The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns this weekend with the first Gravity event of the year – Pietra Ligure, Finale Outdoor Region (Italy) hosting the opening round of the UCI Enduro World Cup. The racing in Italy kicks off five back-to-back weekends of off-road action in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series that also takes in the Enduro Trails of Bielsko-Biała (Poland), Nové Mĕsto Na Moravĕ (Czechia) and Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France) before concluding with a four-day festival in Saalfelden Leogang-Salzburgerland (Austria) between June 5-8. But Enduro is the sole focus this weekend in Pietra Ligure and sees the format return to its adventurous roots with the racing spread over two days and seven unique stages. It’s hard to think of a better location to launch the 2025 UCI Enduro World Cup – the wider Finale Outdoor Region regarded as the spiritual home of the endurance-focused Gravity format. CLASSIC CURTAIN RAISER After the success of last year’s season opener in Finale Ligure, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns to the Italian Riviera for the format’s 2025 curtain raiser – albeit slightly along the coast in the direction of France in the seaside town of Pietra Ligure. The Finale Outdoor Region is something of a mountain bike Mecca and for three decades, the hills to the north of the coastal town have been a hive of activity, spawning a series of trails across the exposed limestone that are now world-renowned. This year, the UCI Enduro World Cup will delve further into the chocolate box selection of technical natural features and adrenaline-fuelled downhill sections, while splitting the race across two days allows athletes to explore and become fully immersed in the area’s natural beauty as they take on seven stages during an 83km course featuring 4,200m of descent and 3,200m of pedal ascent. Although the days are split fairly evenly in terms of distance, ascent and descent, the racing kicks off with two sizeable stages (Isallo Extasy, 5.9km, 940m; Hiroshima Mon Amour, 5km, 730m) meaning the chance for big-time splits from the off. FAVOURITES IN PIETRA Last year, Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) and Harriet Harnden (AON Racing - Tourne Campervans) recorded wins in the Men’s and Women’s Elite UCI Enduro World Cup in Finale Ligure, securing crucial points on their respective journeys to the UCI Enduro World Cup overall titles. Although Rude and Harnden announced that they would be switching formats and focusing their attention on the UCI Downhill World Cup this year, both of the reigning series champions are on the start sheet in Pietra Ligure, Finale Outdoor Region after being swayed by the prospect of two days of racing in Enduro’s heartlands. The pair go into the weekend as favourites, but there are plenty of other Enduro-only riders who will be looking to stake their claim to the title at the first race of the season. Morgane Charre (Pivot Factory Racing) is likely to be Harnden’s main challenger on the north Italian coast. The Frenchwoman won Pietra Ligure’s last UCI Enduro World Cup in 2023, which featured four of this weekend’s seven stages. Others likely to be vying for a podium spot include privateers Ella Conolly and Raphaela Richter – the former finishing third in Finale Ligure last year, while the latter won two out of six stages en route to fourth spot in 2023. In the Men’s Elite, Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV) was victorious in Pietra Ligure in 2023, and the Canadian has already got the better of Rude in 2025 at April’s Squamish Enduro. Jack Moir (YT Mob) and Martin Maes (Orbea FMD Racing) have also tasted success in this corner of the Mediterranean coast, while Enduro’s first UCI World Champion, Alex Rudeau, will be hoping the rainbow bands bring him race-winning speed on the trails of Finale Outdoor Region. HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION Race content will be available across the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ official platforms, including the official YouTube channel, website, and social media profiles. Fans can catch up with the action from Pietra Ligure with: A course preview featuring the route and its key sections Practice day and race day video highlights Key race moments on social media Real-time race updates via live timing on the official website Racing gets underway in Finale Outdoor Region on Saturday – full schedule and event details are available here. Pictures: © FOR Nicola Damonte
WHOOP, the human performance company and title partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, introduces WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG — two next-generation wearables designed to unlock a new approach to personal health and longevity. Paired with a redesigned WHOOP experience, the devices offer 14-day battery life in a sleeker, seven percent smaller form - and introduce category-defining features, including Healthspan with WHOOP Age, Heart Screener with on-demand ECG, Blood Pressure Insights, and more. “This isn’t just a product launch. It’s a new chapter for WHOOP and for our members.ˮ said Will Ahmed, WHOOP Founder & CEO. “Weʼve taken everything weʼve learned over the past decade and built a platform to help our members perform and live at their peak for longer. Weʼve held nothing back.ˮ Trusted by many elite riders competing in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, including stars like Mathieu Van der Poel and Puck Pieterse, WHOOP has become a go-to platform for monitoring performance, recovery, sleep, and training metrics. As a leading brand in the world of sports — and particularly within cycling — these new WHOOP devices mark a significant step forward in how wearable technology helps professional and amateur athletes optimize performance and tailor their lifestyles based on real-time physiological insights. NEW HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE IN-APP FEATURES Healthspan with WHOOP Age: a powerful new way to quantify your physiological age and slow your Pace of Aging. Developed in partnership with Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, this feature uses 9 different metrics linked to long-term health to calculate your WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging. This feature is not available for users under the age of 18. Heart Screener with ECG: an FDA-cleared ECG feature that allows reading to be taken anytime, from your wrist — and shared directly with a healthcare provider. The Heart Screener detects signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a leading cause of stroke, and provides Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications (IHRN) for greater peace of mind. This feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib or users under 22 years old. It is not recommended for users with a cardiac pacemaker, ICDs or other implanted electronic devices. This is a medically regulated feature and is not currently available in every region. Blood Pressure Insights: A patent-pending technology that delivers daily blood pressure insights, right from your wrist. Get estimated systolic and diastolic readings and learn about how blood pressure affects wellbeing and performance. Blood Pressure Monitor is not a medical device and cannot diagnose or manage medical conditions. It does not provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for health concerns and never delay or modify medical care based on its information. Womenʼs Hormonal Insights: WHOOP goes beyond cycle tracking to deliver science-backed education and personalized insights on how hormonal shifts influence recovery, sleep, stress, and performance. Menstrual Cycle Insights should not be used for birth control or fertility tracking. The ovulatory phase indicators are estimates only. Menstrual Cycle Insights is not a medical device and cannot diagnose or manage medical conditions. It does not provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for health concerns and never delay or modify medical care based on its information. Sleep Performance Update: Unlock better nights and better days. The reimagined Sleep Score delivers a more accurate reflection of sleep quality, helping members recover more effectively and show up stronger each day. Comprehensive Fitness Tracking: From daily steps and VO₂ Max to Muscular Strain during strength training and 145+ supported activities, members can now optimize fitness for both performance and long-term health outcomes. HARDWARE, REIMAGINED FOR PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION: Precision Sensors. Smaller Design. Greater Power. WHOOP 5.0 and MG pack more technology into a 7% smaller form factor. Enhanced sensors capture data 26 times per second, while a redesigned processor delivers 10x more power efficiency — enabling richer insights without sacrificing battery life or comfort. 14+ Day Battery Life. New Wireless PowerPack: 14+ days per charge across WHOOP 5.0 and MG hardware. Now, members with their device alongside the new Wireless Powerpack have access to a full month of battery life. Wireless PowerPack is offered with Peak & Life Memberships. Wired battery pack available on One. Elevated Accessories: Complete the experience with a new line of WHOOP accessories — including the new LeatherLuxe, crafted from genuine Italian leather for our most premium look and feel yet. 24/7 Wearability: WHOOP remains the only wearable thatʼs truly wearable — designed for 24/7 use across multiple locations on the body. Powered by WHOOP Body and AnyWear™ technology, WHOOP technical garments seamlessly integrate with your device to capture data with unmatched precision — no matter your sport, lifestyle, or movement.CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE: To make these innovations even more accessible, WHOOP is also introducing three new membership tiers. These tiers empower WHOOP members to choose the hardware device, features and pricing that make the most sense for them: WHOOP One: Professional-grade fitness insights. WHOOP Peak: Advanced health, fitness and longevity insights designed to help you perform at your peak, longer. WHOOP Life: The most powerful WHOOP ever, delivering medical-grade health and performance insights. To learn more or start a one-month free trial, visit whoop.com and connect with WHOOP on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
