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With the announcement of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) officially confirmed the Endurance teams that have secured top-tier status for the 2025 season. We focus on the 20 teams selected for all 10 rounds of the UCI Cross-country World Cup (UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup – XCO – and UCI Cross-country Short-Track World Cup – XCC) Comprised of the top 15 ranked teams based on UCI points, along with five permanent wildcards, this roster of 20 teams forms the first division of endurance racing in mountain biking. Each team is guaranteed entry to all 10 Endurance rounds of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, which kicks off in Araxá, Brazil, on April 3, 2025. The selections confirm that the world’s best cross-country mountain bike riders will battle it out for supremacy again, with the teams of stars such as Alan Hatherly (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC), Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon), Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing), Mona Mitterwallner (Mondraker Factory Racing XC), Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) all guaranteed spots on the start line. Simon Burney, Head of Sport for Cycling Events at WBD Sports Europe, said: “The 20 Endurance teams that have secured WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status will guarantee that each round will be fiercely contested from the first pedal stroke to the last surge for the line.”  ESTABLISHED OUTFITS AND NEW ADDITIONS AMONGST TOP-15 RANKED TEAMS Three-quarters of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams were selected based on their UCI team rankings, which were determined by the UCI points of the four highest-ranked riders of each team. Sat at the top of the rankings table was Specialized Factory Racing – the American manufacturer’s team retaining all of the star women riders (Haley Batten, Sina Frei and Laura Stigger) that helped secure the women’s team series overall in 2024, as well as UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Champion and reigning WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall winner, Victor Koretzky (XCC – Men Elite) alongside American Continental XCO Champion, Chris Blevins. Alessandra Keller’s results (2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall winner - XCC and XCO – Women Elite) effectively secured Thömus Maxon’s place at the table, while UCI XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly’s move to Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC contributed the lion’s share of the US outfit’s points tally. Despite winning the men’s team series overall last season, Hatherly’s old team Cannondale Factory Racing slipped in the rankings due to the South African and Simon Andreassen’s moves. But the British team did enough to secure WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status and will be led by Charlie Alridge and new signing Jolanda Neff. Andreassen’s UCI points bolstered Orbea Fox Factory Team’s total, and the Dane will be vying for wins to add to his collection for the Spanish manufacturer alongside fellow new addition Rebecca Henderson. Elsewhere, Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team could count on the points of stalwarts Nino Schurter, Filippo Colombo and the addition of up-and-coming star of last season’s Under-23 category, Bjorn Riley. The American youngster will be one to watch in what will his first Elite season. Riley’s main rival in the Under-23 class, Riley Amos, is also taking the step up for 2025 and will be leading the charge for Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli alongside Evie Richards, while Canyon CLLCTV XCO is pinning its hopes on Luca Schwarzbauer and 2016 Olympic Champion Jenny Rissveds. It wasn’t just the established teams who made it into the top 15, with new outfit Origine Racing Division’s four-strong selection having enough points collectively to propel them into a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team spot. Led by UCI XCO World Cup podium finishers Mathis Azzaro and Martina Berta, the French team will be looking to make an instant impression. Other teams to secure the automatic WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status were BH Coloma Team, Decathlon Ford Racing Team, the Bart Brentjens-managed KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team, Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team, Ghost Factory Racing and Cube Factory Racing. STARS AMONGST WILDCARD SELECTIONS In addition to the top 15 ranked teams, five season-long wildcard spots were up for grabs for the remaining UCI Mountain Bike Teams. These have been assigned to the established outfits Alpecin-Deceuninck, BMC Factory Racing and Liv Factory Racing, and new teams Lapierre Racing Unity and Mondraker Factory Racing XC. Among members of these teams are multi-discipline stars Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck), reigning French XCO National Champions Jordan Sarrou and Loana Lecomte (BMC Factory Racing), and three-time UCI Cross-country Marathon World Champion, Mona Mitterwallner (Mondraker Factory Racing XC). The full list of teams to secure WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status are:  Alpecin-Deceuninck (BEL)   BH Coloma Team (ESP) BMC Factory Racing (SUI)   Cannondale Factory Racing (GBR)  Canyon CLLCTV XCO (FRA)  Cube Factory Racing (GER)  Decathlon Ford Racing Team (FRA) Ghost Factory Racing (GER) Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC (USA) KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team (NED) Lapierre Racing Unity (FRA)  Liv Factory Racing (USA)  Mondraker Factory Racing XC (ESP) Orbea Fox Factory Team (ESP)  Origine Racing Division (FRA)  Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team (SUI)  Specialized Factory Racing (USA) Thömus Maxon (SUI) Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli (USA) Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team (ITA

With the announcement of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) officially confirmed the Gravity teams that have secured top-tier status for the 2025 season. We focus on the 20 teams selected for all rounds of the UCI Downhill World Cup and UCI Enduro World Cup The 20-strong roster that will form the first division of Gravity racing in mountain biking has been confirmed, and it’s packed full of big factory teams, plucky underdogs and the most exciting talent from the worlds of Downhill and Enduro.  As well as reigning WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall winners and past and present rainbow jersey holders, the start list for every round will feature up-and-coming stars and legends of the sport.  Simon Burney, Head of Sport for Cycling Events at WBD Sports Europe, said: “The introduction of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status ensures fans get to watch the best in the business battle it out at each round, and witness nail-biting racing where every hundredth of a second counts.” BIG NAMES AND EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS IN DOWNHILL FIELD With the UCI points of the four highest-ranked riders of each team determining the UCI team rankings, the 2024-2025 off-season transfers took on even greater importance. Top-ranked team Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction strengthened their already talented roster, adding the UCI Downhill World Champion Loris Vergier to a star-studded line-up which includes multiple UCI Downhill World Cup winners Myriam Nicole and Amaury Pierron. The Andorran manufacturer faced stiff competition for the top spot from YT Mob, who signed European Champion and UCI World Cup winner Andreas Kolb. The Austrian joins a team that already features the almost unstoppable and reigning WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall winner (Women Elite - Downhill) Valentina Höll and UCI World Cup winner and reigning Irish National Champion Oisin O’Callaghan. Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team’s signing of 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup overall series runner-up Marine Cabirou meant that the German outfit was the only other team to break the 3,000-point barrier. The Frenchwoman will be hoping to go one better in 2025, as will new teammate Troy Brosnan, who edged Amaury Pierron to second in the overall standings last year as a result of his famous win in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada.  The man to beat though remains 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall winner (Men Elite - Downhill), Loïc Bruni, who will once again be flanked by Finn Iles and Jordan Williams in the Specialized Gravity Team. One rider who has shown he can get the upper hand over Bruni on his day is Ronan Dunne. The Bielsko-Biała UCI Downhill World Cup winner will once again line up for Mondraker Factory Racing, alongside Dakotah Norton and new teammate Greg Williamson. Elsewhere, veteran Danny Hart will be completing his 18th elite season as part of Norco Race Division. Trek Factory Racing DH meanwhile has a new-look squad fronted by Matt Walker and Lachlan Stevens-McNab. Some new teams also made the automatic WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike Series Team cut. Tahnée Seagrave has linked up with Spanish manufacturer Orbea to launch Orbea/FMD Racing and is joined by Martin Maes – the only rider on the circuit who has won a UCI Downhill World Cup and a UCI Enduro World Cup; while 2020 UCI Downhill World Champion Reece Wilson is spearheading one of the most interesting additions to the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series pits – AON Racing - Tourne Campervans. The Flying Scotsman isn’t going alone either, with Monika Hrastnik and UCI Enduro World Cup overall winner Harriet Harnden on board.  Finally, Santa Cruz Syndicate just scraped into the automatic selection spots. The Steve Peat-managed outfit will be hoping for more successful seasons from Laurie Greenland, Nina Hoffmann and a fully recovered Jackson Goldstone. Other teams to secure the automatic WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status were Giant Factory Off-Road Team - DH, Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres, Axess Intense Factory Racing, Frameworks Racing/5Dev and MS-Racing. ICONIC ATHLETES AND ENDURO OUTFITS CELEBRATE WILDCARD SPOTS The five season-long wildcard spots were all given to teams with previous experience at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and ensured that some of Downhill and Enduro’s biggest names would still be in the start hut at every Gravity round in 2025. The most established team was Scott Downhill Factory, which slipped to 16th in the rankings despite the points total of new signing and 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup winner in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes Benoît Coulanges. Continental Atherton was another name to celebrate the wildcard system after losing Andreas Kolb’s points. But with Rachel Atherton registered to ride, could we see the return of one of Downhill’s most iconic athletes to the podium this season? Two of the five wildcard spots were taken by teams with big ambitions. Richie Rude’s Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team is committing itself fully to Enduro and Downhill for 2025 and added 2020 UCI Downhill World Champion Camille Balanche to their 10 rider-strong line-up. Pivot Factory Racing will also dabble in both, with Morganne Charre hoping to add to her two UCI Enduro World Cup wins from 2024. Jess Blewitt and Max Hartenstern’s Cube Factory Racing secured the final wildcard spot. SHAKE UP IN ENDURO FAVOURITES FOR 2025  The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams selections lean towards Downhill, but five teams will also be represented at UCI Enduro World Cup rounds. Fans can expect a shake-up in the favourites for 2025 though. That’s because the reigning WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series overall Enduro winners Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) and Harriet Harnden (AON Racing - Tourne Campervans) are both set to focus on Downhill – opening the door for other riders to come to the fore. In the men’s field, UCI Enduro World Cup winners Jack Moir (YT Mob), Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV Factory), and Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity), combined with Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team’s Slawomir Lukasik and Ryan Gilchrist will be fighting for the title. Morgane Charre (Pivot Factory Racing), meanwhile, will be a firm favourite in the women’s competition but will be pushed all the way by Ella Conolly, and Mélanie Pugin. The full list of Gravity teams to secure WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status are: 1.      AON Racing - Tourne Campervans (SLO) 2.     Axess Intense Factory Racing (GBR) 3.     Canyon CLLCTV Factory team (GER) 4.     Commencal/Muc-Off By Riding Addiction (FRA) 5.     Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres (FRA) 6.     Continental Atherton (GBR) 7.     Cube Factory Racing (GER) 8.     Frameworks Racing /5Dev (USA) 9.     Giant Factory Off-Road Team - DH (USA) 10.   Mondraker Factory Racing DH (ESP) 11.   MS-Racing (AUT) 12.   Norco Race Division (CAN) 13.  Orbea / FMD Racing (GBR) 14.  Pivot Factory Racing (GBR) 15.   Santa Cruz Syndicate (USA) 16.   Scott Downhill Factory (FRA) 17.   Specialized Gravity (FRA) 18.   Trek Factory Racing DH (USA) 19.   Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team (USA) 20.  YT Mob (GER)      

