Cycling enthusiasts and sports fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of a thrilling new WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup season at the traditional season opener: the Monaco Round, presented by Département Alpes-Maritimes taking place for the first time in Breil-sur Roya, next May 20-21.
The season is set to feature a lineup of talented riders from various teams, each vying for the top spot in this fast-paced sport visiting Monaco for the fifth time in a row, where the ancient French commune overlooking the Monegasque Bay is ready to host the WES series debut.
As the new season approaches, teams such as Lapierre Overvolt with the French Justine Tonso and UCI E-MTB XC Men Reigning World Champion and World Cup Winner, Jérôme Gilloux are busy fine-tuning their e-bikes to maximise performance alongside Trek-Bosch, with Women Reigning World Champ and World Cup Winner, the Swiss Nicole Göldi, after an amazing fight for 2022 glory against Tonso.
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Also, Josh Carlson (Giant Factory Team) makes his return to WES, ready to battle with everything for a spot on the podium. Besides, excitement fills the air as a new German team joins the competition: Advanced E-Racing, adding a fresh dynamic to the 2023 WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup scene with Friederike Steuber, Antonia Daubermann, Heiko Hog, and Rico Libesch.
With their renowned dedication to innovation, this team brings high expectations and a strong determination to make their mark. Fans are curious to witness how this new team will fare against the established powerhouses. Their arrival injects an extra level of competition and promises to ignite fierce rivalries on the track.
Additionally, Loïc Noël (Bergstrom Swiss Team) and Joris Ryf (Specialized) were involved in a curious team swap, switching seats for 2023. On the other hand, the season to be special as there will be more Women compared to 2022, taking the spotlight with up to 8 riders, with Anna Spielmann and Solene Bouissou as part of the lineup.
Rules and Format
Looking through the race regulations, the double E-XC race format is confirmed again, Women and Men competing together, all promoting gender diversity in each WES event, the starting grid being determined by the Qualirace.
In terms of prizes, Women and Men riders receive prize money, which will significantly increase this season, along with other sporting awards that are maintained for the coming season, such as the Raspini Pole Position Award (the fastest rider in Qualirace), the Magneti Marelli Checkstar Power Lap (awarded to the rider recording the fastest lap in race 2) and the WES Holeshot (fastest rider at the start of each race after passing through the first corner), as no major changes from last year’s rule book will apply in 2023.
The tracks chosen for this season are designed to test the limits of both the riders and their e-bikes. Challenging terrains, sharp turns, and intense uphill sections will push the competitors to their limits, providing thrilling moments and unforgettable races.
With the perfect blend of skill, fast-paced action, eco-friendly technology, and adrenaline, the upcoming 2023 WES UCI E-MTB XC World Cup season promises to be a thrilling experience for all involved.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