The eight-part documentary series will follow all the action from the UCI Enduro World Cup during the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season, providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of mountain bike’s hardest formats. Today, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports announces a brand-new eight-part documentary series Grit & Glory: Enduro Mountain Bike Racing, premiering in August 2025. The docuseries will give viewers an exciting and intimate glimpse into the world of professional enduro mountain bike racing, following a select group of elite athletes as they battle it out in the UCI Enduro World Cup on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series circuit. Each 23-minute episode will capture the highs and lows of one of mountain bike’s most gruelling racing formats – which combines the fitness of cross-country with the descending skills of downhill – and tell previously untold stories of the athletes and teams, revealing the passion, rivalry, and personal struggles, in a mixture of action-packed race footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. After starting with an explainer episode “What is Enduro Mountain Bike Racing?”, the following seven episodes will each focus on a different UCI Enduro World Cup round throughout the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Kicking off at the season opener in Pietra Ligure - Finale Outdoor Region (Italy) and concluding with the finale in Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France), viewers will get a true understanding of the diverse and challenging terrains tackled at each race weekend, as well as the preparation and strategy that goes into competing at the top of the burgeoning mountain bike format. The docuseries will showcase Enduro racing in a whole new light and will be exciting to watch for fans who have been with enduro since its inception as well as new viewers discovering its unique culture and grittiness for the first time. Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “The expansive nature of the UCI Enduro World Cup makes live race coverage a real challenge—but Grit & Glory gives us the unique opportunity to capture the raw essence of this adrenaline-fuelled format. “Across eight episodes, we’ll take audiences closer to the action than ever before, revealing the intensity, determination, and grit of the athletes through powerful storytelling. From high-stakes descents to emotional highs and lows, the series will shine a spotlight on Enduro’s most compelling moments as we look to continue to grow excitement and awareness around mountain biking.” The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series began in Araxá, Minas Gerais (Brazil) last month, with a high-intensity UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) double-header. The UCI Enduro World Cup will kick off this week in Pietra Ligure-Finale Outdoor Region, Italy from 9 – 11 May. All the action from the UCI Enduro World Cup will be available through the official platforms of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, including the YouTube channel, official website, and social media profiles. Fans will have an in-depth look at every round, beginning with a Course Preview that showcases the route and its key features. As riders take to the track, the Practice Day highlights will provide behind-the-scenes footage of them testing lines and getting comfortable with the terrain, whilst Race Day will deliver high-energy, unfiltered highlights that capture the intensity and atmosphere of the competition on race day. Key moments are shared across social media, and fans can follow live timing on the official website for real-time race updates.
From July 9 to 13, Andorra will become the epicenter of top-level international mountain bike as Pal Arinsal hosts the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Pal Arinsal is gearing up for the 10th edition of the UCI World Cup, taking place from July 9 to 13, 2025. Tickets are available on the official website, with three options: 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day passes. The event will once again make Andorra a key stop on the international calendar, hosting the world’s best riders in the Cross-country (XCO), Short Track (XCC), and Downhill (DHI) disciplines. Spectators will be able to enjoy the show from designated viewing areas in La Caubella and Fontanals, with access to lifts, shuttle buses, and transportation services connecting key points of the circuit. This year, the lower section of the Pal Arinsal Bike Park will remain open during the competition days, offering an extra activity option for mountain biking enthusiasts who want to combine sport and action. Children up to 6 years old can enter for free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and carry identification. Season pass holders of Grandvalira Resorts (Andorra Pass, Nord Pass, and Bike Pass) will enjoy free access to the World Cup during the event, at no additional cost. Inclusive access for all People with functional diversity will have free access to the event. Each attendee may be accompanied by one person, who must purchase their own ticket. To manage their entry and receive all relevant accessibility information, they can contact the organization at accessibilitat@palarinsal.com. Buy tickets: https://events.palarinsal.com/en/palarinsalandorra/tickets
The German cleaning equipment and pressure washer specialist signs deal that sees it become the Official Cleaning Partner (water-based cleaning solutions) for five rounds of this year’s Series. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and Kärcher are proud to confirm a five-round agreement for the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The 90-year-old German cleaning specialist becomes the Official Cleaning Partner (providing water-based cleaning solutions) for five rounds of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, starting at the UCI Downhill and Enduro World Cup in Bielsko-Biała (Poland) on May 16-18. It will reprise its partnership a week later in Nové Město Na Moravě (Czechia) and will also partner UCI World Cups later in the season in Saalfelden Leogang Salzburgerland (Austria), Val di Sole, Trentino (Italy) and Lenzerheide (Switzerland). Established in Winneden, Germany in 1935, Kärcher developed the first European hot water high-pressure cleaner in 1950. Today, the family-owned company is a world-leader in cleaning technology and employs a team of 17,000 people in 85 countries. At the heart of its focus is sustainability, with its products and services aiming to help prolong and maintain everything they interact with, ensuring a benefit to the environment and the community they work in. Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “Kärcher is synonymous with cleaning technology excellence, and to have the iconic company come on board for five rounds of this year’s WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is hopefully the start of a long and fruitful partnership between the German manufacturer and WBD Sports.” Bernd Rützler, Executive Vice Presidents Marketing & Brand Management at Kärcher, said: “We’re delighted to join the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series as the Official Cleaning Partner. Mountain biking, with its passion and energy, resonates strongly with Kärcher, and we’re proud to contribute our sustainable cleaning technologies to these world-class events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our solutions can support both performance and environmental responsibility”. The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series kicked off in Araxá, Minas Gerais (Brazil), with a high-intensity Brazilian double-header to open the season for the endurance teams. Next up: the first round of the UCI Enduro World Cup in Pietra Ligure, Finale Outdoor Region (Italy), from May 9–11, followed by the launch of the UCI Downhill World Cup season on the Enduro Trails of Bielsko-Biała (Poland), May 16–18. Live and on-demand coverage of every race is available through WBD’s channels and platforms including Eurosport (Europe) and TNT Sports (UK & Ireland) with streaming on Max and discovery+, as well as around the world through WBD’s broadcast partners. More information on where to watch the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season is available here.