Former WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series star and 2023 UCI Cross-country Marathon World Champion joins Factor Racing. The Brazilian cross-country mountain biking icon Henrique Avancini has announced he is coming out of retirement to try his hand at racing on the road. The 35-year-old Brazilian called time on his mountain biking career at the end of 2023, bowing out as the reigning UCI Cross-country Marathon (XCM) World Champion. But after a year sat on the sidelines, Avancini is returning on the road and is joining Factor Racing – the new UCI Continental-level factory team of the UK-based bike manufacturer. Speaking about his decision, he said in a press release: “In 2024, I started thinking seriously about racing on the road. As a child, I used to dream about racing the Tour, the Giro, the Vuelta. When I felt refreshed mentally and physically, I really started to be able to enjoy what I’d achieved as a mountain biker, and think seriously about giving this gift to myself, this goal of trying to achieve my childhood dream. When I first met with Factor, for some reason, they were really excited about the project. I felt from the very first meetings that this was the right group of people to try this with. And win or lose, it still feels like something great to do.” Avancini raced for more than a decade at the pinnacle of mountain biking, winning another UCI XCM World Championship (2018), a UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup and two UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cups during his 11 elite seasons. He also helped raise the sport’s profile in his home country, which is evidenced with two UCI World Cups kicking off the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Araxá-Minas Gerais. The Brazilian is set to line up for his new team at the UMAG Classic in Croatia on Wednesday, March 5, but it won’t be his first time racing on the road – Avancini first competing at the 2007 UCI Road Cycling World Championships in the Junior category, where his best finish was 36th in the individual time trial. We wish Henrique all the best for his new chapter.

Val di Sole, Trentino, has officially been confirmed as a key stop on the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The event, scheduled from June 20 to 22, will play a significant role in the middle of the season, setting the stage for the highly anticipated 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, also taking place in the region. The announcement comes as the sport enters a new era following the Paris 2024 Olympic cross-country events. The 2025 season promises to bring fresh dynamics to the world of mountain biking, with new regulations and a competitive mix of rising stars and seasoned champions.  Amid these changes, Val di Sole remains a cornerstone of elite mountain biking, with its legacy continuing into the next Olympic cycle. The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will feature 15 stages across 10 countries, and the Val di Sole event will serve as the eighth stage in this prestigious competition. The Daolasa di Commezzadura area will host Olympic Cross Country, Cross Country Short Track, and Downhill events, bringing top-tier action to the region. This marks the beginning of an exciting two-year period for Val di Sole, leading up to the World Championships in August 2026, which will be the fourth time the region has hosted this prestigious event in nearly two decades. Luciano Rizzi, President of Grandi Eventi Val di Sole, and Fabio Sacco, Director of the Val di Sole Tourism Board, expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming years. "We're gearing up for two intense years. Our goal is to further strengthen Val di Sole's international reputation as a premier destination for cycling and outdoor activities during the summer months," they said. "Years of hosting top-tier events have established Val di Sole as a mountain biking mecca, significantly boosting our region's profile on the global stage." With its continued prominence in the world of mountain biking, Val di Sole is set to further cement its status as one of the sport's most iconic venues in the years to come.      

The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will kick off on Friday the 20th of June, as Daolasa di Commezzadura in Val di Sole hosts the opening round of the prestigious 4X Pro Tour. The event will feature a thrilling showdown between top athletes, including Czech champion Tomas Slavik and Italy’s rising star Stefano Dolfin. Val di Sole has long been a hub for Four-Cross (4X) racing, with its legendary track in Daolasa di Commezzadura serving as a backdrop for multiple world championships and unforgettable international events. The venue has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic locations in mountain biking, beloved by both Italian fans and international spectators alike. This year, the 4X Pro Tour kicks off on June 20 as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, which runs from June 20-22. The race promises to deliver an exciting competition under the evening lights, with riders battling it out on the challenging and picturesque Daolasa track. The 2025 4X Pro Tour season will feature four stages: Val di Sole, Jablonec in the Czech Republic (July 12), Dobrany (Czech Republic, August 2), and Szczawno Zdroj in Poland (September 6). At the forefront of the competition is Tomas Slavik, a dominant force in the world of Four-Cross, who triumphed at last year’s Val di Sole event. Slavik has continued to captivate fans globally with his daring performances, including his memorable win at the Red Bull Cerro Abajo in Genoa. Alongside him is Stefano Dolfin, Italy’s hopeful for the future, who secured an impressive second-place finish in Val di Sole in 2024. Scott Beaumont, Head of 4X Pro Tour said: “The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the best ever. We’re returning to venues that have consistently supported our sport, delivering world-class events. This year’s series will showcase the finest athletes in a thrilling quest for the championship" Luciano Rizzi, President of the Val di Sole Tourism Board and Grandi Eventi Val di Sole, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Four-Cross event in the region. “The Four-Cross discipline is an integral part of our sporting heritage. We were determined to ensure the continuity of this event. The 4X Pro Tour shares our passion for Daolasa di Commezzadura, which riders consider to be one of the most spectacular and demanding tracks in the world,” Rizzi said. With excitement building for the season opener, all eyes are set to turn to Val di Sole, where the world’s best Four-Cross riders will battle it out for the first victory of the 2025 season.

