Östersund and its 53.000 inhabitants, located in the really middle of Sweden, are ready to welcome the world of enduro for a determining race.

Dreaded by the riders from Southern Europe, awaited by the Swedes and their Finnish neighbours, this winterenduro rouses an increasing interest. Among the pilots, there are those who worked particularly snow riding, as the French class who trained in the Alps Mountains, and those who flee this element such as a nightmare.

According to the locals, there is now more snow in Östersund than last year, but the relatively mild temperatures, around 0°C, softened the snow coat during the day. A few information filtered about Östersund layout, but with the involvement of new organizers, it is a completely new track that will be proposed this year.

As a characteristic of this race, the paddock will be located in a heated hangar, close to the airport. Fitted of spiked tires, the 107 registered pilots will leave it to discover typical Swedish paths. It will conduce them on the ice of the Storsjön Lake, where they will run the Extreme Test.

This place will be the theatre of first chapter of the BMW MOTORRAD XTREM TEST AWARDS. As in 2007, this competition rewards the best riders in the Extreme Tests whatever the category.

Last year winner, Mika AHOLA (FIN-HON) seems to be in good position to preserve his title. In ENDURO 1 too, the HM Honda factory rider is certainly the one who has the biggest experience in snow.

But his difficult beginnings last weeks in Italian championship with the 250 4T showed some hesitations. A godsend for Ivan CERVANTES (ESP-KTM), who is probably the fastest Latin rider on snow. Among the disappointed contenders of 2007 race, Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-YAM) and Marc Germain (FRA-YAM) especially prepared the event.

The Italian provided an important physical training during the winter. The French is already in Sweden to set up his bike and to discover new feelings of riding. In E1 as in the others categories, “wild-cards” can create surprises.

All the teams will keep an eye on hot locals Fredrik GEORGSSON (SWE-KTM) and Niklas GUSTAFSSON (SWE-HON). SALMINEN AND LJUNGGREN AWAITED As a specialist of snow, like all the grounds, Juha SALMINEN (FIN-KTM) will be the man to beat in ENDURO 2.

Another certainty, Johnny AUBERT (FRA-YAM) will not let him breathe. The duel between the two men is really awaited, and it will start as soon as this Swedish Grand Prix. Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) could intercalate himself between the two men.

The junior double champion makes his entry in the court of seniors. In these cold conditions, the Finnish neighbours Valterri SALONEN (FIN-HSB) and Jari MATTILA (FIN-HON) can also play the first places. Let us note that the presence of Mickaël PICHON (FRAKTM) is still uncertain. The motocross champion suffers from persistent pains to the hand.

In ENDURO 3, while focusing on the titans’ battle between Samuli ARO (FINKTM), Marko TARKKALA (FIN-KTM), Stefan MERRIMAN (AUS-APR) and Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA), king Anders ERIKSSON (SWE-BMW) made him discreet and nearly forgotten.

But on his brand new BMW, the Swedish can be the fastest of the big class. Eriksson is really a snow fox, just like his compatriot Björne CARLSSON (SWE-HSB). On his Gas Gas, Christophe NAMBOTIN (FRAGAS) will compete for the first time with Seniors.

At last, there will be 40 juniors ready to fight. Around Marc BOURGEOIS (FRAHVA), Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) and Mirko GRITTI (ITA-BETA), many unknown riders want to be revealed on the world scene. Your own forecasts are awaited on the WEC official website (www.abc-wec.com).

There are still 20 days to elect your favourite riders. And you will get the first answers in one week for the start of season. So don’t miss the snowed GRAND PRIX MAXXIS OF SWEDEN, March 15th and 16th.