The first UCI Enduro World Cup of the year is just around the corner and here's your first look at the two-day course in Pietra Ligure, Finale Outdoor Region. Day one will see the athletes take on 57km across three stages; whilst on day two, the four stages are slightly shorter at 42.9km, but with an extra 278m of climbing! 😅 The course is set for two big days out at the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Pietra Ligure, Finale Outdoor Region. For a detailed look at the courses, you can check out the athlete interactive map.
The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, promoted by WBD Sports, marked Earth Month by spotlighting some of the key initiatives that form part of its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has signed the UCI Climate Action Charter. Every April, over 190 countries come together to celebrate Earth Month — a global moment dedicated to raising awareness and driving action to protect our planet. At its core, Earth Month is a call for reflection and change: a time to spotlight environmental challenges, inspire individuals, communities, and organisations to act. To mark the occasion this year, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and its global promoter, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe, are proud to highlight some of the key initiatives that will form the foundation of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy in 2025. UCI CLIMATE ACTION CHARTER As a long-standing partner of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), WBD Sports has officially signed the UCI Climate Action Charter, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development across the sport and its Events business. By aligning with the Charter, WBD Sports reinforces its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint while championing the bicycle as a powerful symbol and instrument of climate action. The Charter outlines a series of key commitments, including the measurement and reporting of emissions linked to WBD Sports’ activities and events, the adoption of science-based reduction targets, a transition towards renewable energy wherever possible, waste reduction through circular economy principles, the implementation of sustainable procurement practices, the prioritisation of low-carbon transport solutions, and the protection of biodiversity. This pledge reflects WBD Sports’ dedication to driving meaningful change across its operations and contributing to a more sustainable future for the sport. TRACKING IMPACT WITH OXYGEN SOLUTIONS WBD Sports will also be partnering with Oxygen Solutions (formerly known as 261PI), one of the two service providers which in 2023 helped the UCI launch the UCI Sustainability Impact Tracker, the first online platform designed to help cycling stakeholders measure and understand their environmental and social impact. Oxygen Solutions will assess and monitor the impact of WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series events across key areas such as waste management, sustainability practices, and diversity and inclusion. Four rounds of the series (Saalfelden Leogang in Salzburgerland, Val di Sole in Trentino, Les Gets in Haute Savoie and Mont-Sainte-Anne) will benefit this season from a tailored framework designed to support and enhance their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. As a result, Oxygen Solutions will provide detailed reports to stakeholders including local organisers, partners, and host regions, offering valuable insights to drive continuous improvement. SUSTAINABILITY TAKES ROOT IN ARAXÁ As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, WBD Sports actively encourages all event stakeholders to take meaningful action — from small everyday changes to large-scale initiatives — that contribute to lasting environmental impact. In this spirit, and during the opening rounds of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Araxá, Minas Gerais (Brazil), WBD Sports participated in a tree-planting campaign led by the Local Organising Committee and the City of Araxá with support from the Planning and Sustainable Development Institute (IPDSA), the Araxá Cycling and Adventure Sports Association (ACEAA), and the local non-profit Casa do Pequeno Jardineiro. The number of trees planted was determined through a technical assessment of emissions, factoring in everything, from air travel to local event logistics. In 2024, Araxá’s debut year on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar, 1,000 native trees were planted in a partnership with Projeto Plantar — setting a strong precedent for continued environmental action. Representatives from the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series management team — including Simon Burney (Head of Sport for Cycling Events at WBD Sports) — joined riders Alex Malacarne (Brazil), Gustavo Xavier (Brazil), Catalina Vidaurre (Chile), Ignacio Gallo (Chile) and Agustín Durán (Argentina) in supporting this initiative. “Our goal was to ensure the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series left a legacy. This is just one of several actions that show the event goes beyond competition. It inspires, transforms, and plants the seeds of the future,” said Rogério Bernardes, local organiser of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Araxá. Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “We commend the efforts of our Local Organising Committees for embracing and driving sustainability, and we are proud to support and take part in initiatives like this — turning climate commitments into concrete, on-the-ground impact. “Our commitment to sustainability within the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series continues to grow, marked by two major milestones: the signing of the UCI Climate Action Charter and our partnership with Oxygen Solutions. Through these collective efforts, we aim to drive meaningful, lasting change — within the sport and beyond.” David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “The UCI is delighted to welcome WBD Sports as our newest UCI Climate Action Charter signatory. Our objective when we launched the Charter in 2022 was to unite cycling’s stakeholders to reduce our sports’ emissions and support the global fight against climate change. It is fantastic to see WBD Sports implement its ambitious CSR strategy, embedding sustainability into the delivery of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.” In 2024, the Events division of WBD Sports Europe achieved a prestigious ISO20121 certification, which approves the structured framework that sees sustainability integrated into every aspect of its event management practices, with the aim of reducing the environmental and social impact of the large-scale international events that are promoted while maintaining their economic viability.
