After exploding on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series circuit in 2024, the Brazillian venue returns to kick off the 2025 season, hosting not one, but two, back-to-back rounds of the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Short Track (XCC) World Cup.
The season will get underway in Araxá on April 3-6 before athletes will do it all again just seven days later for round two on April 10-12.
The quick turnaround gives riders who tasted success on the first weekend an opportunity to stretch their advantage before the Endurance formats head to Europe. It also gives those who had poor first rounds to make an instant response.
Where is it?
Araxá is in the Western Minas Gerais region in the south of Brazil, 600km south of the capital Brasilia. Its highest point is 973m above sea level, meaning that altitude won’t pose an issue for riders, but with an average humidity over 80%, weather conditions could play a factor.
What’s the course like?
Araxá’s red clay trails lit up the early stages of the 2024 season, where fans lined the track as it cut through the venue’s forest to create a fast, undulating circuit. For 2025, there will be two variations of the course – one for the opening round and another for round two – so riders will be kept guessing throughout.
Who were the most recent winners?
The 2024 event was the first WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round to be held at the venue and witnessed victories for Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) and Haley Batten (Specialized Factory Racing) in the UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup. Batten did the double by winning the UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup, while Simon Andreassen (Cannondale Factory Racing) won the men’s Olympic distance.
More than just racing…
Beyond the racing, the event in Araxá, Minas Gerais, will offer a vibrant atmosphere with live music, entertainment, an expo, and fan activations at the event village. Stay tuned for more details on how to attend or volunteer, coming soon!
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