| Format | Rank | Total points |
|---|---|---|
XCO | 15 | 994 |
XCC | 14 | 763 |
In 2026, Ronja celebrates a remarkable milestone: 20 years of bike racing. She lined up for her first race at just five years old—unable to change gears, spinning a high cadence, and winning as the only girl in her category.
That moment sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. Growing up without a family car, the bike wasn’t just a tool for racing but a way of life. Naturally multi‑athletic, Ronja explored many sports and once dreamed of becoming a professional handball player. Today, climbing remains her favourite way to unwind away from racing. Based in Biel, Switzerland, Ronja balances elite competition with her studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sports in Magglingen. Her breakthrough season came in 2023, when she claimed the overall U23 UCI World Cup titles in both XCC and XCO. In 2025, she firmly established herself in the elite ranks, earning three XCC UCI podiums—two from the back row—along with a fourth‑place finish at the XCC UCI World Championships and standout XCO Top‑10 results, including seventh in Lake Placid and eighth in Pal Arinsal, Andorra. Known for her explosive sprint, sharp race tactics, technical skill, and powerful climbing, Ronja is as competitive as she is grounded. When she’s not racing, you’ll likely find her relaxing in a hammock with a cup of maté tea—and always happy to share one.
On International Women’s Day, WBD Sports highlights how its Women in Mountain Bike initiative is turning long term commitment into concrete action. Through structural, sporting and educational initiatives, the programme continues to drive meaningful progress towards greater gender parity across the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
20 Endurance teams have secured WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series status, guaranteeing their participation across all nine rounds of the 2026 UCI Cross-country World Cup, including Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-country Short Track (XCC). We take a closer look at who will be racing for each team and highlight the key riders to watch this season.
Brand-new documentary, The Cycle, follows five riders across different cycling disciplines and career stages, including WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series stars Lachie Stevens McNab and Evie Richards.
