Cross-country
Cross-country, XCO for short, is an Olympic mountain biking discipline that consists of a race on varied terrain (uphill and downhill, bends and flat stretches). It is one of the most popular disciplines and characterised by its athletic, technical nature, as it requires high levels of physical conditioning and strength, technical skill and determination.
Races vary in length, from short circuits measuring just a few kilometres to marathons of over 100 km. In the case of Olympic cross-country, which is the discipline included in the World Cups, the race is shorter and takes place on a closed, technically challenging circuit. Riders compete over various laps of the circuit.
XCO at Pal Arinsal
This is one of the traditional disciplines included in the World Cup at Pal Arinsal. Modifications have been made to the route over the years, and the current track is valued highly by all participants. The track is 4 km long and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The whole race can be followed from La Caubella in Pal, as it passes along the El Planell piste. It combines different types of terrains and technical challenges that put the riders to the test.
The track has a parallel route so that attendees can enjoy every stretch of the race.
DHI Circuit
The course has been located in the Pal sector since 2022, with the Pic del Cubil as the starting point and Fontanals as the finish line, near the chairlift and the Pic del Cubil ski lift. The circuit is 2.1 km long with an elevation drop of nearly 500 meters.
Additionally, it would be ideal to update the photos and make them slightly larger if possible, as they currently lack presence and there is too much white space. Particularly in the downhill image, where adding a picture of the upper starting area with a clear view of the track would be ideal.
Short track
Short-track, also known as XCC, is a variety of cross-country mountain biking (XC) in which races are shorter and more intense than traditional XC races. This discipline involves a shorter, more closed circuit – generally in a stadium or on a small area – with faster, more technical stretches. The circuit usually features steep climbs, fast descents, sharp turns and technical obstacles like rocks or roots. Riders have to show skill and agility when making decisions to negotiate the different stretches successfully.
XCC at Pal Arinsal
The Pal Arinsal circuit is 1.1 km long and part of the cross-country route, located in La Caubella, Pal. The race usually lasts 20–25 minutes. Intensity and effort are key in this discipline. It is an exciting event for both competitors and spectators, as the races are more dynamic and faster than in traditional cross-country.
