The UCI season officially opened last weekend in Biella in Italy with the European Championships, won by Kenny Belaey. This weekend, it’s off to Switzerland for the opening round of the 2011 World Cup! Switzerland is the place to be for trials this year, as it’s also where the biggest MTB and trials event of the year, the World Championships, will be held, from the 29th August to the 4th September in Champéry. But it’s in Champvent that the world’s best riders will be this weekend for a World Cup that looks set to be just as spectacular and festive as Biella.

The event will be taking place alongside a huge party which will make it even more magical: Throughout the weekend the small mediaeval town of Champvent, situated 517 metres above sea level on the Jura plateau and well known for its magnificent XIII century castle, will be celebrating its 1000th year! Festivities commenced yesterday and there will be 70 odd events going on over the next four days, with the opening of the World Cup as the central theme: there will be representatives from Europe, West Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Portugal, Vietnam and, of course, Switzerland, putting on concerts, activities and typical meals. The whole world will be gathered in one place for the event, giving a whole new dimension to the opening of our World Cup. Fantastic! But what Champvent? That’s down to the Chapuis family, who have been working tirelessly for the development of the sport for 15 years or so. You all know Jérôme of course, the Swiss Elite Champion. Then there’s his dad, Samuel, who is committed, heart and soul, to trials and has organised a great many competitions. Thanks to them, and to the energy and enthusiasm of their whole community and their local sponsors, this first UCI world event is sure to be a spectacular one!

Jérôme Chapuis, who is a big fan of Tribal Zine, will be one of our correspondents for the event and has provided us with some photos of the sections, below, which have been set in an exceptional site, steeped in 1000 years of history! More good news for our readers: Photo by Sergio, the grand master of trials media, will be there to immortalise the performances of the world’s greatest riders in these sumptuous settings! So whether you’re in Champvent, or in fornt of your computer, you’ll be able to experience this fantastic event first hand! For more information, head over to the 1,000 years of Champvent website ou sur son blog!

The poster:

Local hero and Swiss champion, Jérôme Chapuis, by Sergio…

Live updates:

To keep up with what’s going on in Champvent, click below!

The programme:

Samedi 25 juin - Saturday 25 June
 09:00-13:00 - 1/4 de finale 20 pouces (2 tours) – 20” 1/4 final (2 laps)
 14:00-18:00 - 1/4 de finale 26 pouces (2 tours) – 26” 1/4 final (2 laps)

Dimanche 26 juin - Sunday 26 June
 08:30-11:00 - 1/2 de finale 20 pouces (2 tours) – 20” 1/2 final (2 laps)
 08:30-11:00 - 1/2 de finale 20 pouces (2 tours) – 20” 1/2 final (2 laps)
 10:00-13:00 - Finale Femmes (3 x 6 zones)- Women’s Final (3 x 6 sections)
 08:30-11:00 - 1/2 de finale 20 pouces (2 tours) – 20” Final (2 laps)
 08:30-11:00 - 1/2 de finale 26 pouces (2 tours) – 26” Final (2 laps)
 18:30-19:00 - Remise des prix 20"/ 26" et Femmes - 20"/26" and Women’s Awards Ceremony

The sections:

A quick look at the magnificent sections, with wooden obstacles and rocks and an impressive replica of Champvent Castle overlooking one of the sections… The first photo was taken at the start of the week, and the others just a few hours ago! The sun is shining, the forecast is good… should be a great weekend!