That is about to change!
The organisers A.S.O. and marketer Warner Brothers have big plans for the 2025 season. The draft was "leaked" and has now been largely confirmed by the UCI (press release 17.10.24). We have summarised the most important points.
The new calendar includes a total of 15 events in 10 different countries. The starting shot for the cross-country athletes will be fired at the beginning of April in Brazil, with the final being held in Mont-Sainte-Anne in mid-October. The Enduro World Cup has been expanded to include an additional race, but will continue to be held exclusively in Europe. The E-Enduro World Cup (EDR-E) is to be paused for the time being. Marketer Warner Brothers and the UCI did not comment on this in the press release (2.10.24). Allegedly, 2025 will be used to fine-tune the race format.
Cross Country
The cross-country elite will be spared any major rule changes. However, the number of teams is to be reduced to 20, making the World Cup more elite. The calendar includes a total of ten stages, two more than in 2024: Lenzerheide and Vallnord Pal Arinsal are new. It starts at the beginning of April with a double race in Brazil. Career numbers will also be introduced. Riders will be able to choose a fixed number that they will keep for their entire career. The number 1 will be given to the leader in the World Cup.
More World Cup stops at last. For riders who cannot make a living from the sport alone, it will be more difficult for logistical and cost reasons. But it's a pill we have to swallow. In return, the sport gets a bigger platform. I'm looking forward to Lenzerheide. - Luca Schwarzbauer, XCO/XCC Racer
Enduro
The biggest changes are in the enduro segment. For a long time, there were rumours that the organisers would remove the EDR (without E) from the calendar in 2025. Warner Brothers and the UCI remained silent. Rumours were neither denied nor confirmed. But now the big surprise: instead of the EDR, the organiser is now removing the EDR-E (E version) from the 2025 calendar - a slap in the face for the newly formed EDR-E teams. The future of this race format is therefore uncertain. The UCI press release (press release 17.10.24) does not mention any changes to the enduro rules.
I learnt the news that my race series would not be on the UCI calendar in 2025 by chance. The decision is tough for the teams and the riders - especially as it was unexpected and far too late in the year. It's a shame, I think the format has potential. - Johannes Fischbach, EDR-E-Racer
Downhill
The downhillers also have to adjust to changes. The semifinals, which are already unpopular in the paddock, will be abolished. Previously, some riders were "protected" - this is now to be abolished. The fastest 30 male and 15 female riders can qualify for the final via qualification runs. There will be ten races. Private riders will be able to qualify by winning Continental races. The respective national teams will also be allowed to register riders. Nevertheless, downhill racing will become more elitist and it will be more difficult for racers to get onto the start list of a World Cup. As with the XCO, the teams are limited to 20. There will also be so-called career numbers for the riders, see Cross Country above.
I think the changes are good. The reduced field of riders also shortens the often far too long lift queues and protects the tracks. - Nina Hoffmann, DH racer
The innovations in DH make sense and promote professionalism. I hope for a strong continental racing series where talented riders can qualify for the World Cup. Because private riders have a long tradition in MTB racing. - Marcus Klausmann, 15-time DH champion
The 2025 UCI race calendar
- 3-6 April - Araxa (BRA) - XCO/XCC
- 10-12 April - Araxa (BRA) - XCO/XCC
- 9-11 May - Pietra Ligure (IT) - EDR
- 16-18 May - Bielsko (PL) - DH, EDR
- 23-25 May - Nove Mesto (CZE) - XCO/XCC
- 30.5-1 June - Loudenvielle (FRA) - DH, EDR
- 5-8 June- Saalfelden-Leogang (AT) - XCO/XCC, DH, EDR
- 20-22 June - Val di Sole (IT) - XCO/XCC, DH
- 27-29 June - Val di Fassa (IT) - EDR
- 3-6 July - La Thuile (IT) - DH, EDR
- 9-13 July - Pal Arinsal (AND) - XCO/XCC, DH
- 21-31 Aug - Haute Savoie (FRA) - XCO/XCC, DH, EDR
- 30.8-9 September - UCI World Championships (CH, Valais)
- 18-21 Sep - Lenzerheide (CH) - XCO/XCC, DH
- 3-5 Oct - Lake Placid, NY (USA) - XCO/XCC, DH
- 9-12 Oct - Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN) - XCO/XCC, DH
What Warner Brothers says
"Although I am eagerly awaiting the finale of this year's Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series, it is already becoming apparent that the 2025 season could be the most spectacular yet. We are expanding our programme once again, welcoming La Thuile as a new UCI World Cup venue, while Lake Placid adds a downhill race to its line-up, bringing the total number of UCI Downhill World Cup races to 10. The calendar also includes the return of venues that made their successful debut in 2024, as well as legendary locations such as Val di Fassa, Nové Město Na Moravě and Mont-Sainte-Anne. The result is an ideal blend of innovation and tradition." - Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe
"Regardless of the venue, the races will take place on trails that are at the forefront of mountain bike architecture and guarantee thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled competition from start to finish. The venues are located in the heart of passionate mountain bike communities, and fans - both local and from afar - will line the routes and create an unforgettable atmosphere on race days." - Chris Ball
Laurin Lehner
Editor
