The Czech mud may well still be dripping from the trees of Nové Mesto na Morav? but there is little time for the riders of the UCI XCO World Cup to take stock after an incredible opening round of racing. Even as we type this the race trucks and team cars are pulling into Albstadt in Germany in preparation for round two this very weekend.

Time is of the essence; bikes need fixing and legs need shaving. Here’s all you need to know:

The place

The city of Albstadt is the largest in the land-locked central district of Zollernalbkreis in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The XCO race in Albstadt is the only time any of the UCI World Cup tours visit Germany this year and as a result, it’s one of the best attended rounds on the calendar. The town’s economy grew up around the textile industry but this has since all but vanished with a number of large factories and manufacturing concerns now being the main employers.

The track

Starting near the centre of town, it doesn’t take long for the Albstadt track to start beating up the riders. The climbs are steep and long and will see the best racers in the world’s heart rates top 180bpm almost from the off. Some parts are sectioned off into two lanes and the descents feature obstacles such as jumps and drops built by freerider Guido Tschugg. Each of these has been designed to proffer vital seconds so there’s all to play for. The second climb is a gruelling ascent before yet another fast downhill section back into town.

The weather

A slippery or sodden Albstadt can break bones but the weather this week looks set to be hot if not without moisture. Thunder storms are predicted for Friday and Saturday but race day on Sunday looks to be among the best days of the week so hopefully any damp conditions will dry quickly.