The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and Saalfelden Leogang go together like downhill racing and chainsaw noise, or Cross-country and lycra. It’s only natural that Austria’s mountain bike mecca in the Pinzgau region once again welcomes the UCI World Cup circuit – for the 13th time overall. From 6 to 8 June 2025, the world’s top mountain bikers will compete in Cross-country, Downhill, and Enduro events at the Epic Bikepark Leogang, part of Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Fans can expect not only thrilling racing, but also a full weekend of entertainment – from a bustling Teams and Expo Area and athlete signing sessions to exciting side events for all ages. UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup and UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup After a year’s break, the endurance riders of Cross-country racing are returning to Saalfelden Leogang, making this the season’s first triple-header. Sunday’s action features the Olympic-format race (XCO) on a four-kilometer course in the Epic Bikepark. In 2023, Puck Pieterse (NED) and Lars Forster (SUI) claimed the top spots. As of now, Samara Maxwell (NZL) and Christopher Blevins (USA) lead the overall standings. Local heroes Laura Stigger, who finished third in both 2022 and 2023, and Mona Mitterwallner, who finished second in 2023, are both eager to end up high on the podium this time around. But the Cross-country action already kicks off on Friday evening with XCC races at the base of the Asitzbahn gondola. Two years ago, France dominated the podium with wins by Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Jordan Sarrou. This year, however, the field is wide open: Evie Richards (GBR) and Christopher Blevins took the opening rounds in Brazil. What happens next in Nové Město Na Moravě and Saalfelden Leogang is anyone’s guess. Downhill – Will Vali Höll Make It a Triple? Bruni, Kolb, or the Young Guns? For reigning overall UCI World Cup winner and UCI World Champion Valentina Höll, the Saalfelden Leogang round has become something of a homecoming fairy tale. After some early struggles on this track, the Saalbach native now aims for a third straight win on home soil. On the men’s side, the “Speedster” course – 2.5 kilometers of pure adrenaline – has recently been conquered by Loïc Bruni and Andreas Kolb. Both the French UCI World Champion and the Austrian fans’ favorite are among the top contenders again, but rising stars like Jackson Goldstone and Ronan Dunne could shake up the standings. Enduro – A New Fixture in Saalfelden Leogang’s UCI World Cup Line-Up Now in its third edition, the UCI Enduro World Cup is fast becoming a permanent highlight in Austria’s biggest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. This year’s route covers roughly 70 kilometers and six timed stages, taking riders from the Epic Bikepark Leogang via Asitz peak to Saalbach and back again. For the first time, the Enduro race will be held on Sunday. 2024 champions Isabeau Courdurier (FRA) and Richie Rude (USA) won’t compete this year, leaving the competition wide open for some new stars. More Than Racing: A Full Weekend Experience for Everyone While over 1,000 athletes deliver peak performances on the trails, more than 20,000 expected visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of entertainment in Saalfelden Leogang. The large Expo Area features top brands showcasing the latest gear, and the Teams Area offers behind-the-scenes insights into the daily life of elite racers and technic freaks can have a peek at the team mechanics getting the riders’ weapons dialed for UCI World Cup racing. Several parties will keep the vibes high throughout the weekend. A major highlight is the spectacular Red Bull helicopter show that will wow the crowd with jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers. All this is made possible by the dedication of over 400 volunteers. A free, secured bike parking zone next to Hotel Rivus allows visitors to cycle to the venue with peace of mind, and frequent shuttle buses between Saalfelden and Hochfilzen make it easy to reach the event area. Those arriving by public transport will find Saalfelden Leogang well-connected via major hubs like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, and Klagenfurt. Free public transportation within the federal state of Salzburg is included in the event ticket. Standard and VIP Tickets for this one-of-a-kind MTB weekend are available now. Be quick – they’re always in high demand and tend to sell out fast. Families can also take advantage of a special deal: from 1 to 31 May 2025, every adult ticket purchase includes a 50% discount on a child’s ticket (Standard or Standard incl. gondola). Race program Friday, 6 June: UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup (U23 and Elite) UCI Downhill World Cup Qualifications (Junior and Elite) Saturday, 7 June: UCI Downhill World Cup Finals (Junior and Elite) Sunday, 8 June: UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) (U23 and Elite)UCI Enduro World Cup A detailed timeline can be found here. All further details about the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang can be found at www.mtb-weltcup.at and within the official event app. Can’t make it to Saalfelden Leogang in person? Full broadcast details can be found here.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports can confirm that eight wildcard teams have been selected for the third Endurance round of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, that will take place in Nové Město Na Moravě, Czechia on May 23-25. Three of the spots go to the Czech teams Cabtech Racing Team, Rouvy and Expres CZ - BMD Team Kolín, two go to teams awarded wildcard places at the opening two rounds in Brazil, KTM Factory MTB Team and Lexware Mountain Bike Team, while the remaining three squads comprise a mixture of development prospects and established riders. The eight teams were whittled down from 15 that applied. All will join the 20 Endurance WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams on the start line in Nové Město Na Moravě. Of the three local teams selected, there are a number of riders who have already appeared in the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ Brazilian double-header – both Zoe Cuthbert (Cabtech Racing Team) and Adéla Holubová (Rouvy) securing individual spots for the first two rounds in Araxá, Minas-Gerais. Cuthbert’s Cabtech Racing Team has an international feel, with the Australian elite-level rider one of three non-Czech athletes in the five-strong outfit, while Rouvy and Expres CZ - BMD Team Kolín are predominately Czech affairs – Slovakian National Champion for Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-country Short Track (XCC), Matej Ulik (Expres CZ - BMD Team Kolín) is the only rider who won’t be competing at home in the UCI World Cup in Nové Město Na Moravě. Lexware Mountain Bike Team and KTM Factory Team meanwhile will all be returning for their third WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round of the season, and each are rewarded for strong performances in Brazil – Katharina Sadnik (KTM Factory Team) recording the best results of the lot, securing second and third in the Women U23 UCI XCC World Cups. Finally, the three new teams making their 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series debut feature a number of well-known athletes and up-and-coming talent. Bixs Performance Race Team has a squad that includes Marcel Guerrini –third at last year’s Nové Město Na Moravě UCI XCO World Cup; Germany-based Trek Future Racing – the development squad responsible for Mona Mitterwallner and Bjorn Riley – features Spanish U23 XCO National Champion Marta Cano Espinosa; while Belgian XCO and XCC National Champion Emeline Detilleux will be representing Scott Creuse Oxygene Gueret in Czechia on 16-18 May. The eight wildcard teams for round 5 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Nové Město Na Moravě are: KTM Factory MTB Team Bixs Performance Race Team Lexware Mountainbike Team Cabtech Racing Team Trek Future Racing Scott Creuse Oxygene Gueret Rouvy Expres CZ - BMD Team Kolín
