The beautiful city of Kraków hosts the first of four rounds of the UCI Trials World Cup, starting tomorrow. After the first event in Poland, the world's best trials riders will meet again in Vöcklabruck (Austria) on 8-9 August and in Albertville (France) on 22-23 August before the finale in Antwerp (Belgium) on 26-27 September.
Last year was a historic season for the British trials scene. Jack Carthy became the first from his country to secure overall success in the UCI Trials World Cup. Behind him, France's Vincent Hermance and Gilles Coustellier were powerless to resist the rise of a rider fresh from the Junior ranks! Carthy also won the 26” Juniors category at the UCI Trials World Championships in Lillehammer last year. But this season will certainly be the most difficult of Carthy's young career as he seeks to confirm that he is no flash in the pan. As is always the case, the French team will arrive in Krakow with serious ambitions, notably for 17-year-old hopeful Nicolas Vallée and reigning French champion Kévin Aglaé. Another serious contender will be Spain’s Sergi Llongueras, silver medallist in the 26” Juniors category at the UCI Trials World Championships.
Dominated by Spanish riders since 2005, the 20" category should again be a happy hunting ground for Iberian competitors and Abel Mustieles in particular. A three-time winner of the UCI Trials World Cup, Mustieles is favourite for a fourth victory. Surely the five titles of his compatriot Benito Ros (2005, 2008-2011) are in sight. Notable opponents to the Spanish contingent this season are the Netherlands' Rick Koekoek and Germany's Raphael Pils, the latter a bronze medallist in last year's UCI Trials World Championships.
Tatiana Janickova has dominated the Trials scene since 2012. A three-time winner of the UCI Trials World Cup and twice UCI Trials World Champion, the Slovakian rider is the overwhelming favourite for the new season. Among her serious challengers is Germany's Nina Reichenbach, winner of the first round of the UCI Trials World Cup last year and silver medallist in the 2014 UCI Trials World Championships. There may be surprises on the Women Elite podiums this year as the category has developed strength in depth.
For the first time, Women Elite will compete for the UCI Trials World Cup leader's jersey by means of a semi-final followed by a final comprising the best six riders.