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.
