The second weekend in June marks the opening of the season for the Slovenian national downhill series 20chocolate Downhill Cup. In this five-race series, the honor of hosting the opening event on Sunday, June 14, goes to Bike Park Poseka in Ravne na Koroškem.
Organized by the Council for Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Activities in Ravne na Koroškem—which also successfully manages the Poseka Bike Park—the race impressed in its inaugural edition a year ago: a short, yet varied and sufficiently challenging course, quick access to the start via an Easy Loop lift, good turnout—including local enduro riders led by winners Nežka Libnik in women’s and Tian Pečnik in the junior category—and excellent organization in collaboration with the Ravne Cycling Club, among other highlights. The weather was also on our side, and it looks promising for this year as well.
Fast-Paced Field—Who Will be the New Winners?
A total of 159 riders from Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Slovenia have registered for the second DH Poseka. Among the 16 elite men, however, is not last year’s winner Luka Berginc, who has quietly “softly” retired. The battle for his successor is wide open, and despite the strong field among the elite men, one of the juniors could also take home the honor of the best overall time.
Eight women will also be at the start, though last year’s winner will be absent as she is competing in the Enduro World Cup in Leogang. There will be a few more top Slovenian riders there, but the competition at home will by no means be lacking.
The turnout among the U17 boys is impressive, with as many as 45 registered. There are only slightly fewer U15 boys, so there’s no need to worry about the next generation.
Attention, due to public demand online registration has been extended until 4 pm on Thursday 11 June!
List of registered riders at prijavim.se
Track a Bit “Harder”
The track, just over a kilometer long with a 158-meter elevation drop, is almost identical to last year’s. It starts just above the top of the ski lift and ends below the park’s exit, between the swimming pool and the high school buildings.
However, it does have two interesting new features. The first is the starting ramp, which might add a meter or so to the elevation difference—if we’re being playful—but certainly provides a higher starting speed. The second is a rock garden, only about 10 meters long, but reportedly with some interesting lines and solutions. This is what makes the track harder, rocks are not soft, right?
Conditions are also expected to be similar to last year. Berginc’s winning time last year was one minute and 42 seconds.
The short track is also convenient for an easy hike by the tape and some cheering; fans are kindly invited!
Schedule
The track will be open for familiarization on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., followed by a track walk.
On Sunday, training will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the seeding run starting at 1:30 p.m. and the final run at 4 p.m.
The organizers invite everyone to a get-together at Hiša Poseka on Saturday after 6 p.m. On Sunday, the area around the finish line will be enlivened by three food trucks.
On Sunday, a free guided ride will be held as part of the “Let’s Ride!” program.
Details about DH Poseka can be found in the propositions
Last year’s report:
DH Poseka: Racing on Shorter Track Can be Serious Business
Photos by Andras Oravecz, DH Poseka 2025