Szczyrk hosts European Downhill Cup as Polish resort targets sports tourism

The iXS European Downhill Cup has arrived in Poland for the first time, with the fifth round of the seven-race series taking place in the Carpathian Mountains. The resort town of Szczyrk is currently hosting 300 riders representing 35 different nations, turning the municipality into a temporary hub for European sports tourism.

For the regional economy, staging a major continental event provides a measurable boost to the mountain hospitality and retail sectors. Bielsko-Biała has previously hosted the World Cup twice, and local authorities are now leveraging that established infrastructure to attract international visitors while athletes compete for valuable UCI world ranking points.

Competitors are facing a demanding two-kilometer track characterized by dry, dusty conditions that significantly reduce traction. The course features 400 meters of elevation, steep gradients, and numerous large jumps that demand high base speeds and precise handling from the athletes.

During the seeding runs, French rider Ian Guionnet set the fastest time of the day. He completed the course in 2:47.593, finishing two seconds ahead of his compatriot Mylann Falquet, who rides for Santacruz Burgtec by Goodman.

British rider Matthew Luke Williamson, representing the Wyn Masters Privateer Project, secured the third-fastest time in the men's seeding session. These initial runs determine the starting order for the final races, where athletes will fight for the series' overall standings.

In the Elite Women’s class, New Zealander Kate Hastings of Team High Country posted the fastest time among senior competitors with a run of 3:16.917. She narrowly beat Polish rider Amelia Dudek of KS AGH, who finished just over a second behind, while Austria's Kerstin Sallegger took third.

The overall fastest female time, however, was recorded by a junior competitor. Norwegian rider Tess van Weerdhuizen, representing IF Frøy, completed the track in 3:08.808.

The Norwegian teenager previously claimed victory at the opening three events of the continental circuit. Her dominant performance in Szczyrk demonstrates the depth of emerging talent currently challenging established elite professionals.