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports can confirm that five wildcard teams have been selected for the first Downhill round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, that will take place in Bielsko-Biała, Poland on May 16-18. All of the teams have a development focus and are made up of promising up-and-coming talent and those with a few years as Elite riders under the belts. But there are also a number of established names who will be lining up in a UCI Downhill World Cup start hut once more thanks to the new wildcard system. Thibaut Daprela (Rogue Racing) is the highest profile rider to earn his spot in Poland – the Frenchman is a UCI Downhill World Cup round winner, having won in Pal Arinsal, Andorra, in 2023. Other well-known athletes to qualify via the new set-up include Thomas Estaque (Goodman - Santa Cruz), who finished fifth in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie last year; Kenda - NS Bikes’ 2019 Junior downhill UCI World Champion Kye A’Hern; and his sister, Australian National Champion Sian A’Hern (YT Racing Development). In addition to Estaque, Goodman - Santa Cruz’s five-rider lineup includes French National Champion Lisa Bouladou and Nathan Pontvianne – a UCI Downhill World Cup finals qualifier in 2024. Meanwhile Rogue Racing’s Italian National Champion and top 10 UCI Downhill World Cup finisher Davide Palazzari will also get his shot at qualifying for finals in Bielsko-Biała. YT Racing Development are a new introduction for 2025 and are a feeder team for WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team, YT Mob. High Country meanwhile are the final team to secure a spot, and feature three future stars of downhill from the southern hemisphere, with 16-year-old New Zealander Malik Boatwright making his WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series debut in Poland between 16-18 May. The five wildcard teams for round 4 of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Bielsko-Biała are: Kenda - NS Bikes YT Racing Development Goodman - Santa Cruz High Country Rogue Racing
The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns to Lake Placid (USA) for a second year running. Three-Day Event Includes UCI Cross-Country World Cup Races at Mt Van Hoevenberg and UCI Downhill World Cup at Whiteface Mountain The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority), Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) are pleased to announce the return of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series to Lake Placid from 3 to 5 October, this time featuring men’s and women’s UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity formats. The Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) events head back to Mt Van Hoevenberg, while the Downhill (DHI) competition will be held at the iconic Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface Mountain, located in Wilmington, New York in the majestic Adirondack Mountains, is a premier ski destination. With over 3,400 feet of vertical drop—one of the largest in the eastern United States—Whiteface delivers a rare and demanding downhill experience that will challenge riders. The Whiteface region of Northern New York boasts over 20 miles of trails, including the renowned Flume and Hardy Road networks that offer a mix of flowy singletrack, aggressive climbs, and thrilling descents. Whiteface Mountain is making a highly-anticipated return as it hosts the UCI Downhill World Cup. Combining stunning scenery with high-octane riding, Whiteface has all the makings of a truly unforgettable UCI World Cup venue. The weekend will feature the world’s best Elite, Under 23, and Junior riders battling for podium finishes and valuable points in the overall standings. Cross-country races return to an updated version of the demanding course introduced in 2024 at Mt Van Hoevenberg, while Whiteface Mountain unveils its new Downhill course — traversing roughly two kilometers of steep, technical terrain designed for high-speed descents that require both precision and fearless determination. Darcy Rowe Norfolk, Olympic Authority Spokesperson, said: “We’re thrilled to build on the success of last year with the addition of downhill racing at Whiteface Mountain. Our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience for both athletes and fans, while showcasing the world’s best mountain bikers across two formats. Events like this not only elevate the profile of the Olympic Region and its thriving cycling community but also generate meaningful economic impact for our region.” Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “We’re thrilled to return to Lake Placid—this time not only to Mt Van Hoevenberg for Cross-country, but also to Whiteface for Downhill. Recognised as one of the premier ski destinations in the United States, we’re proud to support its revival by bringing world-class downhill racing to this iconic venue. If last season’s experience in Lake Placid is anything to go by, we’re in for another outstanding week of mountain biking that’s sure to excite both fans and riders. Supporting the resurgence of mountain biking at Whiteface and celebrating the sport’s continued growth in the region is something we’re incredibly excited about.” Lake Placid will serve as the penultimate round on the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, which kicked off on April 3 in Araxá, Minas Gerais (Brazil) and will wrap up from October 9 to 12 in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec (Canada). The venue made its debut on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar in 2024, hosting UCI XCO, XCC, and Mountain Bike Marathon (XCM) World Cup races at Mt Van Hoevenberg. It was a standout weekend for Specialized Factory Racing, with Victor Koretzky taking commanding victories in both the XCO and XCC events, while teammates Laura Stigger and Sina Frei secured an impressive one-two finish in the Women Elite races. Meanwhile, Christopher Blevins has opened this season in dominant fashion, winning three of the four opening races in Araxá, Brazil. After sweeping round two with victories in both the UCI XCC and XCO World Cups and finishing first (XCC) and second (XCO) in the opening round, the American rider is shaping up to be one of the riders to watch of the season. The cross-country stars will be joined by the biggest names in downhill, including the likes of Valentina Höll (YT Mob) and Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity), who will be aiming to defend their WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall titles. Tickets for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Lake Placid (Mt Van Hoevenberg / Whiteface) are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. Admission is free for SKI3 season pass holders. As a two-time Olympic host city, Lake Placid brings a unique sense of sporting heritage to the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar—its rich legacy making it a fitting backdrop for another thrilling chapter in mountain bike history. For more information on the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series events in Lake Placid, please visit https://ucimtbworldseries.com/events/lake-placid-2025.
The UCI has confirmed the locations for the four mountain bike formats at the second-ever unified UCI Cycling World Championships, with Cross-country and Downhill returning to the UCI World Cup staple of Les Gets and Enduro and Cross-country Marathon tackling the trails of the Grand Massif. Les Gets, Portes du Soleil has been picked for Cross-country Olympic (XCO), Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Downhill. The bike park is a firm favourite amongst mountain bike fans and hosted its first UCI Downhill World Cup in 1996. It has previous experience hosting UCI World Championships too – first the UCI Downhill World Championships in 2004, and most recently XCO, XCC and Downhill in 2022. Enduro and Cross-country Marathon (XCM), meanwhile, will see athletes compete on the Grand Massif’s expansive 400km network of trails. With the French Alps as a backdrop, both races are sure to be a spectacle for riders and fans alike. The mountain bike formats are just four of the 20 UCI World Championships that will be held across 12 sites in the Haute-Savoie department during the second-ever UCI Cycling World Championship. An expansion on the first event in Glasgow 2023, it will see 10,000 Elite and Amateur athletes compete for rainbow bands in disciplines as varied as road, track, BMX, indoor cycling and eSports between August 24 - September 5, 2027. Some two million fans are expected to travel to the Haute-Savoie department for the 13 days of competition, with the whole of the area part of the festivities, while its breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks like Mont-Blanc will be celebrated during the contests. Speaking at a press conference in Sallanches, France, UCI President David Lappartient said: “These combined UCI Cycling World Championships were part of my vision when I was elected UCI President in 2017. This vision became a reality in 2023 in Glasgow and across Scotland, and we are now building on what we created in Scotland, in an even wider range of cycling specialties. I am delighted that this edition will take place in Haute-Savoie, a recognised host region for UCI events in several disciplines. Cycling in all its splendour will be celebrated in the French department.” In 2025, the Haute-Savoie department will host all formats of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series over two consecutive weekends. Morillon will make its debut as a UCI Enduro World Cup venue from August 22–24, followed by UCI World Cup events in Les Gets—including XCC, XCO and Downhill —from August 28–31.
