The introduction of an additional format, a new partnership with a young brand, more dynamic coverage, and an overhaul of the visual identity … the 2012 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano promises to be more exciting than ever.
Mountain Bike is without doubt one of cycling’s younger disciplines, and the UCI has taken steps to ensure that the 2012 World Cup, which gets under way in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on March 17th, continues to attract its growing fan base.
The latest news released today, of a partnership with Red Bull Media House GmBH (RBMH) as the
new official media partner, is of particular interest to those fans unable to watch the action in person. With new camera perspectives and special video equipment at all 10 rounds of the World Cup, RBMH will ensure that the images broadcast will be even more dynamic and innovative than we have seen to date. All final races will be broadcasted Live and free of charge on www.uci.ch & www.redbull.com/bike.
After the opening Pietermaritzburg round, all eyes will turn to the Belgian municipality of Houffalize one month later, where the cross-country eliminator (XCE) format will make its entry onto the World Cup circuit. Relatively new to Europe, the XCE provides spectacular confrontations as four competitors race each other over a lap of around 1km. The popularity of this format was confirmed at World Cup test events last season in Dalby Forest (GBR) and Nove Mesto na Morave (CZE). This year, the format will be held at three rounds: Houffalize, Nove Mesto na Morave and La Bresse (FRA). Due to its rising popularity, the UCI has also added XCE to the 2012 World Championships programme.
Along with the improved coverage and new format, the 2012 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano will also benefit from a new visual identity. With the arrival of the new title sponsor RockyRoads.net, the World Cup series boasts a new logo and modified visual guidelines. Look out too for the new-look leaders’ jerseys that are in keeping with these visual guidelines.
“Mountain bike is a young and exciting discipline,” said UCI’s Manager of Off-Road Disciplines, Peter Van den Abeele. “We have the interests of our athletes and their fans at heart, which is why we are continually monitoring what is going on, and adapting our activities to keep abreast of trends.”
The 2012 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano will include 10 rounds in nine different countries, finishing on 
September 14th and 15th in Hafjell, Norway.
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