You know the biking season has begun in the Alps when the annual ‘Passportes du Soleil’ takes place. This year the small Swiss hamlet of Champéry played hosted to the Bike Show and it’s 30 exhibitors, an open air concert and the 5th round of the Swisspower Cup.

It all took place under the Planachaux ski lift and with glorious blue skies. Cross country racers juggled for space with Passportes riders stopping for a food break and a chance to rest their hot brakes from the descent into Champéry.The ‘Passportes du Soleil’ let’s riders choose between 3 circuits through the Portes Du Soleil area of both France and Switzerland. The 30, 45 or the classic 75km routes are made easier using the 12 ski-lifts and enjoying over 6000m of pure downhill.  All types of trail are encountered from smooth doubletrack to tight, rocky singletrack and thanks to a good winter, snow can be sighted at the higher altitudes. 

The PDS can be completed in a day and appeals to all riders with hardtails mixing with downhill bikes. Riders can choose either Saturday or Sunday and a kids and women’s ride is also available. Creative minds can take part in either a photo and video competition.

The event heralds the summer season in the Alps when thousands of riders head for the mountains. In the Portes du Soleil region 7 resorts; Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets and Morzine in France and in Switzerland: Champéry, Morgins and Torgon all have lift assisted riding running until September. Cross country, freestyle and downhillers are all catered for in the many bike parks, downhill courses and cross country routes.

(written by WTB Rider Andrew Revitt) 

Pure nature - pure biking.

On June 14^th took place 8^th Mountain Bike Competition - Sazavsky Blizak. The trail was, as usually, situated in beautiful hilly landscape about 60km far from Prague. The atmosphere was great, the weather exactly as it should be – not too cold not too hot - from time to time the sun disappeared behind a cloud. The race started at 10am. Riders could choose between 80km and 40 km long trail which lead them through deep forests, cold streams, up the hills and back down to valleys. In the competition participated also Czech professional riders Radomir Simunek and Martin Bina. Among excited competitors was present also Jan Pirk  - front Czech cardiologist surgeon supporting healthy lifestyle. This year participated 300 riders. Finally, as an attraction to public,  appeared also one old biker.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

During June 11th–13^th, 2008 took place 2^nd European Distributor’s meeting. This year was the event situated into marvelous valley of Cerny stream and city Unhost.  This location provided great place for biking which everyone enjoyed. Some riders gave into their ride everything. We all hope that even broken arm will heal soon.