Christopher Blevins led a Specialized Factory Racing 1-2-3 in the Men Elite UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup which was decided on the final lap of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, while Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) showed her experience to take a solo women’s victory in the sizzling heat of Araxá, Minas Gerais. Blevins now leads both men’s elite overall UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and UCI XCO World Cup standings after securing his first-ever XCC double, along with a win and a runner-up finish in the XCO, on a fast and demanding course in Brazil. After riding away to victory a week ago at the same venue Specialized Factory Racing again dominated the men’s podium but were pushed all the way for victory this time out. A leading group of 10 riders came into the final lap together and the red jerseys only pulled clear on the final climb with Blevins quickest in the sprint ahead of team-mates Martin Vidaurre in second and Adrien Boichis in third. Rissveds had a more comfortable win in the women’s UCI XCO event after timing her midway point attack to perfection and building an unassailable advantage. After winning last weeks’ UCI XCO World Cup race, Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) burst clear from the chasing pack for second and a bruised Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing – Pirelli) came back from an early crash and sprinted into third. The course in Araxá provided a different challenge to a week ago with short punchy climbs exchanged for one four-minute ascent - which the men tackled 10 times and women one less. BLEVINS LEADS LATE SPECIALIZED FACTORY RACING MASTERCLASS After riding away from their opponents in the opening XCO round, Specialized Factory Racing, again dominated the podium, but were forced into winning a different way. Specialized tried to repeat last week’s winning move of riding clear on the opening climb, but were this time followed throughout by a leading group of riders. German national champion Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) was one of those who was trying to test the Specialized Factory Racing quartet – including Victor Koretzky - at the head of proceedings. Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) placed himself amid the Specialized Factory Racing train and stopped them riding away with proceedings, while Luke Moir and Filippo Colombo (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) also posed a threat in the leading group. Boichis appeared to be suffering in the heat at the midway point and fell back to a second group leaving Specialized Factory Racing team-mates in a leading group of four, along with Avondetto. However, Boichis responded and brought the second group back up to his team-mate as a larger leading group formed. After withstanding the Specialized Factory Racing attacks Avondetto took the race to his opponents on the seventh time up the climb, but the fast descent allowed the leading group to swell back to 10 riders. Swiss rider Fabio Puntener attacked through the feed zone entering the penultimate lap as Specialized Factory Racing appeared to be losing their grip on the front. Vidaurre responded and attacked at the top of the climb and was chased down by team-mates Blevins and Boichis on the descent. It was Puntener who had a slender gap coming into the final lap after attacking through the feed zone for a second time. However, the privateer was caught and Specialized Factory Racing led the first four positions entering the final climb – led by Blevins and Boichis. Series leader Koretzky was the first rider to crack on the climb and fell down the pack as teammate Boichis attacked into the descent. Specialized Factory Racing had dispatched their rivals coming into the final exchanges as Boichis, Blevins and Vidaurre had an eight-second advantage on Italian Avondetto. Using his XCC speed, it was Blevins who beat Vidaurre into second and Boichis third. “It was all a blur, I love that kind of racing where everything was happening at once and you have to stay locked in,” said Blevins. “The team aspect, Adrien Boichis, when he passed me on that climb, I've never met a kid with more exuberance than him, he's just brilliant. I had to dig super-deep to stay with him. Martin [Vidaurre] had a hell of a ride as well. "It's just a cool feeling doing it with the team. We were just so locked in as a unit, there is something about the four red jerseys at the front. When we all push each other, it’s like iron sharpens iron, and it’s hard to figure out exactly what to do with team tactics. Having four red jerseys at the front is changing the way we race.” Blevins now has the overall series lead, he added: “I’ll take it race by race. It's a long year and a lot can change. I’ve just got to do my process, just as I would if it didn't go well this weekend. I’ll stay focused on the next one, I really want to perform well in Europe so that’s my goal now.” RISSVEDS TIMES ATTACK PERFECTLY TO TAKE SOLO WIN Jenny Rissveds was surprised to take an unusual solo victory as she claimed a fourth career UCI XCO World Cup win, following a grueling women’s race. The blistering heat in Araxá and steep climb made it a war of attrition with little to separate the leading competitors throughout the race. After winning last weeks’ XCO race Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) was full of confidence and looked to take command during the tense opening minutes. A long climb on each lap proved a grueling challenge in the heat and on the second of nine laps Rissveds started stringing out the field but was closely followed by Maxwell and Loana Lecomte (BMC Factory Racing). However, slowing of pace on the descent and flat section at the bottom of the course resulted in the chasers regrouping each lap in the opening half of the race. The race winning move was an unlikely one as Rissveds had a slender advantage on the climb after five of nine laps, and as her opponents eased their pace the former Olympic Champion powered on to build an advantage. Bidding to defender her overall lead Maxwell attacked the chasing group in search of Rissveds but struggled to get away from the likes of Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) and Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing – Pirelli). The tactical games behind allowed Canyon CLLCTV XCO rider Rissveds to continue to grow her advantage from a large chasing group of 14 riders. After being patient during the first half Tamara Wiedmann (Mondraker Factory Racing XC) was the next to push the pace from the chasers and had Lecomte for company with three laps remaining. However, both Wiedmann and Lecomte suffered for their efforts in the blazing heat as the chasing group remained largely together. Heading into the penultimate lap Rissveds had an advantage of 37 seconds from Wiedmann, Maxwell and Jackson, as the chasing group started to fragment. After winning her second consecutive UCI XCC World Cup the previous day, Richards was in a determined mood and clawed back to the chasing group for the final lap. Maxwell was the strongest of the chasers on the climb and went clear for second place, but her rivals, led by Jackson, remained just seconds behind as they descended to the finish. Showing her short track power Richards was the quicker descender and bridged to third placed Jackson coming into the final stages. Canyon CLLCTV XCO rider Rissveds had enough of an advantage to fend off the late charge from series leader Maxwell, while Richards sprinted past Jackson for third. “It's new to me to be lonely like that in a World Cup race,” said Rissveds. “I’m working up some confidence, which is really nice and a big forward from last weekend.” “I wanted to stay with the group to start with and then I tried to settle into my rhythm. I might have gone a little bit too soon, but not as early as last weekend and I think that was smart. Talking about working on her confidence, Rissveds added: “I’m working on it every race. I think we all do that. We might seem confident, but I think we all have some doubts.” HOLMGREN AND TREUDLER RIDE AWAY FROM U23 COMPETITION AGAIN Isabella Holmgren maintained her perfect start for the season by making it four UCI Cross Country World Cup wins from four in Brazil. After winning the previous day’s Women U23 UCI XCC World Cup the Canadian took control of the Women U23 XCO race to win by 50 seconds. Wearing the UCI World Champion stripes Holmgren took control on the second lap, with only Valentina Corvi (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) able to match her pace. In similar fashion to the opening XCO round the pair worked together until midway point. It was on the fifth of seven laps when Holmgren increased her pace on the steep climbs