With just over a month remaining until the start of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) are proud to announce the official list of 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams. A total of 40 teams, spanning both Endurance and Gravity formats, have secured premier division status. This guarantees their participation in every round of the series within their respective formats, positioning them at the forefront of the sport’s elite competition. After two seasons under the WBD Sports umbrella, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is set to undergo some of the most significant changes in the sport’s history since the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup was first introduced in 1991.  These major developments aim to enhance the competitiveness of each UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, making the races more thrilling for both fans and riders while establishing a clear development pathway to the highest level of mountain biking.  For the 2025 season, new entry requirements were introduced. All teams were required to register with the UCI to be classified as either a UCI Mountain Bike Team or a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team (previously known as UCI MTB Elite teams).  A total of 101 teams from 22 countries across four continents registered for the upcoming season. Of those, 40 teams across both Endurance and Gravity have secured WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status, ensuring their participation in every round of their respective formats: How else can teams take part in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series?  For teams that haven't secured WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status, there are eight Wildcard spots available per format at each UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. These Wildcard teams will be chosen at the discretion of the UCI and WBD Sports, considering factors such as UCI team rankings and the profiles of their individual athletes. More details on the eligibility criteria can be found in the UCI Regulations. How about privateers and individuals?  Individual riders are still eligible to enter a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round based on the following criteria: Champions: Any current Olympic Champion, UCI World Champion, Continental Champion or National Champion. Cross-country: any Elite athlete ranked in the top 100 or any U23 athlete ranked in the top 200 based on the last UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) Individual Ranking dated before the event entry closing date of the round. Downhill: any Elite athlete ranked in the top 50 or any Junior athlete ranked in the top 100 based on the last UCI Downhill (DHI) Individual Ranking dated before event entry closing date of the round. There are also five ‘Golden Tickets’ up for grabs for the top-five riders in any Elite or U23 race (Cross-country) or Elite or Junior race (Downhill) at any round of a Continental Series (although the rider can’t be registered with a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team). The Golden Ticket enables the rider to enter one round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series during the same season.  Starting in 2026, the top five riders from each category’s final standings in any of the previous season’s Continental Series will also qualify to compete in all rounds of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, provided they are not already registered with a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team.

Focusing on three riders and sporting a new name, the Lapierre Enduro Team is now ready for a new season. In 2025, the Lapierre Gravity Collective is placing the focus on French talent with the addition of two standout recruits: Elise Porta, the 2024 French Junior Enduro Champion, and Louis Jeandel, the 2024 French and UCI World Enduro runner-up. They both join U21 UCI Enduro World Cup overall winner Lisandru Bertini, who has already been with the team for a while. After a complicated 2024 due to injury, the young Corsican rider will be keen to win again. Despite being on sabbatical, Enduro legend Isabeau Courdurier will remain a wild card in this enduro team. The reigning elite UCI World Champion reserves the right to ride in a few events although her role within the team will be to accompany Elise Porta to the top of the UCI Enduro World Cup rounds in her category.  In terms of equipment, the Lapierre Gravity Collective Team will benefit from the advantages of its Spicy CF Team. This mountain bikeoffers the possibility of adapting the suspension and kinematics (high or low pivot) to suit the UCI World Cup circuits. The riders also will have the advantage of being able to choose to ride a Mullet or a 29’ front/rear depending on their feel and preferences for the circuits.   The Lapierre Gravity Collective Team will be concentrating on the 7 UCI Enduro World Cup rounds:  •    May 9-11: Finale Ligure, Italy•    May 16-18: Bielsko-Biala, Poland•    May 31/June 1: Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, France•    June 5-8 : Saalfelden Leogang-Salzburgerland, Austria•    June 27-29 : Val di Fassa - Trentino, Italy•    July 3-6 : La Thuile - Valle d'Aosta, Italy•    August 21-31: Haute Savoie, France•    September 5-7 : UCI Cycling World Championships – Aletsch, Valais, Switzerland.•    Oct 23-26 : Enduro National Championships (France)

A long-term deal that guarantees off-road action in Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, until 2030. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has today announced a five-year partnership (2025-2030) with Saalfelden Leogang - Salzburgerland, Austria. This marks the first long-term agreement of its kind between the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series promoter and a region, securing off-road action in Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Austria’s largest bike region, through to 2030. The Epic Bikepark in Leogang has been a cornerstone of the UCI World Cup circuit since it first hosted a Downhill round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in 2010. Over the decades, it has witnessed some of the sport’s most iconic moments in UCI World Cup rounds and UCI World Championships across Cross-country and Downhill and is a firm favourite amongst fans and riders alike.  This season, it is set to host a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round (June 5-8), bringing together three UCI World Cups (Cross-country, Downhill, and Enduro) in a four-day epic event that will be a highlight of the 2025 season. Looking even further ahead, the 2028 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships will be an exciting event to anticipate. From August 30 to September 3, 2028, Saalfelden Leogang will once again take center stage as the global hub for mountain bike disciplines. UCI President, David Lappartient said:“Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland has been hosting UCI World Cup rounds for mountain bike since 2010. I am delighted by this five-year partnership with WBD Sports which will see them welcome the best mountain bike specialists in the world through until 2030.  The region is also a leader when it comes to sustainability, and in 2023, Saalfelden Leogang became the third destination in Austria to be awarded the Austrian Eco-label for destinations. Their commitment to our sport, and to sustainability which is one of the UCI’s priorities, makes them a valuable and popular long-term host of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.” Chris Ball, VP of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “This partnership reflects our trust in Saalfelden Leogang - Salzburgerland as a long-term partner. Their expertise in event organization and the iconic location they offer make them an ideal venue for delivering top-tier mountain bike action. Hosting all specialties of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series this year is a testament to their exceptional standards in event management and quality.  “The five-year partnership also offers both WBD Sports and Saalfelden Leogang Salzburgerland stability, and the platform to work together to create even more iconic moments in mountain biking.”  Marco Pointner, CEO Saalfelden Leogang Touristik and local organiser of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang said: "The long-term agreement through 2030 is a strong vote of confidence in Saalfelden Leogang’s status as a top destination for international mountain biking. Since 2010, we have been creating unforgettable UCI World Cup moments, and hosting a round of theWHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series that includes all three UCI World Cups as well as the 2028 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, mark two more significant milestones in this success story. This long-term partnership allows us to further develop the event and the region with our partners ensuring world-class racing and unforgettable experiences for all".  The announcement was made in front of 400 guests, sponsors and local institutions at an event held during the region’s hosting of the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in Saalbach – again, highlighting Austria’s largest bike region’s credentials when it comes to organizing events attended by the world’s best athletes and competitions. The event was attended by distinguished participants, including Valentina Höll, multiple UCI Downhill World Champion and UCI World Cup winner, who currently holds the Women’s Downhill overall title of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series; Martin Zauner, Minister of the Government of Salzburg; Leo Bauernberger, CEO of SalzburgerLand Tourismus; and Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of Austria Tourism. Also present were representatives from the host venue, including Kornel Grundner, CEO of Bikepark Leogang, Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism and Manuel Hirner, CEO BBSH and Head of the UCI Enduro World Cup course in Saalbach Hinterglemm. In addition to its hosting of the pinnacle of athletic performance, the region of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is renowned for its winter and summer sports offerings for amateurs and enthusiasts. From its 270km of ski slopes, to its 105km of mountain bike lines and trails, and world-class Bikepark Leogang, there are outdoor activities to be enjoyed in all seasons.

