This weekend, Schladming will become the center of the junior downhill world. A total of 32 nations will compete for the unofficial title of Rookie World Champion!
Racement
Quick Facts
| Date | 19.-21. September |
| Location: | Bikepark Schladming |
| Track | 1500 m - 354 hm |
| Riders | 301 |
| Nations | 32 |
| Weather | Sunny, warm, dry |
Maxxis Course Preview
The Schladming-Dachstein region offers the perfect backdrop: a varied, technically challenging course combined with the unique atmosphere that only major downhill events can offer. Here is the course preview from 2024.
YouTube Video
From rookies to international stars
After a long season, the Rookies Championship is more than just a race—it is the culmination of youth development and, for many riders, the gateway to the World Cup. Well-known names such as Jackson Goldstone, Henri Kiefer, and Vali Höll have their roots in the Rookies Cup.
In the recent past, Rosa Zierl also crowned herself junior world champion in Champery. The Alran brothers were already successful at the IRC in Schladming in 2023. This year, Max and Till also stood at the top of the podium on the big stage in Champery.
The weekend overview
Friday: The weekend kicks off with the track walk and the first practice runs – the riders get used to the legendary Planai course and search for the perfect line.
Saturday: The first times are recorded in the seeding run, revealing who has the confidence needed for the grand finale.
Sunday: Then it's all or nothing – against a magnificent backdrop, the final runs decide fame, honor, and the next entry in Schladming history.
When Schladming calls...
then the downhill scene takes notice. The legendary Planai track is not just a venue—it is a myth, a challenge, and a spine-tingling moment all at once. World stars such as Andreas Kolb and Vali Höll have left their mark here. History will be made again this coming weekend when young riders compete on one of the toughest but also most beautiful tracks in Europe.
More news
12.05.2026
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Registration Saalbach
Back to the Glemmride FestivalFrom July 10 to 12, the Rookies Cup returns to Saalbach Hinterglemm in Austria. This year, however, there’s a change: the race will take place on a new course. So this time, it won’t be on the Proline, but for the first time on a specially prepared race track, created just for this event. Registration is now open!
10.05.2026
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Story of Rosa - The Interview
Red Bull Helm, History and more...Anyone who doesn’t know Rosa Zierl has been missing out on the world of downhill racing over the last few years. The young junior rider has had a fast and impressive start to her career. We interviewed her and asked her all about her latest pride and joy – her Red Bull helmet.
06.05.2026
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iXS Downhill Cup Survey
Enter and win prizesWe want your feedback. We’d like to gather some information on various topics related to the series, so we’ve created a survey. Please take this opportunity to share your thoughts, because that’s the only way we can continue to improve the series and races. And we promise, it won’t take long.