The downhill discipline has been part of the programme since the first edition of the festival. Big names have already been on the start gate, for example Vali Höll completed her first race in the Rookies Cup here in 2013 or Aaron Gwin celebrated one of his countless victories.

As always, the first day of the festival in the downhill discipline will be dedicated to young talent. As part of the PROPAIN Rookies Cup, the young talents have the honour of being the first to use the bike park's specially prepared track. There will be another track walk on Wednesday before things get serious on Thursday. Around 200 children and youngsters will compete in the one-day event.

In contrast to the otherwise more relaxed races in the junior series, Winterberg is something special. It starts with the fact that you have to be quick to register, as the limited entries are quickly snapped up. And then there's the packed schedule with training, seeding run and final race all in one day. So you have to be well organised and manage your energy well. But it's worth it, because those who take to the track here will experience a unique racing atmosphere, as it's rare to see a track lined with so many spectators.

After the rookies have opened the downhill programme, the iXS Downhill Cup participants will start on Friday. Big names have been on the list of participants in the past. We are excited to see who will join the long list of the world's elite this time with names like Gee Atherton (GBR), Aaron Gwin (USA), Mick Hannah (AUS), Sam Blenkinsop (NZL), Andrew Neethling (RSA), Marcelo Gutierrez (COL), Brook MacDonald (NZL), Sabrina Jonnier (FRA), Tahnée Seagrave (GBR) and Tracey Hannah (AUS).

The iXS Downhill Cup will deliver plenty of action on the track from Friday to Sunday. So if you have time in between during the festival, you should make your way to the course, because there's always something going on there. Of course, things really get going on Sunday for the final, when the prestigious victory in the various classes is at stake. Fan cheering noise and an exuberant atmosphere are guaranteed.

And then there's the VPACE Kids Cup for the very young racers on Thursday and Saturday. This racing series offers a format for children aged five and over to gain their first competitive experience on a short downhill course. Even though the programme with track walk, training and race is similar to a real race, the focus is always on having fun. In the end, everyone wins, but some also win bronze, silver and gold. What is special this year is that there will be two Kids Cup races at the festival to meet the high demand. The important thing is that you have to make a decision and can only take part in one of the two races.

As you can see, the iXS Dirt Masters is not called "Europe's biggest gravity festival" for nothing. In the supreme discipline of downhill cycling alone, more than 900 participants of all ages will compete and deliver a programme worth seeing on all days of the festival.