The two-time Junior UCI Downhill World Champion and 2024 Junior UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner feels “very lucky to be walking” after an accident in practice at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania. Erice Van Leuven (Norco Race Division) is recovering after sustaining injuries to her back, neck and wrist, following a crash during practice at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, Australia. The 18-year-old had completed a seeding run at the event’s second edition and was set to compete in the finals but came up short on the course’s 85ft (26m) creek gap in practice in what she described as “the biggest crash of [her] life”. Posting on her social media, Van Leuven said: “Well shit happens. A humongous thanks to my team, my family and everyone around me, you are all legends. I had the biggest crash of my life yesterday, and am very lucky to be walking. I’ve broken my back, neck and wrist along with some small internal injuries. Once my lung heals up in the next few days the countdown will be on to fly back to NZ to spend some quality time with the animals at home! A rollercoaster week at Hardline. From not thinking I could ride to ticking off the whole course in the space of a few runs. This place is rad, but also no joke. Fired up to come back next year.” The event was the first time the two-time Junior UCI Downhill World Champion and 2024 Junior UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner had raced since moving to the Greg Minnaar-managed Norco Race Division in the off-season. The New Zealander had been set to defend her title during the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, starting with the first UCI Downhill World Cup round in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, in May, but the injury will most likely rule her out for most, if not all, of the season. We wish Erice a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on track very so

The reigning UCI Downhill World Champion and UCI World Cup overall winner headed to Italy’s new UCI World Cup venue to put its trails to the test.  After the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar was unveiled, attention turned to the latest new addition to the UCI World Cup circuit – La Thuile, Italy.  Located in the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy, the spot is home to one of the most stunning backdrops in the world of mountain biking – Mont Blanc, the Rutor massif, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn all rubbing shoulders on the horizon. But if riders and fans can peel their eyes away from the stunning natural skyline, they’ll find an equally amazing network of trails and routes at their feet that spread for 170km over the alpine mountainsides. The La Thuile bike park sits at its heart. Renowned for its Enduro offering and the venue for several Enduro World Series events between 2014-2021, it was clear it had the credentials to cut it on the world stage. And with 1,200m of lift-assisted descent on offer, it was the obvious place to build a UCI World Cup-worthy downhill course.  Construction was undertaken by a local team led by track manager Enrico Martello and Swiss specialists Trailworks (whose work includes Bike Kingdom, Lenzerheide, Switzerland), and work on the trail started in June 2024. By October, it was ready for the first runs – giving course builders time to finesse things before it makes its UCI World Cup debut in July. The testers enlisted knew a thing or two about riding too – reigning UCI World Champion Loris Vergier and 2024 UCI World Cup overall winner Loïc Bruni invited alongside up-and-coming athlete Mylann Falquet to put the track through its paces. The trio rode from dawn until dusk, taking a UCI World Cup-style approach where the first runs were focused on specific lines and sections before finishing with a complete, non-stop race run to lay down the first timing markers on the course. They also undertook a track walk to provide even more insight and feedback on what was working well and what could be improved. "It's not every day that you get to ride and work on a freshly built track, with good dirt and jumps to hit for the first time. It's thrilling, we’re privileged," said Loïc Bruni. “We want to use all our experience and insight to make sure the track debuts in the best possible condition".  "We worked today with the future evolution of the track in mind,” added Loris Vergier. “Run after run, and especially during the races, rocks and roots will quickly emerge. This will increase the technical challenge, offering multiple line choices and guaranteed spectacle."  The track represents La Thuile’s character – it’s technical, steep and fast. It mixes 40% machined and 60% natural terrain as it passes through dense alpine forests packed with rocks, roots and other technical features before it opens up into a fast, flowing white-knuckle ride down towards the finish line.  Its standout section is ‘Shanghai’, which alternates a series of banked, artificial berms with natural sections, while the road gap – a 5.5m-high ramp complete with a 13.5m gap – is sure to become a rider and fan favourite. Vergier certainly seemed impressed, concluding: "It’s one of the best tracks we’ve ever had".

After months of moves and speculation, there were a handful of big switches announced ahead of the UCI’s team registration deadline. The transfers are more important than ever, with athlete’s individual UCI points determining which teams will receive   WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status. The mountain biking off-season is a time for riders to rest and recuperate before building their fitness ahead of the start of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series racing come spring.  But for some athletes, the last few months has also seen big overhauls as they’ve moved teams – meaning new bikes to get to grips with, coaches to work under and teammates to gel with.  While the transfer window saw a lot of activity towards the end of last year and at the start of 2025 in both Endurance and Gravity, there was still time for a few final swaps before the UCI announced the teams that have officially registered for the 2025 season. Now, the next step is to determine which of the 101 UCI registered teams from 22 countries will be granted WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status (1st division).  New for the 2025 season, a total of 20 teams across Endurance and Gravity disciplines will secure a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status, guaranteeing entry into every round of their respective formats. Of these 20 teams, the top 15 in the UCI team rankings will automatically be selected. The remaining five spots will be open for application by UCI Mountain Bike teams.  The UCI team rankings are determined by the UCI points of the four highest-ranked riders of each team (regardless of whether they are Elite, Under 23 or Junior) before the season begins. This has made the off-season transfer window particularly interesting, as a rider’s individual ranking points can significantly impact the status of the team they’re joining or leaving.  From a fresh start for a reigning UCI World Champion to a whole new team, here are the final transfers of the 2024-2025 off-season.  GRAVITY: VERGIER AT HOME IN ANDORRA AND NEW LOOK FOR TREK FACTORY RACING  One of the biggest announcements of the off-season was that the reigning UCI Downhill World Champion Loris Vergier would be leaving Trek Factory Racing. The 28-year-old Frenchman had been with the American outfit for four years, securing the rainbow bands in Andorra’s UCI Downhill World Championship last September. While there were a few weeks where it wasn’t clear where he’d end up, it was announced at the end of January that he’d be joining compatriots Amaury Pierron and Myriam Nicole at Andorran outfit Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction.  Vergier’s old Trek teammate Reece Wilson was also let go at the end of 2024, with the Scottish pinner launching his own team for this season – AON Racing. The 2020 UCI Downhill World Champion’s squad has unveiled its roster, and it’s packed with exciting talent. Reigning UCI Enduro World Cup series winner Harriet Harnden, Monika Hrastnik and Henry Kerr will be joining Wilson in the Elites, but it has an eye on fostering talent too – three-time Junior UCI Downhill World Cup winner Heather Wilson and Stan Nisbet are part of the development team.  Wilson and Vergier’s old stable Trek Factory Racing meanwhile has revealed a whole new look – Junior rider Sacha Earnest the only athlete still with the team. The up-and-coming New Zealander has been joined by compatriot Lachlan Stevens-McNab, 2020 UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner Matt Walker and Ollie Davis, with Chris Hauser and Ella Svegby joining the development wing.  Mondraker Factory Racing meanwhile has expanded its team, adding Veronika Widmann and Greg Williamson to the fray alongside Ronan Dunne, Dakotah Norton and Ryan Pinkerton.  In addition to Widmann, another Italian star of women’s downhill has been on the move – Gloria Scarsi joining Sebastian Holguin and Valentina Roa Sánchez in moving to MS Racing.  Scarsi’s old team – Canyon CLLCTV Pirelli – has replaced her with the promising US rider Aletha Ostgaard, who will compete in the Junior class, while Henri Kiefer has earned himself a spot on the Canyon CLLCTV Factory team after a successful year in the development squad.  Elsewhere, there has been a big focus on the future. Elsie Empsey, Luke Wayman and George Madley are the latest riders to go under Gee and Rachel Atherton’s wings at Continental Atherton; and Gavin Tomlinson is joining Aaron Gwin’s Gwin Racing.  ENDURANCE: MITTERWALLNER ON THE MOVE  In January, it was announced that Mona Mitterwallner would be lining up for the UCI Women’s WorldTour team Human Powered Health on the road in 2025. But the reigning three-time UCI Cross-country Marathon World Champion wasn’t content with one team move for the off-season – the Austrian leaving Cannondale Factory Racing to become part of the new Mondraker Factory XC Team. It’s the Spanish manufacturer’s first foray into the UCI Cross-country World Cup, and Mitterwallner is joined by Tamara Wiedmann, Nadir Colledani and Sebastien Fini in the Elites, while Alex Garcia will represent in the Under 23s.  Another new outfit for the 2025 season, Origine Racing Division, has unveiled its roster – Martina Berta the standout signing for the French team alongside Mathis Azzaro, Knut Røhme and Ronja Eibl.  Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team meanwhile signalled their intention for the 2025 season, adding the Italian XCO Elite Champion Luca Braidot and Juri Zanotti to its men’s Elite line-up alongside the reigning European Cross-country Olympic Champion Simone Avondetto. It isn’t a completely Italian affair though, with the squad also signing up-and-coming Canadian U23 rider Ella McPhee.  Finally, the promising Swiss rider Janis Baumann has joined BIXS Performance Race Team.

