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.
