The men’s race is likely to be a rematch of last year’s world’s and the Olympic mountain bike race three weeks ago. Jaroslav Kulhavy (Czech Republic) and  Nino Schurter (Switzerland) were the protagonists there, with Kulhavy taking the gold medal in London in a thrilling final sprint.

But you can’t write off Italian Marco Fontana who would have been in the mix in  London but for a last-minute mechanical and will be very keen to prove himself in Austria.

After Frenchwoman Julie Bresset’s dominating ride at the olympics, it’s hard not to award her the status of favourite, but she won’t have it all to herself.

Defending world champion Catharine Pendrel (Canada) had an inexplicably terrible Olympic race and will be looking to continue her season-long battle with Bresset. American Georgia Gould took the bronze in London and is a possible threat, while you can never write off multiple world champion Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway).

You can watch live streaming of the cross-country races on Saturday and and Sunday’s cross-country eliminator on our sister site Mpora this weekend:

World’s live schedule

Saturday September 8 10:00 BST Women’s cross country live streaming

Saturday September 8 13:00 BST Men’s cross-country live streaming

Sunday September 9 12:30 BST Cross-country Eliminator