Sunshine, perfect trails and plenty of young racers: the Rookies Cup made its second stop at Kopřivná Bike Park. With fast runs, glorious weather and spectacular tricks, the weekend turned into a real cycling festival for riders, families and fans.

Welcome to Kopřivná

Friday began with a warm welcome from the Kopřivná Bike Park team. This was the second time the Rookies Cup had been held here – and it quickly became clear that it’s not all about the race track. With pleasant temperatures and a mix of sun and clouds, the whole weekend offered ideal conditions for exploring the bike park, both on and off the downhill track. Numerous other trails tempted riders to squeeze in a few extra runs after training.

First Side Event

By the evening, things were already getting loud and spectacular. A style and whip-off session was on the programme on the Baby Zilla Jumpline. A few spectators had gathered and got to see exactly what you’d expect from a Rookies Cup weekend: plenty of style, big tricks and loads of fun on two wheels.

A Saturday with plenty of sunshine

Saturday’s seeding run was actually supposed to produce the first key times of the weekend. However, due to problems with the timing software provider’s server, the seeding run could not take place as planned on Saturday. As a result, the field of riders was able to train all day Saturday. The seeding run was then held on Sunday morning following a short training session, meaning that all the events on the race weekend’s programme could go ahead, albeit with a slightly adjusted schedule. In the evening, there was another side event – the Big Airbag Session, where rookies and pros alike pulled out just about every trick in the book.

All in one day

Sunday finally brought the full racing programme – and with it a particularly intense day for the young riders. First the rescheduled seeding run, then the race run: there wasn’t much time to catch their breath. This made the focus with which the rookies completed their runs all the more impressive. Large crowds had gathered along the course and particularly in the finish area throughout the weekend. Parents, siblings, friends, team-mates and other riders created exactly the atmosphere that defines the Rookies Cup. Here, people cheered, shared the excitement and celebrated together – regardless of who was standing in the start gate at any given moment.

More than just a race

Kopřivná has once again demonstrated why the bike park is such a perfect fit for the Rookies Cup. The combination of a challenging downhill track, numerous other trails and excellent facilities makes the venue the ideal spot for a whole weekend of cycling. Even off the track, the overall package is spot on. The start and finish are situated right next to the bike park’s main areas, and there are two restaurants – one on the mountain and one in the finish area – offering culinary delights for riders, parents and spectators alike. The on-site team were extremely well prepared and ensured a thoroughly successful weekend. 

Another highlight was the VPACE Kids Cup on Saturday. Whilst the rookies were already completing their practice laps, the spotlight was also on the very youngest racers – meaning there really was something for every generation in Kopřivná.

Racing – that’s what it’s all about

Kopřivná was therefore not just the next stop on the calendar. It was a weekend that really brought home what the Rookies Cup is all about: racing, family, friendship and, above all, the sheer joy of mountain biking.

From the first practice laps, through the tricks on the Baby Zilla, right up to the final race on Sunday, that special Rookies spirit was palpable everywhere. And that’s exactly what weekends like this are for: to gain experience, get faster together and take home memories that go far beyond the results list.