Overall UCI World Cup series winners, Olympic gold medallists and up-and-coming prospects involved in the latest transfers during the Cross-country off-season.  The off-season transfer window continues apace, and with us now deep into January, it’s starting to become clearer who will be riding for whom in the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.  While there were a number of big moves announced at the tail end of 2024, the new year kicked off an explosion of announcements with old contracts expiring, new contracts signed and a flurry of fresh team kits to show off.  The transfer merry-go-round kicks off with Jenny Rissveds – the second Olympic champion to switch teams off-season, following Tom Pidcock’s move to Q36.5 Pro Cycling. The 2016 Rio gold medallist and bronze winner at Paris 2024 will be joining the Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team for the 2025 season, after the 30-year-old Swede’s previous team of the last three years – Team 31 – announced it wouldn’t be part of the circuit this year.  Canyon CLLCTV Factory XC Team Manager, Sébastien Francois, said: “We’re beyond excited to welcome Jenny to the Canyon family. Her incredible career and fearless approach to racing align perfectly with our mission to support riders at the very top of the support.”  Rissved will fill the gap in the German team left by Loana Lecomte – the 2021 UCI Cross-country World Cup overall winner moving from Canyon to BMC Factory Racing. The 25-year-old Frenchwoman looked back to her best at the conclusion of the 2024 UCI WHOOP Mountain Bike World Series, clinching her 11th UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup last time out in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Quebec, Canada), and will line up at the Swiss team alongside compatriots Jordan Sarrou and Titouan Carod.  The other UCI XCO World Cup winner on that day in Canada was Alan Hatherly, who has unveiled a multi-discipline and team approach for the 2025 season. The South African 2024 overall winner will compete for Jayco AlUla on the tarmac and will join the Australian outfit’s bike partner’s team, Giant Factory Off-Road, for UCI World Cups.  Alan Hatherly said: “I am incredibly excited for this new chapter in my cycling career and very grateful for the opportunity to ride for [Team Jayco AlUla ownership group] GreenEDGE Cycling for the next two seasons. Combining road and MTB is new and refreshing, and I am really looking forward to where this journey can go.” Hatherly isn’t the only rider in the pits who will be juggling the rough stuff with racing on tarmac in 2025. The reigning three-time UCI Cross-country Marathon World Champion Mona Mitterwallner has joined the Women’s WorldTour team Human Powered Health, while Specialized Factory Racing’s Laura Stigger has signed a one-year contract with SD Worx-Protime for any drop bar action. Stigger has previous experience in the discipline, winning the UCI Junior Road World Championships in 2018. Mona Mitterwallner said: “I want to become the best cyclist in the world, so I’ve always said road racing is part of my future. It was always on my radar and now after the Olympics, I wanted to try something new. I wanted to get out of my old routine and see if I could improve as a rider. “I wanted a new challenge and to develop myself. I love climbing. In MTB you’re climbing for two or three minutes but in road racing you do it for over an hour. That’s something I want to try and I think I will be good at.”  Laura Stigger said: “It was super special to immediately take the UCI Junior World Title in my own region at my first real introduction to the road. I am now curious to see what I am worth in the elite category on the road.  “It's nice that I can discover that while I can still continue my mountain bike career with the Specialized Factory Racing Team.” Hatherly and Mitterwallner’s old team, Cannondale Factory Racing, meanwhile are backing 23-year-old Scotsman Charlie Alridge to fill the South African’s shoes and have added experience and expertise in the form of three-time UCI XCO World Cup overall series winner Jolanda Neff. The pair are joined by up-and-comers Ana Santos, Cole Punchard and Under 23 UCI XCO World Champion Luca Martin.  One rider who won’t be competing using Cannondale’s distinctive single-leg Lefty fork is Simon Andreassen. The Danish five-time UCI World Cup winner joins fellow new additions Rebecca Henderson and Jennifer Jackson at Orbea Fox Factory Team.  Jackson’s old outfit, Liv Factory Racing, meanwhile have retained Linda Indergand and Ronja Blochlinger, while adding Marin Lowe and Tyler Jacobs to their U23 roster.  Elsewhere, up-and-coming French talent Olivia Onesti has gone to BH Coloma Team, German rider David List has boosted Decathlon Ford Racing’s ranks, and the 32-year-old veteran Julien Schelb has joined WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series commentator Bart Brentjen’s team KMC Ridley.  Finally, 2025 will see some new teams join the UCI World Cup ranks. Kate Courtney will compete as a privateer under the name of her foundation, She Sends Racing – the former UCI World Champion and UCI World Cup overall winner building her own program after she was released by Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team in December.  French manufacturer Origine brings its own factory team to the world stage with its Origine Racing Division (although the team roster is still to be announced), while another French outfit Lapierre has had a shake up and will be the sole sponsor of the renamed Lapierre Racing Unity. Swiss 23-year-old Noëlle Buri is the only survivor from the old Lapierre Mavic Unity team but is joined by a combination of experience and youth in the form of Anton Cooper, Clara Teocchi, Maximilian Brandl, Tobias Lillelund and Nina Graf.

