Types and headlines: Nine faces of the 2025 MTB World Championships

The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships is the most prestigious event in mountain biking - one of the ultimate goals for riders. Whoever wins here gets to wear the rainbow jersey for a year - a symbol of world championship and the highest recognition. For many athletes, the World Championships are the highlight of the season, both for their individual performance and for their reputation with sponsors, fans and in their own careers. This year, the World Championships were held in Valais, Switzerland.

Nine faces of the 2025 World Cup

1 Mathias Flückiger (36) - 5th place

For a moment, it looked like a happy ending. Mathias, who was wrongly suspected of doping in 2022, seemed to have secured a medal at the age of 36. For a long time, he stayed in the lead in the battle for bronze. But towards the end, he lost his strength and Victor Koretzky, Simone Avondetto and compatriot Luca Schätti pulled away. In the end, Mathias finished in 5th place.

>> Interview with doping acquittal racer Flückiger: "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to prove it." <<

2 Alan Hatherly (29) XCO World Champion

His dominance made the race for the gold medal almost boring. The South African took the lead right from the start and never relinquished it. With a 48-second lead, Alan confidently defended his World Championship title and will be able to wear the coveted rainbow jersey again next season.

3 Jenny Rissveds (31) XCO World Champion

The Swede wins her first world title. Her career seemed to be over in 2017 when she prematurely gave up racing due to eating disorders and depression. Her performance at the World Championships was all the more impressive. Gold in cross country, silver in short track. Oh yes, Jenny has also already snapped up the European Championship title in 2025. She's on a roll! Congratulations, Jenny!

4 Jackson Goldstone (21) DH World Champion

There are talented riders - and there are riders who seem to be revolutionising the sport. The lanky Canadian definitely belongs to the second category. He is currently winning almost everything and makes the rest of the field of riders look old. Gold for Jackson! Silver went to our German Henri Kiefer, who was the first German downhiller ever to win a medal in the elite category.

>> Interview with downhill star Jackson Goldstone - super talent & golden boy <<

5 Mathieu van der Poel (30) - 29th place

Together with Tom Pidcock, the road star is considered a superstar in mountain biking. But this time Mathieu's plan didn't work out. "The rainbow jersey on the mountain bike remains a dream, but I still have a few years ahead of me," said van der Poel after the race.

8 Vali Höll (23) DH World Champion

The young Saalbach native lived up to her role as favourite and kept her nerve. Vali took the gold medal for the fourth time in a row. France's Myriam Nicole (silver) and Marine Cabirou (bronze) completed the podium. Nina Hoffmann only finished in 19th place. Incidentally, Vali has dual citizenship - German and Austrian. So we can call ourselves world champions for a little while, can't we?

>> InterviewDownhill World Champion Vali Höll: "I ride like I ride!" <<

8 Max & Till Alran (18) DH Junior Winner

The French are traditionally strongly represented in the downhill riders' field. The two Alran brothers hinted at what the elite can expect in the coming years in the juniors: Max (left) and Till (right) stood on the podium together. Max secured gold, brother Till the bronze medal.

9 Nina Benz (27) Best German (XCO)

The Swabian Nina Benz achieved her best World Championship result to date with 9th place. After a difficult start, she began a strong race to catch up and steadily fought her way forwards. What a shame: 8th place would have secured her Olympic squad status.

>> Cross-country athlete Nina Benz "My head is clear again." <<