The UCI European Mountain Bike cross country championship brings the biggest event in Turkish Cycling history to Cappadocia. In fact, the former UCI president described Turkey as a "non-cycling" country in 2002 while presenting a road stage race. But in that time, everything has changed, especially for mountain biking.
Racers will tackle a 7.1km course, with three feed zones. Spectators will be able to see most of the course from the first feed zone for easy viewing. Favorites include Bart Brentjens, who will be appearing years after his victory at the Alanya MTB Cup. He'll be matched by the likes of reigning World Champion Julien Absalon, Oliver Beckingsale, Jean Christophe Peraud, Jose Antonio Hermida, Johann Pallhuber, Yader Zoli, and Tony Longo, but Liam Killeen will still be sitting out due to health issues.
Gunn Rita Dahle Flesja will still be sitting out women's competition while she recovers from a viral infection, therefore, the women's race is left wide open--just as the World Cups have been challenged by several top women in Dahle Flesja's absence.
Last year's race was won by Frenchman Absalon and Spain's Margarita Fullana. While Absalon will attempt to defend, any intentions of Fullana to do so have gone by the way of a reportedly broken arm.
