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Offenburg: a milestone in German mountain bike history?

It`s a long time since a German Cross Country rider has won a mountain bike World Cup. Mike Kluge managed this feat in 1993 with his World Cup wins in Houffalize (BEL) and in Bassano (ITA). The prospects of a German triumph have never been as good as in the lead up to the World Cup in Offenburg. With Manuel Fumic and Wolfram Kurschat the Germany has two potential candidates for a victory on home soil.

Both professional athletes have presented themselves in top shape so far this season. After Fumic´s strong sixth place at the World Cup in Dalby Forest (England), the 28-year-old was only defeated by Jose Antonio Hermida in Houffalize (BEL). Kurschat also belongs to the favourites in Offenburg. Following his 24th place at the World Cup opener Wolfram proved strong in Houfflize standing in third place beside Manuel on the podium creating a historical result in German mountain biking. With his second place in Offenburg in 2009 the certified pharmacist has already demonstrated that he is one to watch in Offenburg.

In their current shape both Fumic and Kurschat are able to compete with double Olympic champion Julien Absalon and World Champion Nino Schurter in Offenburg and provide for the first German World Cup victory since 1993. Will Offenburg become a milestone in German mountain bike history with the support of thousands of German fans? Manuel Fumic is certainly optimistic: “In Offenburg I will fight for victory!”