Riders converge in Hochspeyer for mountain bike cup


More than 200 local and regional riders are expected for the second annual BKK vor Ort Mountainbike Cup in Hochspeyer Aug. 1, which is part of the regional mountainbike series MTB-Cup Saar-Pfalz. Races start at 10 a.m. with the kids’ races and continue into the afternoon with the women’s and men’s classes, all starting from the Sportverein Gruen-weiss in Hochspeyer.

“We are thrilled to put this event on for a second season,” said event organizer Ken Bloomer. “We already had such a positive feedback last year, and with the addition and expansion of a permanent signed XC course, we are confident that this year’s edition will be even better.”

Husband and wife duo Ken and Sandi Bloomer have not only organized several cycling events in the past, but are also active top pro riders.

“We have had the pleasure of riding on some of the best courses in the world and the one we have put together here as part of the Mountainbikepark Pfälzerwald is second to none. We have built some sections of trail especially for this event, some of which were part of the course last year, but have added even more singletrack to enhance the riding experience. It is a true rider’s course with a solid mix of climbs, power sections and technical descents. It is a lot of fun to ride,” Mr. Bloomer said.

Such a popular event will draw out riders of all levels, many of whom compete on the MTB-Cup Saar-Pfalz, a series of 10 races drawing upwards of 2,000 riders at some events. The concept of the series is to provide a fun, mixed series of races, from longer marathons to shorter cross-country events for riders of all types to enjoy and accumulate points toward an overall series titles. The series is open to everyone and riders do not have to compete in the entire series to qualify for overall points.

Racer packet pick-up and registration for the BKK vor Ort Mountainbike Cup will start at 9 a.m. at the Sportverein Gruen-weiss in Hochspeyer and the first race starts at 10 with the over 15 and over 13 boy’s and girl’s races. The free Sportbund Pfalz kids classes start at 10:45 and will be shorter than the other classes. All participants will receive a prize. There is no pre-registration for the Sportbund Pfalz kids races. Adults will need to accompany children to sign a waiver.

The main cross-country races start at 11:45 with the Jugend, Juniors and Women’s and Men’s Senior three races, followed by the Men’s open, Senior
1 and 2 at 1:15 p.m. At the conclusion of the final race, there will be a raffle for all participants, and the podium presentations. Awards for the Sportbund Pfalz Kids will immediately follow the race.

There will be music and an announcer along with vendors and concessions. Racers can register online at www.cremacycles.com or at the start/finish area up to 30 minutes prior to start.

Entry fees are €5 for the kids’ races, €10 for juniors, and €15 for all other classes. There is a €10 deposit on all timing chips, which will be refundable upon the return of the start numbers. The Sportbund Pfalz kids race is free.

For more information, visit www.cremacycles.com or e-mail ken@cremacycles.com.

(Courtesy of Ken Bloomer)