It is the turn of the Gravity riders to take a weekend off, and for the cross-country athletes to become the focus of World Cup attention. Racing returns to Offenburg, Germany, for round three of the series. Offenburg is one of the newer hosts on the World Cup circuit, but it has already been selected by the riders and media as the top cross-country event of the year in each of the past two seasons.

 

Absalon has three consecutive wins in Offenburg

The spectator friendly 5.1 kilometre circuit offers a mix of both technical sections and longer climbs requiring strength and endurance. It takes a complete rider to do well in here. Riders have faced both mud and dry conditions here, but the forecast is for good weather, so it should be a fast race.

 

The first two rounds saw new winners in every race, and changes in the series leads for both men and women at each event. Offenburg is also the first 2012 qualifying event under the revised time line mandated by the IOC, so there is an added incentive to do well.

 

Spectators line the technical sections

In the men's race, Jose Hermida (Multivan Merida) holds the series lead, but defending World Cup champion Julien Absalon (Orbea) is still searching for his first World Cup win of the season, and will be a strong contender. Absalon has a very strong record in Offenburg, with three consecutive wins.

 

Offenburg attracts a large field

Round one winner and world champion Nino Schurter (Scott Swisspower) will also be looking to get back into contention after a poor race in Houffalize, as well Under-23 world champion Burry Stander (Specialized) and German favourites Manuel Fumic (Cannondale Factory) and Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak Ergon).

In the women's competition, Willow Koerber (Subaru-Gary Fisher) became the first American to don the leader's jersey in nearly a decade after back-to-back second places in Dalby Forest and Houffalize. She is still looking for her first World Cup win - could Offenburg be the location?

Koerber will face tough competition from world champion and round one winner Irina Kalentieva (Topeak Ergon), and round two winner Eva Lechner (Colnago Arreghini Suditrol). Others who are likely to be in the battle for a podium spot are Luna teammates Catharine Pendrel and Katerina Nash, plus Marga Fullana (Massi) and 2009 World Cup champion Elisabeth Osl (Central Pro). Returning to World Cup competition for the first time this year will be 2008 Olympic champion Sabine Spitz (Central Pro), who is coming back from surgery for a groin injury.