Spielmann and Ryf won Race 1 as the UCI E-MTB XC World Cup electrifies Bielstein

The Austrian takes the lead in the overall standings, the Swiss champion reduces the gap in second

Bielstein, Germany, 7 September 2024 – The WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup roared back into action in style. Under the shifting skies of Bielstein, the top E-MTB riders gathered at MSC Drabenderhöhe, fresh from a demanding week at the UCI World Championships.

Racing anticlockwise on Day 1, the Qualirace determined the grid positions, with Anna Spielmann (Haibike) and Mirko Tabacchi (Leynicese RDR Italia Factory Team) clocking the fastest time and securing the Raspini Pole Position.

Raspini Pole Position Winners Anna Spielman and Mirko Tabacchi

Once all riders were lined up, the race kicked off with intense, wheel-to-wheel action over 8 laps. In a smooth start, Jeroen van Eck (GHOST Bikes Racing Team) claimed the Santero Holeshot by mere millimetres, alongside Spielmann in the Women’s.

Santero Holeshot

Germany and e-Bikes

From start to finish, Anna Spielmann showed consistency, dominating the climbs, descents, and rocky sections. She faced a few challenges on one of the steeper parts of the course, but managed to maintain control, despite a previously injured hand.

Anna Spielmann

The Austrian stayed ahead of Jacqueline Mariacher (SPORT AUER RACING TEAM) and Solene Bouissou (Team Oise Organsation), who claimed second and third place.

Race 1 Women’s Podium

Leader changes and a fierce battle

Tabacchi started strong in Pole Position, ready to go for the win, but Joris Ryf (Specialized) and the newly crowned three-time World Champ Jérôme Gilloux (Lapierre Overvolt) made Italian’s life difficult.

Joris Ryf

The three-way fight soon turned into a two-man contest when Tabacchi experienced technical issues, forcing him to retire. Ryf and Gilloux continued to duel until the end, with the Swiss Champion eventually finishing on top of the podium, ahead of Gilloux and Flying Dutchman van Eck.

Race 1 Men’s Podium

Amateur and kids race

Following the main race, amateur riders and children took to the track, competing in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere, though infused with the World Cup’s excitement. Smiles were plentiful as they raced the course’s twists, turns, and challenges.

Family Picture

What’s next? 

The third race of the season set the stage for more high-level competition. But the Bielstein Round is far from over, with Race 2 scheduled for tomorrow, promising another day of side-by-side action.

Results HERE
WES Bielstein Round Event Schedule and Race Maps HERE
Download the photo gallery HERE (Credit: WES/Zubiko Photography)