and quickly gained a lead of 12 seconds. Italian Sara Cortinovis (Ghost Factory Racing) and Canadian Ella Macphee (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Racing) had slower starts but their consistent pace pulled them through to battle out for the final podium spot. Holmgren continued to grow out her lead and finished 50 seconds ahead of Corvi, while Macphee had enough power in the final lap to place third and second Canadian on the podium. “I loved every second of it,” said Holmgren. “I wanted to see how the race would play out, we worked together really well in the first few laps making a bigger gap. “I noticed that I was putting her under a bit of pressure so I went all in and created the gap.” Finn Treudler (Cube Factory Racing) won the opening UCI XCO World Cup round last weekend and put in another masterclass to continue his winning form. Unhappy with the large leading group which had gathered on the second of eight laps, Cube Factory Racing team-mates Treudler and Nikolaj Hougs went on the offensive and gapped the rest by 15 seconds. With the team-mates sharing out pace setting through the wooded terrain the leaders slowly edged out a gap on the seven chasers. At the halfway point Treudler proved too strong for team-mate Hougs and last weekend’s UCI XCO World Cup winner was alone at the front. Hougs faded following his earlier effort and crashed on a technical wooded section to lose further time, falling back to the chasers and then out of podium contention. The chasing group fractured on the penultimate lap with Norwegian William Handley and Elian Paccagnella (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Racing) going clear in search of the podium. European champion Treudler was able to give a triumphant celebrating, with Handley pulling clear in second and Paccagnella holding off the chasers to complete the podium. “I wanted to get a gap early to race my own rhythm,” said Treudler. “I knew I could go super hard on the uphills and I tried to keep it safe in the downhills, with all the sharp rocks and stuff. "It was super hard, especially when you get called the times, you never know sometimes the gap gets bigger, sometimes it gets smaller. I just tried to focus on myself and it worked out in the end.” The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series continues with the first round of the UCI Enduro World Cup in Finale Ligure-Finale Outdoor Region, Italy on May 9-11.
After the fireworks of last week’s opening round, the second UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup in Araxá, Minas Gerais in as many weeks had a lot to live up to but live up to it did as Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) and Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli) produced stunning individual performances to claim consecutive wins. Richards had threatened throughout but was unable to shake Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) and Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) until the very last, going long in a sprint for the line that the other podium finishers couldn’t handle. The win was the reigning UCI XCC World Champion’s seventh in the format, which saw her overtake Pauline Ferrand-Prévot as the most successful elite women in XCC ever. In the men’s elite, Blevins recovered from a slow start to find himself in the four-strong lead group as the race entered its final stages. The American launched a searing attack on the course’s calf-shredding climb, blowing everyone including team-mate Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) away to cross the line with enough time to drink in the adulation of the vibrant Brazilian crowd. Koretkzy would once again finish second, outgunning the G.O.A.T Nino Schurter (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) at the last. Before the elites, it was the turn of the U23s on Araxá’s red clay course, and it was almost a complete repeat of round one’s results – Isabella Holmgren claiming her second XCC win in Brazil, while Elian Paccagnella (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) recorded his first UCI U23 win. RICHARDS MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO IN ARAXÁ Evie Richards might not have been targeting the win last week, but even when the reigning UCI XCC World Champion isn’t in peak form, she can’t stop coming first – taking her second victory in as many weeks. It wasn’t as clear cut for the Brit as last Saturday’s race though, and Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) set the early pace as a lead group of 16 formed. One of those who appeared to be out of contention before the race had properly got going was Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) – the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup series leader forced to unclip on the Araxá XCC course’s twisting ascent and leaving herself with a lot of catching up to do. Richards flexed her muscles for the first time on lap three, leading the pack up the climb and over the rock garden with Jenny Rissveds and Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) for company, but the group would soon reform and rebunch as riders took their feet off the gas entering the start-finish straight. This became a theme for the next few laps – the lead constantly shuffling but no one appearing willing to stake a claim. That was until Jackson launched a move on lap six that only Richards and Rissveds appeared to be able to handle. Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) attempted to bridge the gap as the race entered its final lap, but it was too little too late for the reigning UCI XCC World Cup overall winner and as Richards started to turn the screw, it was Koller who appeared to be the most likely to be able to prevent the Brit from consecutive wins. The Swiss rider overtook Richards on the climb, entering the rock garden and jump line in a commanding position. But the Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli rider isn’t sporting the rainbow bands for nothing and glided past Koller to leave South America with maximum points. “I think when you’re world champion and you’re leading the series, there’s a lot of pressure, so I was really nervous before,” said Richards at the line. “We had a bit of a rough plan, but nothing changes too much. You’ve just got to [think] on your feet and depending on how the race goes, you can’t really have a plan.” BLEVINS BLOWS AWAY COMPETITION WITH LAST LAP SURGE Last week’s win was Christopher Blevins’ first UCI XCC World Cup triumph since 2022, but the American only had to wait six days to get that first-place feeling again as he threw down the gauntlet in Araxá. Blevins’ race hadn’t got off to the greatest start, and it was his team-mate Martín Vidaurre (Specialized Factory Racing) who set the early tempo, leading a sizeable group of riders around the fairly unchanged XCC course for the first lap. As the race hotted up like the baking Brazilian climate, Schurter took charge of proceedings, showing some style on the jump line, while the rainbow stripes of Koretkzy also came to the fore. Blevins finally found his spot at the head of the pack by lap three, when a resurgent Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) looked back to his 2023 best and upped the ante at the front. The German set the pace until the halfway point of lap six, when the Specialized Factory Racing pair of Koretzky and Blevins went on the attack on the climb – the latter leading into the technical rock garden. Only Carter Woods (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC) and Schurter could stay in contact, and it was clear that the podium would come from this quartet. Entering the last lap, it was Koretkzy who played his hand first, going deep with an audacious move off the front that saw Woods wilt in the heat. Blevins held the Frenchman’s wheel though, launching his own attack on the climb that saw the bungee cord finally break. His lead was suddenly five seconds, and there was no coming back. Crossing the finish line arms aloft, he became only the second elite man after Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to win the first two XCC races of the season. Koretzky would have to settle for second, with Schurter third. “I still feel like I’m trying to find my consistency. It’s such a hard sport. There are so many guys who can win. I don’t take it for granted. I’m really happy to start as I have here,” said Blevins at the line, before adding that his winning move was pre-meditated. “Everybody knows that’s where you’ve got to go, and you have to be leading there. Deja vu again. It’s been three times where Victor [Koretzky] was leading going into that. That gives me confidence, knowing that he’s got a kick that I’ve got to go really hard to match. Three times in a row 1-2 is really