Start of the mountain bike season in Riva del Garda

Stuttgart/Reutlingen – Spectacular trails in magnificent surroundings: once a year, Riva del Garda at the northern tip of Lake Garda is firmly in the hands of mountain bike enthusiasts. Between April 28 and May 1, 2017, the town will host the 24th BIKE Festival, which traditionally marks the start of the new mountain bike season. This is Europe's foremost MTB get-together – and now the focus is very much on eMountain bikes. Bosch eBike Systems will be offering fans of the electric 'kick' an exciting programme: a new racing concept for professional and amateur bikers, guided eMountain bike tours and a trial course specially created for eMTBs. Another highlight will be the presentation of an innovative eMTB product which is designed to ensure maximum riding enjoyment for eMountain bikers and which can be tested by bikers 'on the spot'.

New eMTB racing format for beginners and professionals

Numerous racing formats will be presented prominently at the BIKE Festival in Riva , and ambitious bikers will have an opportunity to compete with other riders in a variety of disciplines. New this year will be the 'Bosch eMTB Challenge', which is tailored to suit the full range of mountain bike aficionados with a varied mixture of uphill, downhill and orientation trails. The route is designed for riding with electric assistance; eMTBs with a maximum speed of 25 km/h can take part in the challenge.

Riding technique training sessions for eMountain bikers

The 'Bosch eMTB Challenge' will take place with no prior training for participants. For those riders who would like to practise for the event, prior to the race there will be a special riding technique training session on Sunday, April 30, 2017. This will help them prepare for tricky elements and passages which they will have to cope with/ overcome during the challenge. In addition, there will be guided tours during which participants will be familiarised with the capabilities of eMountain bikes in rugged terrain. Interested persons can undertake trips in small groups together with professional guides and benefit from their know-how. To register for these events, they should apply at the Bosch eBike Systems both.

The fascination of eMountainbiking: the Uphill Flow

Electric assistance provides eMountain bikers with an extra 'push', especially when they are facing an uphill stretch. On the Uphill Flow test section, both beginners and more advanced bikers can experience this unique riding experience and at the same time practise their riding skills. An authentic eMTB sensation and lots of fun are also guaranteed during the Uphill Flow Sunset Rides. As the sun goes down, the bikers go on a tour of Lake Garda. Like the Bosch 'campaigners' – Gary Fisher, Greta Weithaler, André Wagenknecht, René Wildhaber, Stefan Schlie and Nicolas Vouilloz – those who take part can climb the tricky trails and experience the Uphill Flow. The video about the Uphill Flow campaign is set to be premiered at the Bosch stand.

• Registration for the 'Bosch eMTB Challenge' at: http://riva.bike-festival.de
• Registration for the riding technique training sessions, the guided eMountain bike tours and the Uphill Flow Sunset Rides: directly at the Bosch eBi¬ke Systems stand

Bosch eBike Systems promotes the sport of eMountainbiking

In order to interest more and more people in eMountainbiking, Bosch eBike Systems is involved in a great deal covering even more than its support for various cycle racing events. Specially developed for the requirements of eMountain bikers, the Performance Line CX drive system gives riders powerful assistance on rugged terrain. As a result, even the steepest ascents pose no problems. Testing of this Uphill Flow will soon be possible at the MTB Zone Bikepark Geisskopf near Bischofsmais in the Bavarian Forest, where the world's first-ever trail for eMTBs will be opened in the summer of 2017 – with the support of Bosch eBike Systems. Besides fun and enjoyment, eMountainbiking also involves safety and good riding technique. That's why Bosch eBike Systems is collaborating with Swiss Cycling (Switzerland's national governing body for cycle racing) in the organisation of the first large-scale training programme for eMTB guides in Switzerland. The electric 'kick' is also a main feature of the website www.bosch-ebike.de/uphillflow, which offers eMountain bikers a specialist platform for this 'cool' new cycling trend.