The announcement of new teams and new signings continue at speed as the Gravity transfer window hots up. We might still be five months out from the first UCI Downhill World Cup of the 2025 season, but the off-season action is keeping Downhill fans on the edge of their seats after a turbulent start to the transfer window. While jaws were left firmly on the floor in December with the news of Trek Factory Racing cutting ties with not one but two UCI Downhill World Champions (in the form of Reece Wilson and reigning rainbow jersey holder Loris Vergier), there have been further announcements and updates since that have continued to shake up the start hut.  Although the final destination of Vergier is still unknown, 2020 UCI Downhill World Champion Reece Wilson has teased that he will be leading a brand-new team for the 2025 season – AON Racing. Information is currently limited about who else will be joining the 28-year-old Scotsman at the outfit, but he has confirmed that the team will be riding prototypes from Swiss brand Gamux. Another new team joining the ranks is the Tahnée Seagrave-led collective Orbea FMD Racing – The Gravity Cooperative. The British multiple UCI World Cup winner leaves the Canyon stable after five seasons and brings her Follow My Dream Racing roster including Phoebe Gale, Oliver Zwar and freeride-focused brother Kaos Seagrave to Spanish manufacturer Orbea. The Belgian UCI Enduro and E-enduro World Cup winner Martin Maes will also race in the new collective’s colours having moved over from the Orbea Fox Enduro Team to focus on Downhill, while junior Darragh Ryan completes the team.  With Seagrave out, it’s Marine Cabirou in at Canyon – the French pinner joining the Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team. The 27-year-old looked back to her best in 2024, winning two UCI DH World Cups and podiuming at the rest to finish as runner-up in the overall standings to Vali Höll (YT Mob).  Fabien Barel, Canyon CLLCTV team mentor, said: “Marine’s got everything: raw talent, insane speed, and a fearless approach to racing. We’re stoked to have Marine with us, this partnership will raise the bar for both her and the team in 2025.” Cabirou’s old team, Scott DH Factory, meanwhile have replaced one French rider with another – Benoît Coulanges signing for the Swiss outfit after the closure of the Dorval Commencal team.  Elsewhere, Andreas Kolb has left Contintenal Atherton and hooks up with his compatriot Vali Höll at YT Mob. The reigning European Champion was one of the most consistent riders in last year’s UCI Downhill World Cup series, only finishing outside the top 10 once, and will hope to improve his fortunes aboard a proven race-winning bike.  Santa Cruz Syndicate meanwhile have been another team to confirm their 2025 roster early. The return of Jackson Goldstone after a long injury lay-off will feel like a new signing but the Steve Peat-managed team have also added the juniors Ellie Hulsebosch and Felix Griffiths to their ranks. The pair were free agents after their old teams – Union Race Team and Madison Saracen – folded at the end of the 2024 season, and both are exciting prospects worth keeping an eye on.

Cutting-edge technology, a wealth of expert pundits, and new partners ensured the second season of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series saw record-breaking TV viewership and growth across nearly every metric.  As we look back before the end of the year, we reflect on the season’s key figures, setting the stage for an even more exciting 2025 season.    The 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series was one for the books, with thrilling competition across all mountain bike formats crowning 44 UCI World Cup winners.  Thanks to a ground-breaking long-term partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), in 2023 all major mountain bike formats were unified under a single brand for the first-time, creating the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.  2024 marked the second season of WBD Sports taking full control of the global broadcast, promotion and organisation of the Series, expanding its reach and delivering coverage to more fans than ever before.  The 2024 season saw 15 race weekends from April to October, collectively visiting 16 venues in 10 countries across Europe and the Americas. It also introduced six exciting new locations, bringing the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series to some of mountain bike’s most iconic spots.  The world’s best athletes from 58 nations battled it out in the formats of Cross-country, Enduro and Downhill. Over seven months of competition, 134 UCI World Cup races took place, with a record-breaking 114 athletes reaching the podium. In total, 3,860km of racing took place across most of the UCI World Cup formats.  As we look back before the end of the year, we reflect on the season’s key figures, setting the stage for an even more exciting 2025 season, filled with new challenges and continued growth. RECORD-BREAKING VIEWERSHIP The 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series was broadcast live across the globe on WBD Sports’ network, including Max, Eurosport, discovery+ and TNT Sports for the first time ever, as well as a host of broadcast partners, broadening the series’ reach across the world.  WBD’s channels saw a significant increase in cumulative views, with an average of half a million more views per round in 2024 vs. 2023. This season, WBD Sports also expanded its collaboration with more partner broadcasters to bring live racing to fans in 76 countries. Over 20 TV and streaming channels aired more than 2,100 hours of coverage, which were watched for a combined 29 million hours by fans worldwide. To ensure no winning move was missed, WBD Sports deployed more camera operators, drones, and staff to events, enhancing the experience for the millions of fans watching around the world. Graphics were also optimised to present race data in a clear and accessible format, making it easier for viewers to follow the action. WHOOP, a key partner in the Series, keeps developing its collaboration with WBD Sports year after year to take the cycling coverage one step further. By integrating WHOOP’s key performance data, including rider heartrate and strain in real time, fans and viewers were able to better connect with the athletes while understanding and witnessing the extraordinary level of elite performance. This innovative feature elevated the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series broadcast by providing premium insights that not only enhanced the viewing experience but also made the sport more understandable and immersive.  Led by the experienced sports presenter, Kate Mason, pre- and post-race discussions helped set the scene before each UCI World Cup race and provided immediate analysis after the winners crossed the finish line. The coverage also featured expert insights from former riders, including Aaron Gwin, Myriam Nicole, Reece Wilson, and Oli Beckinsale, offering fans a deeper understanding of the races, and elevating the overall commentary. CONNECTING FANS GLOBALLY  Along with the millions of viewers watching at home, 365,500 fans attended the events on-site. 98% of attending fans said they would return to another WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event in the future and scored ‘quality of racing’ 9.1 out of 10 for satisfaction, one of the highest scoring metrics this season. Millions more engaged with the sport through other digital platforms with WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series social media accounts reaching fans in over 160 countries resulting in 230 million impressions, 23% more than last year. A total of 162 million video views were also achieved over the course of the season, up by a staggering 133% vs. 2023. This season delivered even more action and high-quality racing than the inaugural season in 2023, resulting in increased media attention from news outlets across the world with over 9,600 articles being published in over 40 countries. KEY DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2025 The 2025 season will bring key developments for the sport and the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series format, some of these being the biggest overhauls to the discipline since the inception of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in 1991. The driving force for the changes is the desire to elevate the Series and ensure that each round is contested by the world’s best athletes and teams, reinforcing its position as the pinnacle of mountain bike. The new UCI Regulations include a major change in the UCI World Cups qualifying process, now focusing on top riders and teams to increase competition. Starting in 2025, UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams will register under two categories: Gravity (downhill and enduro) and Endurance (cross-country and short track). Each category will feature up to 20 teams offering better visibility and engagement on the track side and TV across formats. The introduction of unique career numbers will also make it easier for new fans to follow and fall in love with the sport. This week, the UCI also unveiled additional details about the Continental Series, which will debut on the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike Calendar, offering riders from various continents with new opportunities to qualify for the UCI World Cups.  The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will mark a bold step towards the future of mountain bike, fostering greater competitiveness and fan involvement. More information on the key changes set to take effect from 2025 is available here. . Reflecting on the success of the second season, UCI President David Lappartient said: "The launch of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series two years ago brought significant growth for the mountain bike discipline and helped it grow in popularity. This momentum has only continued and picked up over the past year, as shown by the great results shared today. The innovative spirit behind this progress will also be at work next season, and we are confident that mountain bike still has a lot of room to grow, both as a competitive discipline with different formats and as a popular outdoor activity." Chris Ball, VP – Cycling Events at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “The second year of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series has been truly extraordinary. From thrilling new venues and innovative technology to heart-stopping racing, we've witnessed record-breaking TV viewership and impressive growth across nearly every metric. We look forward to the exciting changes to next season’s competition, as we continue to elevate the sport to new heights.” ISO CERTIFIED PROMOTER As the global promoter of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, WBD Sports has been recognised for its commitment to sustainable event management and been granted ISO20121 certification. The certification approves the structured framework that integrates sustainability into event management practices. Along with enhancing social inclusion and ensuring economic viability for all stakeholders, the framework includes setting long-term goals, implementing sustainable practices, measuring performance, and continually improving the internal and external processes and policies - all to reduce the environmental and social impact of the large-scale international events promoted while maintaining their economic viability.