amazing for the team.” HOLMGREN CONTINUES 100% RECORD AND PACCAGNELLA ANNOUNCES HIMSELF ON WORLD STAGE Isabella Holmgren made it two U23 UCI XCC World Cup wins from two in Brazil – the Canadian maintaining a 100% record in Araxá having also won last weekend’s U23 UCI XCO World Cup. It wasn’t a carbon copy of last Saturday’s short track win though, and the reigning U23 XCC World Champion had to bide her time before winning in a sprint finish for the line. It was last week’s second-place finisher Katharina Sadnik (KTM Factory MTB Team) who had led the race from the first lap – the Austrian setting a ferocious early pace that slowly whittled away the lead group to five riders by the sixth and final lap. As well as Holmgren, she had fellow first-round podium finisher Ella Maclean-Howell (Cube Factory Racing), while Valentina Corvi (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) and Marin Lowe (Liv Factory Racing) completed the quintet. But the race-leading efforts soon caught up with the KTM Factory MTB Team rider, and when Holmgren kicked with the line in sight, she didn’t have enough in the tank to respond. Corvi also managed to out-lunge the Austrian in a photo finish, with Maclean-Howell and Lowe having to settle for fourth and fifth respectively. "I’m feeling really good. It’s super hot out today so that definitely made the race really hard. It was so much fun, super tactical. It’s almost like road racing, so I enjoyed it a lot,” said Holmgren, who is also competing on the road for Women’s UCI WorldTour team Lidl-Trek during the 2025 season. “It definitely gives me a bit of confidence, but I know that all the girls are super strong and any weekend anyone can be on the top, so there are still a lot of nerves when I go on the start line.” The Men U23 UCI XCC World Cup race wasn’t as close as the women’s, with Elian Paccagnella (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) winning the contest at a canter. Finn Treudler (Cube Factory Racing) was the only other rider to finish within three seconds of the Italian, with his team-mate and last week’s third-place finisher Heby Gustav Pedersen (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) rounding out the podium spots. William Handley and round one’s second-place finisher Sondre Rokke had led a 14-strong pack on lap one of an enthralling contest, and the large group stayed together deep into the race. The penultimate lap saw Brayden Johnson launch an attack, splintering the field with only eight riders able to stay within striking distance. Last week’s eighth-placed finisher Paccagnella was perfectly poised, and he threw down a move that only Treudler could follow. First and second decided, it became a battle for the final podium spot, with Johnson not having enough in the tank to hold off Pedersen’s late surge. "It’s an amazing feeling. I can’t believe it until now. Last time I came eighth. I didn’t think at all I could win today, but I was in the end one lap remaining and I thought ‘all out’. I won and it’s unbelievable,” said an overjoyed Paccagnella. It’s just so amazing to win. Tomorrow’s another race. We’ll see how I recover from today, and I hope it’s going well like this.” The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series action concludes in Brazil tomorrow as riders return to the tropical terrain for the second UCI XCO World Cup of the season.
The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series only just returned from its six-month winter break, but the action keeps on coming this weekend with the second of Araxá, Minas-Gerais’s back-to-back UCI Cross-country World Cup rounds. After a six-month break, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is back with a bang as the Endurance contests open their 2025 accounts with two weekends of consecutive racing in Araxá, Minas-Gerais, Brazil. The dust might have just settled on the Brazilian venue’s red clay course, but riders are readying themselves to go again on the tropical terrain – a second race weekend in quick succession offering those with disappointing season openers the chance to make immediate amends, while also enabling those who came out on top to reemphasize their dominance. The racing won’t be a foregone conclusion, either. Course designers are mixing things up for the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup course, with new features and trails for the riders to get to grips with ahead of Saturday’s finals. A SPELLBINDING SOUTH AMERICAN SHOW Last weekend’s racing saw Araxá prove that its 2024 UCI World Cup debut was no fluke. Then, fans witnessed a thrilling finale in the men’s elite XCO race, and while the 2025 season opener didn’t feature a four-up sprint for the line, each contest was an intriguing spectacle that showed the various ways you can win a cross-country race. In the women’s elite XCO race, Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) made history by clinching her first elite UCI XCO World Cup win – the 23-year-old New Zealander biding her time in the lead group before creating a small gap on the seventh lap that the chasing Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) and Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) weren’t able to close. Maxwell’s win also meant she was eligible to select her own career number – a new feature for the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. She opted for #66, although as the current UCI XCO World Cup leader, she’ll be racing with the #1 plate this weekend. Meanwhile, in the men’s elite, teamwork made the dream work – Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) and Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) time-trialled their way to an insurmountable advantage over the chasing pack before the Frenchman threw down a race-winning surge on the penultimate lap that Blevins couldn’t come back from. SAME AGAIN OR ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP? While the XCO course is undergoing some modifications for round two, the riders won’t be going into it completely blind come Saturday’s finals and will have had time to practice and get up to speed with any tricky new technical areas. When picking favourites, it’s therefore worth looking at who appeared to be at the peak of their powers in hot and humid conditions in Brazil. Few would write off Maxwell’s chances of doing the Araxá double. The Kiwi has shown she can beat the best in her second elite season and appears to be in the form of her life after a near-perfect weekend where she also finished second in the UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup. Those looking to prevent the 23-year-old from going back-to-back include the riders who shared the podium with her last Sunday – Koller and Blunk – while the reigning UCI XCO and XCC overall series winner, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon), has shown she’s back to her consistent best following surgery at the end of last season. Riders with points to prove meanwhile include Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV XCO), Loana Lecomte (BMC Factory Racing) and Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing), who will all be hoping for better next time out. In the men’s elite field, it’s hard to look beyond the Specialized Factory Racing show, with Koretzky appearing to have the edge over Blevins in the longer format of the XCO. The rest of the pack will have to find a way of disrupting the pair’s dominance in Araxá, and it might require the Swiss trio of Lars Forster (Thömus Maxon), Nino Schurter (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) and Filippo Colombo (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) – who finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively – to form an alliance along national lines to prevent Koretzky from running away with an early lead in the overall series. Elsewhere, Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) and Riley Amos (Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli) will be looking to make amends, having failed to finish on Sunday, while Simon Andreassen (Orbea Fox Factory Team) shouldn’t be overlooked – the Dane is the only other rider present who has won at the venue. In the XCC meanwhile, the course remains the same and racing is likely to be just as tight. Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli) and Blevins came out on top in round one, and enter this Friday’s races as favourites, but expect opposition from Koretzky, Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division) and Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC) in the men’s elite, and Maxwell, Keller and Kira Böhm (Cube Factory Racing) in the women’s elite. Racing gets underway in Araxá on Friday with the U23 UCI XCC World Cup – full schedule and events details are available here.
