Cross-country
The cross-country, abbreviated as XCO, is an Olympic mountain biking discipline that involves racing on varied terrain (climbs, descents, curves, and flat sections). It is one of the most popular disciplines and is characterized by its athletic and technical nature, as it requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance, as well as technical skill and determination.
Races can vary in length. In the case of Olympic cross-country, the discipline that takes place at the world championships, it features a shorter race held on a closed, technically challenging circuit. Riders compete by completing several laps of the circuit.
XCO at Pal Arinsal
It is one of the traditional events at Pal Arinsal during the World Cup. The course has evolved over time to become a circuit highly regarded by all participants. The circuit is 4 km long with an approximate duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can watch the entire race from La Caubella de Pal, as it passes through the Planell trail and combines different types of terrain and technical challenges to test the riders.
The circuit has a parallel route set up so that the public can enjoy the spectacle from all sections.
Downhill
The DHI (Downhill) circuit of Pal Arinsal is a spectacular high-mountain course set in a privileged natural environment in the Pyrenees. Designed to test the best riders in the world, it combines speed, skill, and adrenaline in every meter of the route.
The track alternates fast sections with technical stretches, rocky areas, demanding turns, and jumps that can make the difference on each descent, making it one of the most exciting circuits in the competition.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill (DHI) circuit is located in the Pal sector of the resort. The start is at the Pic del Cubil and the finish at Fontanals, near the Pic del Cubil chairlift. With a length of 2.1 km and a vertical drop of almost 500 meters, the course demands maximum performance from the riders right from the start.
Short track
Short track, also known as XCC, is a variant of cross-country mountain biking (XC) characterized by being a shorter and more intense race compared to traditional XC events. This discipline consists of riding on a shorter, closed circuit, generally in a stadium or small area, with faster and more technical sections. It usually combines steep climbs, rapid descents, tight turns, and technical obstacles such as rocks or roots. Riders must demonstrate skill and quick decision-making to tackle the different parts of the course.
XCC in Pal Arinsal
In the case of Pal Arinsal, the circuit is 1.1 km long and is located on a section of the cross-country course at Caubella de Pal. The race usually lasts between 20 and 25 minutes. Intensity and effort are two key aspects of this discipline. It is an exciting event for both competitors and spectators, as the races are more dynamic and take place at a faster pace than traditional cross-country.
