Young guns go big in Nové Město na Moravě

After a seven-week summer break since Pal Arinsal (Andorra), the Cross-country and Downhill athletes of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series are heading back between the race tape in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) and the start of the season’s second half.  The Alpine venue is a legendary location and has been welcoming the Gravity format on and off since 1996. A staple of the UCI World Cups for both cross-country and downhill since 2019, and host of the 20024 and 2022 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, it is renowned for its passionate, partisan French crowd. Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, close to the Swiss border, Les Gets bike park will host action for both formats. The park has 128km of trails across 23 different tracks and three ski lifts to help riders experience everything the park has to offer.  The Downhill takes place on the venue’s Mont-Chéry UCI World Cup track – a 2.2km course that features 571m of descent and a maximum gradient of 43.8 %. The Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-country Short Track (XCC) races, meanwhile, take on a custom trail that has its start/finish straight at the resort’s main hub. The XCO course is 3.55km long (140m elevation gain), while the XCC course is 1km long (43m elevation gain). CAN ANYONE CATCH MAXWELL? Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) is having the season of her young life. The 23-year-old New Zealander has been incredibly consistent in the first six rounds of the UCI XCO World Cup, and hasn’t finished outside the top two all year. Her win in Pal Arinsal in July showed that her victory in the opening round in Araxá, Minas Gerais (Brazil) wasn’t a fluke, and she has built a seemingly unassailable lead in the overall series with Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) second and 445 points behind. Although Koller sits second, it’s fifth-placed Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) who is the most likely challenger to Maxwell’s crown. The Dutchwoman was in searing form, winning five out of six races (including XCC) entered in 2025, although she came unstuck at altitude with 10th place in Pal Arinsal. A confirmed starter for Les Gets, Haute-Savoie, she will be targeting a return to the podium on a course where she won last year. IS BLEVINS’ XCO SEASON A BUST?Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) might lead the men’s series but his last three results (17th, 8th and 29th) suggest that the wheels might be falling off his bid for a first overall title. The American hasn’t raced since Pal Arinsal and will be hoping that the seven-week break can act as a reset for his season. Second and third spots in the overall are occupied by Blevins’ teammates Martin Vidaurre Kossmann and Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing). The Chilean looks most likely to challenge Blevins for the top spot, with Koretzky yet to reach the same highs as last season and skipping Les Gets, Haute-Savoie, to focus on the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Crans-Montana (Switzerland). Riders who look like they could break up the American factory team’s dominance include Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing), who finished second behind Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) in Pal Arinsal; fourth-placed Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division) and the relative wild card Fabio Püntener (Bike Team Soloturn). Finally, multi-discipline master Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is always a favourite whenever he lines up off-road but the Dutchman will be hoping for a smoother ride than he had in his only other mountain bike race this year, where he DNFd and fractured his wrist in Nové Město Na Moravě (Czechia). PREPARE FOR A BOUNCE BACK AND THE RISE OF KELLER IN SHORT-TRACK The men’s and women’s XCC standings couldn’t be more different. In the men’s, Blevins has dominated all year, and his record-breaking five-strong winning streak was only halted by Martin in Pal Arinsal, with the American having to settle for second. His 578-point cushion over second-placed Koretzky in the rankings means he could wrap the series up as early as this weekend if other results go his way, and expect him to be targeting the podium top spot and get back to winning ways. The women’s field, meanwhile, is tightly poised with only 130 points separating the top four. Reigning UCI XCC World Champion Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli) leads the way but Pieterse has the most wins (three) this series. While both will be in contention in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie, it’s worth keeping tabs on Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon). The 2024 UCI XCC World Cup overall series winner has gone under the radar this season but has displayed her signature consistency – finishing inside the top seven all year – to find herself tied in second on 930 points. The Swiss rider won in Pal Arinsal and knows what it takes to win an overall title as the series nears its conclusion. WOMEN’S DOWNHILL CONTEST IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT The women’s downhill series has never been more competitive, with four different winners from the opening six rounds. Valentina Höll (YT Mob) still leads the series despite failing to record a win all year – her second place in Pal Arinsal her fourth of 2025 – but knows what it takes to win on the Les Gets, Haute-Savoie course, having won the UCI World Championships at the venue in 2022. Others in contention are Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division), the Canadian currently sitting in second and aiming to get back on the podium after a fifth in Pal Arinsal; Tahnée Seagrave (Orbea/FMD Racing), who won in Pal Arinsal and is having her best season in recent memory; and home favourites Marine Cabirou (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team) and Myriam Nicole (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction). BRUNI AND GOLDSTONE SET TO BATTLE IT OUTJackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) might have missed out on securing the overall winning streak record in Pal Arinsal, but the Canadian’s second place means he still leads the series as the most consistent winner. With four rounds remaining, including a season finale in Mont-Sainte-Anne in front of a home crowd, the 21-year-old will be targeting a few more wins to start in Quebec as the nailed-on favourite. The one rider who can realistically spoil the Canadian party is Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity). The reigning UCI Downhill World Cup overall series winner clinched his second UCI World Cup of the season in Pal Arinsal and will be confident he can make up the 137-point gap to Goldstone over four rounds – starting in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie. Like Höll, he has only won at the venue once, but it was when it mattered most: at the 2022 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Others in contention in Saturday’s final include 2024’s winner Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction), reigning rainbow band wearer Loris Vergier (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) and wild card entrant Thibaut Daprela (Rogue Racing - SR Suntour). Racing gets underway in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie on Friday with the UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup. Full schedule and event details are available here.

