Mountainbike WM begins

The Mountain Bike World Championships opened in Saalfelden in Pinzgau last night (Weds).

More than 750 mountain bikers from around the world are to take part in the event.

From today training will start for the down hill course in Leogang in Pinzgau.

Ten Austrians (Seven men and three women) are competing in the event.

The Austrians favourite to win medals are Styrians Markus Pekoll and Petra Bernhard.

The Cross competition will take place on Saturday where in every run four competitors will compete against each other.

Meanwhile police are warning people to keep an eye on their bikes and make sure they secure them well as many bike thieves will be attracted by the large number of cyclists competing and coming to watch the event.

Kurt Möschl from Pinzgau regional police said: “Nobody should leave their bikes unattended. Bikes should also not be left in vehicles. If bikes are being left in ski or bike cellars they should be locked and doors should be locked too.”