The first French round of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will see the Downhill and Enduro contingent make a beeline for the Pyrenees and the classic destination of Loudenvielle-Peyragudes between May 30-June 1. 

Renowned for its smorgasbord of enduro trails, the venue witnessed the jaw-dropping season finale of the UCI Enduro World Cup last year – Harriet Harden (Trek Factory Racing Gravity) seizing the title from Isabeau Courdurier (Lapierre Zipp Collective) in the latter’s final UCI World Cup race as a full-time professional. 

Over the last two seasons, it has also welcomed the world of downhill to its trails and put riders through their paces on a testing, technical course. This year sees the racing switched from September to mid-summer. 

Where is it?
Loudenvielle is a commune in the Louron Valley situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France. It is practically on the border of Spain and a short journey from another enduro hub, Andorra. 

What’s the course like?
For the Enduro riders, the stages are tight and treelined, and race organisers are sure to throw some wild cards into the mix to create the same level of drama as last year. 

The downhill track was made by a local team and course designer Romain Paulhan, and melds man-made features with the hillside’s steep contours. Riders will be praying for dry weather to save certain sections from turning into an almost impassable bog. 

There were two blasts from the past in the 2024 UCI Enduro World Cup, Martin Maes (Orbea Fox Enduro Team) and Morgane Charre (Pivot Factory Racing) rolling back the years and using their experience to win in difficult conditions. And it was another two home favourites who took the wins in the downhill – Benoît Coulanges (Dorval AM Commencal) and Myriam Nicole (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) sending the locals crazy at the finish.  

Get in on the action! 

In addition to the elite competition, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series at Loudenvielle – Peyragudes, will also offer amateurs the chance to go between the race tape in Open Racing. Participants can test their skills in the Enduro and E-enduro categories. Stay tuned by signing up for the newsletter to receive more details in early 2025. 

More than just racing… 

Beyond the racing, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Loudenvielle – Peyragudes, 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!