Veli Lošinj is once again the center of the famous bicycle downhill race

"IXS European Downhill Cup Lošinj 2023." is the name of the race that will be held in Veli Lošinj for the second year in a row. Brave competitors will descend a 1300-meter-long track, with a height difference of 245 meters.

It is one of the most stony paths with endless scarp. After a short initial section, serious gaps follow, and then a decisive, extremely rocky and partially narrow section that stretches to the edge of Veli Lošinj. 

Divided into categories, about two hundred competitors from twenty countries will take part in the downhill. Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, France, Hungary, Finland, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Poland are just some of the participating countries.

From the World Cup to the highest category race

The story of Veli Lošinj as a destination for top drivers, and thus great publicity, began ten years ago. Namely, the first MTB downhill race was held on Lošinj in May 2013, and the extreme cycling competition or "Downhill" originated from the spring training of Slovenian cyclists. After years of summer vacations on Lošinj and riding the Lošinj trails, the idea came logically to the organizer - MTB Trbovlje.

In April 2018, the spectacular world cycling competition "Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Lošinj" was held in Veli Lošinj, which was followed by more than 10 visitors, and more than 5 million followed via numerous media platforms. Lošinj enjoyed great approval among World Cup drivers due to its beautiful location, fantastic weather and enthusiastic fans.

The IXS series is in its sixteenth year and is the most important competition after the World Cup hosted by Lošinj. Race "IXS European Downhill Cup Lošinj 2023." will be the highest category of the International Cycling Union UCI (Class 1), and thus will attract the best competitors from all over the world.

Finally, let's say that the competition is organized by the Lošinj Athletic Club and the Trbovlje Mountain Bike Club, and the sponsors of the race are the Town of Mali Lošinj, the Tourist Board of the Town of Mali Lošinj, Lošinj Hotels & Villas and the Kvarner Tourist Board.

Author of photos: Sandro Tariba