. Simon Maurer (GER - Schornsteinfeger Maurer) came second, followed by Luca Berginc (SLO - HDR Team), who thus completed his trophy collection after winning in 2022 and coming second last year. Incidentally, Azbe Kalinsek was again the fastest of the day with a time of 1:52.588 minutes.

Losinj once again delivered the best racing atmosphere and a summery vacation feeling at the start of the season. The season can continue like this, as there are still six more races to go in the European Cup, which will probably mean a lot of hard work for the protagonists.