It may be the off-season, but there’s still plenty of action happening behind the scenes across the mountain biking world, from the buzzing transfer market to new bikes in action.  In big news, mountain bike star and Paris 2024 Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock has departed Ineos Grenadiers and will race for Q36.5 Pro Cycling next season. The multi-disciplinary sensation signed a three-year contract – but in a unique twist, he will ride on two different bike models during his spell with the team.  Tom Pidcock will switch to riding Scott bikes on the road, as the brand has a partnership with Q36.5. But interestingly, he’ll have a different bike set-up for his off-road campaign. Continuing on from his time at Ineos, the Brit will ride Pinarello bikes off-road, having been instrumental in developing three different frames for the brand – including the Dogma XC which he rode en route to Olympic gold earlier this year.  The Italian manufacturer has provided bikes for Ineos Grenadiers since the team’s inception as Team Sky in 2009, and Pidcock’s relationship with it will continue for the same duration as his Q36.5 contract. Tom Pidcock said: “Working with Fausto and the team at Pinarello over the past four years has been a privilege, and a really enjoyable experience. I am so happy I get to stay working with them on everything off-road moving forwards. “So far, we have developed three cyclo-cross and XC MTB frames together and all of them exceeded expectations from the moment I sat on them, I could not have asked for more. I felt so confident on them that I was able to race and win after the first couple of rides. “To me, our relationship feels more like a partnership than a sponsorship. I’m looking forward to the next three years of racing and developing more great bikes with Pinarello.” With the 25-year-old expected to carry on racing across all disciplines, it may not be long before we see him back in action on knobbly tyres. Elsewhere, the transfer market has been buzzing, and nowhere has been busier than over at Trek Factory Racing. Earlier this month it was announced that Reece Wilson, Bohdi Kuhn, and 2024 UCI Downhill World Champion Loris Vergier will leave the American squad, with no word yet on their next destinations. Trek Factory Racing said: “Today we say goodbye to Loris Vergier, Reece Wilson, and Bohdi Kuhn, who are embarking on new adventures after incredible highs and helping forever shape one of the rowdiest sports on Earth.” The team also shared highlights of the three riders’ spells with the team. “Over the course of four seasons with Trek, Loris [Vergier] solidified himself as one sport’s all-time greats. He won four UCI World Cups with Trek, and finished on the podium of the men’s UCI World Cup overall for three straight years. But of all his incredible feats, there was nothing like winning a UCI World Championship this past August. Loris laid down a perfect run in Andorra to sew up the rainbow jersey by a razor-thin margin. No one has ever been smoother on a session than Loris, nor humbler about his talents.” “Reece [Wilson] is a legend at Trek, flat out. He raced on a Trek as far back as 2015 and was a founding member of the brand new TFR DH program in 2019. On Oct. 11, 2020, he rocked the sport, winning a UCI World Championship as an underdog on a mud-caked course in Leogang. No one is more resilient than Reece, who repeatedly came back from setbacks and crashes to reassert himself at the top of the sport. (We may have teared up a little when he returned to the UCI World Cup podium in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes this year.) Riders don’t come more inspiring or entertaining than Reece Wilson, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings. “In two-plus years riding out of the TFR pits, Bodhi [Khun] proved himself to be one of the most consistent and steeliest riders in the field. As a junior, he was a Top 5 staple, and scored a breakout UCI World Cup win in Val di Sole in 2023. Then as a first-year elite in ‘24, he rose to the challenge by qualifying for finals in five straight UCI World Cups before injuries slowed him down. Bodhi will be a force in the men’s field for years to come," the team wrote. It’s all change on the Cross-country side of things at Trek too. Gunnar Holmgren – brother of terrific Canadian twins Ava and Isabella Holmgren, who have shone in all disciplines this year – will be the squad’s newest recruit. 25-year-old Gunnar will join his sisters, who ride for Lidl-Trek, under the Trek umbrella at the start of next year after a strong season which saw him earn a spot in Canada’s Olympic team. Going in the other direction are veterans Jolanda Neff (Switzerland) and Anton Cooper (New Zealand), who have ridden for Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli XC for a combined 14 seasons. Neither rider has yet confirmed where they will go next. The team paid tribute to both in a farewell post, writing: “Anton Cooper was a consummate competitor and teammate throughout his time with Trek, and one of the most well-respected riders in the field. He dominated the New Zealand and Oceania Championships, winning seven titles in each. No cyclist is more associated with the iconic silver fern kit, which he wore for most of his Trek tenure as he flew around UCI World Cup tracks. “Jolanda Neff needs no introduction. UCI World Champion. Olympic Champion. Thirteen-time XCO World Cup winner. Four-Time European Champion. And Three-time UCI World Cup overall champ. As Neff racked up titles, she also earned a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most recognizable riders in the sport, while also tearing up the cyclocross and road circuits from time to time. There may never be another rider quite like her.” Elsewhere, more riders are on the move. French star Loana Lecomte said farewell to Canyon CLLCTV, sharing the news on social media that she’ll be moving on in 2025, alongside a video of her achievements with the team. Loana Lecomte wrote: “Thank you very much for these 3 years! Thanks for believing in me to set up this big project in 2022, for supporting me through good times and bad, for always doing your utmost for the athletes and staff. It was 3 years with a lot of success, victories, hard times with rebounding and especially unbelievable moments.” And over at YT Mob, Kasper Woolley will stick with the team but switch from Enduro to Downhill racing next season. The 25-year-old finished 18th at his first UCI Downhill World Cup in 2024, in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada), and he’s clearly caught the Downhill bug. In the upcoming year he’ll change focus entirely to the Downhill discipline and will race the full UCI World Cup calendar. Kasper Woolley said: “I have always been interested in racing downhill. When I first signed with the YT MOB, the possibility of shifting disciplines was a big reason for my decision. I am so excited that this opportunity came up and that I was in the right position to jump on it. Racing enduro has helped to develop my skills through riding a variety of different trails around the world, so I’m excited to apply my learnings to the world of downhill!” Over at Thömus Maxon, U23 rider Luke Wiedmann is departing for pastures new after four years with the team. The Swiss team will continue to be led by former U23 UCI World Champion Alessandra Keller, Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medallist Mathias Flückiger, two-time European Champion Lars Forster, and Vital Albin, who have all extended their contracts. And Simone Avondetto will continue riding in Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team colours for at least another four seasons, as the team announced a contract extension until 2028. The talented rider from Piedmont joined in 2022 when he was still racing as an U23 rider and bagged the impressive set of Italian National Cross-Country Champion, European Champion, and UCI World Champion jerseys that year. As an Elite rider he’s won the Italian Cross-country Short Track title, finished on the podium at two UCI World Cup rounds, and won the European Cross-country title. Simone Avondetto said: “For me, Wilier-Vittoria is like a second family, the perfect place to continue growing step by step, just as I have so far. Since joining this amazing team, I’ve achieved some great results, but I’ve also faced tough moments, like the seemingly endless battle with mononucleosis in 2023. During that time, the team always stood by me and provided everything I needed, which made me realize I was truly in the right place. I can’t wait to repay that trust with strong performances on racecourses around the world.” With plenty of time until the start of the 2025 season, watch this space for more transfer news, team changes and rider updates as preparations begin for another brilliant year of racing at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce the launch of Continental Series in 2025, whose events will be included on the UCI Mountain Bike International Calendar.  So far, these series will consist of twelve events in the Americas (seven Olympic cross-country and five downhill events), nine events in Europe (four Olympic cross-country, four downhill, and one combining both formats), and seven events in Oceania (two Olympic cross-country, four downhill, and one combining both formats). The introduction of these series was approved by the UCI Management Committee in September in Zurich (Switzerland), as part of the key developments for the mountain bike discipline presented by the UCI in collaboration with WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series promoter, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports. These changes, set to take effect from 2025, aim to ensure the continued development of the discipline. Developed in close collaboration with the Continental Confederations, the Continental Series will provide riders from the different continents with new opportunities to qualify for the UCI World Cups, which are part of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. A rider finishing in the top five of a Continental Series event will be eligible to participate in a round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, while the top five riders in the overall standings of the various Continental Series will have the right to participate in all rounds of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in the following season. These additional opportunities will contribute to the global expansion of the discipline. The events in the "Continental Series" (CS) will be similar to the Hors Classe (HC) events in terms of points awarded by the UCI. This will provide riders around the world with another chance to earn valuable points for the UCI Individual Ranking. 2025 UCI Mountain Bike International Calendar

