All of a sudden, the 2025 CHI Geneva is less than four weeks away. We don’t know about you, but it seems to have come around very quickly. Every year is the same. The clocks go back, the days get shorter, sunlight becomes a scarce and precious commodity, and Halloween decorations give way to fairy lights in the streets. Slowly but surely, winter casts its magical spell in homes across the land. And when the temperatures drop below zero, and snow, bobble hats and red noses start putting in an appearance, then they’re a sure sign that our favourite event of the year is right around the corner.

This year, the programme will be just as spectacular as ever, the atmosphere magical and captivating, and the sport of the highest quality. The ten qualifiers for the 24^th Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final were announced at the start of the month, and what a line-up it is. Firmly established as world No1, Kent Farrington is hoping to win the event for a second time, as are British riders Scott Brash and Ben Maher. Steve Guerdat, who owes his place in the final to a mere one-point advantage in the world rankings over first reserve Nicola Philippaerts and two over his close friend Grégory Wathelet – prompting some to say he was destined to appear – could continue to make history by winning the Final for a fourth time. Among the riders dreaming of a maiden victory are Gilles Thomas (BEL) and Harrie Smolders (HOL), who would also be first-time winners for their countries. It is enough to make the mouth water.