Thanks to its new early summer date, Sölden once again provided a truly superlative action sports weekend to the bike community at the Bike Republic Sölden Festival. Led by world stars like Sam Pilgrim and Erik Fedko as well as BMX icons such as Perris Benegas, Bike Republic Sölden became a global hot spot of the biking scene. In addition to spectacular shows in the extended "Dirt District", the festival celebrated the new "Hupfar Line" jump line by integrating also the BMX elite on a brand new, 900-square-meter playground. A popular program highlight was the BRS Rally featuring 500 female and male bikers.

For a whole week, Sölden was the epicenter of the international biking elite. For the first time in the event's history, mountain biking and BMX fused on a shared course. The most spectacular new addition to the two-hectare Dirt District was the 900-square-meter BMX Plaza. Packed with quarter pipes, rails, ledges and a creative trampoline feature, it provided the perfect stage for a dazzling display of tricks across the two disciplines. "We plan to open parts of the new BMX area to the public in the future. It makes a perfect complement to the already existing offer. A fact that brings us even closer to our goal of providing a comprehensive experience for everyone," states Dominik Linser, Managing Director of Bike Republic Sölden.

That Sölden is a driving force in the biking scene was once again evident in the digital realm. Freeride legend Sam Pilgrim (UK) raved on social media: "The most fun on earth exists here. Bike Republic Sölden." Together with his buddies, he hurtled down the mountain on the mountain cart track in "Super Mario" style. The video became a viral hit within just a few days, racking up almost 20 million views. The next generation of biking pros will remember Sölden fondly, which was demonstrated by the appearance of exceptionally talented 11-year-old Weston Lukens, who joined some of the sport's biggest names while using the "Dirt District" as a giant bike playground.