Hugely successful team SCOTT-SRAM MTB RACING will see new arrivals for the 2025 season as young talents Emilly Johnston (Canada) and US National Champion Bjorn Riley join the squad. The up-and-coming talents will join a team rich in experience, with three standout Swiss riders—10-time UCI World Champion Nino Schurter, Swiss National Champion Filippo Colombo, and Andri Frischknecht— all extending their contracts until 2026.  Veteran Nino Schurter will continue leading the team after 20 years of UCI World Cup racing and 36 series wins, the latest coming in 2024 in Val di Sole, Trentino (Italy). The Swiss legend will be hoping to carry some of his form from last season into a home UCI World Championships in Crans Montana and a UCI World Cup round on home roads in Lenzerheide.  Nino Schurter said: “I'm incredibly proud to be entering my 23rd season with SCOTT-SRAM. This team is much more than just a team to me - it's a family. Together we have already celebrated many unforgettable experiences and I look forward to many more adventures with my teammates.” His fellow Swiss and current National Champion Filippo Colombo has also renewed his contract, as he targets a first-ever Elite UCI World Cup win following a strong and consistent year which saw him finish third overall. Filippo Colombo said: "I am super happy to continue my journey with the SCOTT-SRAM team. The past two years, the support and professionalism have been amazing. Deciding to stay with this incredible organization is an easy one. I am eager to give my all in the upcoming seasons and excited to welcome the new athletes. I am confident that we will create a winning formula.” The team will be bolstered even further in 2025 with the signings of young, up-and-coming talents Emilly Johnston and Bjorn Riley, both aged 22. The pair will undertake their first year of Elite racing after a successful spell at U23 level with Trek Future Racing Team, based in Austria, where both riders demonstrated their potential with some strong performances. SCOTT-SRAM Racing Team Director, Thomas Frischknecht said: "With Emilly and Bjorn we have two great talents as part of the team for the future. Both are very talented and ready to take the next step in their careers. The whole team is keen to support them in their further professional development in MTB racing.” Bjorn Riley, from Boulder (Colorado, USA), finished last season with two UCI U23 World Cup victories in Les Gets (Haute-Savoie, France) in both the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Olympic (XCO) distance, as well as multiple podium finishes across the season. Even more impressively, he won US National titles in both XCO and XCC in July, beating Elite-level riders to claim the prestigious US jersey. In signing for SCOTT-SRAM Riley now takes a step up to competing among the Elite. Bjorn Riley said: "I’m excited to learn from my incredible new teammates, soak up their experience, and push myself to new limits. Competing at this level has always been a dream, and I can’t wait to see what I’m capable of achieving with such a supportive and inspiring team by my side.” Riley will be joined by fellow new recruit Emilly Johnston, from Canada, who also enjoyed a standout year in 2024. She won the U23 XCC UCI World Cup in Crans Montana (Switzerland) on one of the most physically and technically challenging courses, and earned nine podiums across the U23 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season to finish second overall. A bronze medal at the U23 UCI World Championships capped off an incredible year for the 22-year-old from Vancouver Island. Emilly Johnston said: “I'm beyond excited to be joining my dream team in my first year as an Elite. I have such an incredible opportunity to learn from the best riders and staff in the world and can't wait to make the most of every moment." From new arrivals to departures: Kate Courtney (USA) is leaving SCOTT-SRAM Racing after six years with the team. She won the UCI World Cup overall series at the end of her first season with SCOTT-SRAM and also took a silver medal in the team relay at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2021. The team paid tribute to the American’s “unforgettable spirit” and “positivity, determination, success and endless fun” in her long spell there. SCOTT-SRAM Racing Team Director Thomas Frischknecht said: "Six wonderful years together with Kate are coming to an end. With her great personality, she brought so much to the team and will always have a spot in the SCOTT-SRAM family. We will never forget the time we spend together as a team. Her positivity and outstanding results will stay in our very best memories. It's time to say goodbye and we wish you the very best for your new chapter in racing." As well as signing new athletes and extending contracts for its racing legends, the team has also renewed contracts with key partners SRAM and RockShox until 2026, alongside further long-term partners MAXXIS, Syncros and Cornercard, while SCOTT has further renewed its commitment to the squad.  For more information on SCOTT-SRAM’s plans for the next year, click here.

Get ready for the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Araxá, Minas Gerais, with exclusive Black Friday discounts! Cycling fans can purchase tickets at unbeatable prices for this highly anticipated event, which will feature the first two rounds of the UCI Cross-country World Cup. These thrilling competitions will take place over two weekends: April 3–6 and April 9–12, 2025. Individual weekend passes are available for just R$199.00 (plus taxes), but the best value comes from the full event package—covering both weekends—for R$299.00 (plus taxes). Additionally, half-price tickets are available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Please note that all tickets are personal and non-transferable, requiring a photo ID at the entrance to match the name on the ticket. If the name doesn’t match, entry will be denied, and a new ticket will need to be purchased on-site. This promotional ticket batch is limited and could sell out quickly, so we recommend purchasing early to secure your spot at the world’s premier mountain biking event in Brazil. Tickets are available HERE.

This year’s WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series was jam-packed with incredible moments across all disciplines, with the UCI Downhill World Cup providing some of the most thrilling.  We take a look back at the highlights of the Men’s UCI Downhill World Cup season, reliving the jaw-dropping runs and the defining moments of an unforgettable series.  It was a year of incredibly fine margins, huge feats of ingenuity and skill, hair-rising corners, powerful jumps, and heart-in-your-mouth countdowns to the finish line. And with GoPro POVS merged into live broadcast footage, fans of the series can get up close and personal with the best of the action, feeling like they’re on the bike with the riders as they go through the highs and lows of the UCI Downhill World Cup.  From Amaury Pierron’s (Commencal/Muc-Off) flawless performance to seal victory on home turf in Les Gets (Haute-Savoie, France), to Troy Brosnan’s (Canyon CLLCTV Factory) first win in three years at the season’s climax in Mont Sainte Anne (Canada), check the video below to revisit all the best moments of the Men’s Downhill UCI World Cup season.

With the 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series now over, it’s time to look back at the jaw-dropping feats of athleticism and incredible performances which lit up our screens in 2024.  And where better to start than with Trek Factory Racing-Pirelli XC, who animated every race the squad entered and enjoyed a magical UCI World Championships – all despite adversity and comebacks from injury.  Riley Amos (USA) was one of the most dominant riders of the year, winning the U23 men’s UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Olympic (XCO) World Cup titles with nine wins across both disciplines. Evie Richards (Great Britain; 2nd in Elite women’s UCI XCC World Cup overall standings) and Madigan Munro (USA; 3rd in U23 women’s UCI XCC and XCO World Cup overall standings) also ended up on end-of-season podiums, Richards after making an impressive comeback from a concussion. But no race encompassed this team’s grit and talent like the UCI World Championships in Andorra. There, Trek athletes racked up six UCI World titles — Madigan Munro in the team relay, Albert Philipsen (Denmark) in the junior men’s XCO, Isabella Holmgren (Canada) in the U23 women’s XCC and XCO, and Riley Amos in the men’s U23 XCC. Most thrillingly of all, Richards won the elite women’s XCC with an incredible sprint to edge out Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (France). Words can only tell the story so much. In the team’s end of season video, you can see and feel the emotion of an unforgettable season as the riders reflect on the wild ride that was the 2024 series, and hear from riders like Gwendalyn Gibson (USA) on what it’s like to fight back from injuries in one of the most unforgiving sports in the world.