A leader in mountain bike suspension since 1989, RockShox confirmed as Official Suspension Partner Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe and RockShox are proud to announce a new long-term partnership, naming RockShox the Official Suspension Partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. An innovative leader in mountain bike suspension since 1989, RockShox has been at the forefront of the sport for nearly four decades. From introducing the first production suspension fork to pioneering advanced technologies like Flight Attendant, RockShox continues to shape the future of racing and riding alike. Part of the SRAM family since 2002, RockShox empowers riders across all disciplines with suspension that responds seamlessly to changing conditions, enhances control, and inspires confidence on every ride. This new partnership builds on RockShox’s longstanding commitment to racing. A constant presence at Endurance and Gravity UCI World Cups since the sport’s formative years, RockShox and WBD Sports share a deep legacy within the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series—one rooted in performance, progression, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “RockShox is renowned in the world of mountain biking for being at the pinnacle of suspension technology, and its products have helped propel countless athletes to the top of the podium in cross-country, downhill and enduro. “This new five-year partnership builds on WBD Sports and RockShox’s solid foundations in mountain bike and will encourage even greater integration in the Series to come.” Sander Rigney, VP of RockShox, said: “UCI World Cup racing has shaped the DNA of RockShox from the beginning. It’s where we develop, test, and prove the innovations that drive the sport forward. Partnering with the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series reinforces our commitment to racing and to the next generation of riders – those who are defining the trajectory of the sport and culture for the future.” After 12 rounds of world-class racing, the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series heads next to Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) for Cross-country and Downhill from 28-31 August. One final European stop remains in Bike Kingdom - Lenzerheide (Switzerland) before the series crosses the Atlantic for the final two rounds in Lake Placid Olympic Region (USA) and Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada). Live and on-demand coverage of every race is available through WBD’s channels and platforms including Eurosport (Europe) and TNT Sports (UK & Ireland) with streaming on HBO Max and discovery+, as well as around the world through WBD’s broadcast partners.

Alex Rudeau came from behind to win the men’s Elite race at the final UCI Enduro (EDR) World Cup round of the 2025 season while Elly Hoskin underlined her superiority at the Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France) with a crushing 23-second women’s Elite triumph. Rudeau was five seconds behind after a gravity-intense Saturday that contrasted with the lung-busting nature of day two that featured several tough ascents against the clock, notably on stages five and seven, but it didn’t take long for Rudeau to overhaul the Canadian and despite Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV Factory) taking the penultimate stage, Rudeau held on. However, Melamed also had cause to celebrate at the finish line as he clinched second overall in the UCI Enduro World Cup ahead of Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity) while Simona Kuchynková (CUBE Action Team)’s third place in the round confirmed her status as women’s Elite runner-up. Hoskin’s procession to victory in France was ultimately more comfortable despite an early scare, she entered day two with a 13-second advantage and almost doubled it by the finish while Elise Porta (Lapierre Gravity Collective) and Melvin Almueis were triumphant in the juniors. INEVITABLE RUDEAU OUTDUELS MELAMED Rudeau immediately hit back against Melamed on the breathless stage five, wiping out his overnight lead before Murray piled further pressure on the Canadian with a daring stage win, proving he’d put a disappointing Saturday well behind him. And things got even worse for Melamed on stage seven which featured a surprise top five led by Elliot Jamieson while Rudeau put five more seconds into his rival, meaning he led by seven overall. The penultimate stage was the longest of the weekend with the most potential to separate the pack, and it was there that Melamed finally responded, wiping out Rudeau’s gains from the previous run and firing himself back into contention for the Morillon win while ensuring Murray remained out of the picture. But Rudeau had saved his best for last and on the same trail that closed day one, he won by a second to clinch his first win of the season at the final opportunity. Afterwards, he said: “Feeling good, it’s my 22nd victory and the last one was in 2023 in France also, so I think the vibe in France is good for me. I really like this kind of format, two days of racing.” Meanwhile Melamed acknowledged mountain biking 101 of “If I didn’t hit so many trees, I would’ve maybe won the race”though added he was ‘super happy’ to accomplish “my main goal was to stay on the podium.” Downbeat Murray said: “I’m stoked to be on the overall podium but it’s a little bit tough because I was in second, I had a turbulent weekend - some really good riding and stages, then some crashes and mistakes. It’s mentally pretty hard because I’ve given everything this season and third overall is still an incredible result but I was third last year, so my goal was to be second or first and we’re going to have to come back and try again.” Overall winner Sławomir Łukasik (Yeti/FOX Factory Team) arrived in France with one eye on next weekend’s UCI World Championships and he rode like it, finishing over two minutes back in 24th and then admitting he was “riding for fun”ahead of attempting to complete a prestigious double in Aletsch Arena/Bellwald, Valais (Switzerland). HOSKIN WINS RICHTER STARE-OFF After Hoskin was the undoubted story of the women’s Elite race on Saturday, Raphaela Richter countered straight away on day two by scorching to stage five victory, five seconds ahead of Hoskin and Kuchynková. Hoskin’s slide continued on stages six and seven when she first hemorrhaged four seconds to the Slovakian, then Richter’s win at Morillon Village cut the Canadian’s overall advantage to just a second. However, she produced a fine return on stage eight, finishing over 16 seconds ahead of Kuchynková and Richter meaning she could coast in third on the last run of the day and celebrate her second win of the season after Bielsko-Biała (Poland). “I’m just really happy, it was a long, long week and I’m really glad I got to back up that first win at the last stop, I was itching for that,” Hoskin said. “My mum was texting me all day, telling me via emojis how good I was doing. Rafa [Richter] was really on my ass for a bit and then I had a good stage eight and just had to keep it together on the last one.” Nadine Ellecosta’s late charge for Abetone Ancillotti Vittoria Factory Team wasn’t enough to challenge Kuchynková for second place overall, with champion Ella Conolly electing to sit out the round ahead of the UCI World Championships.  Kuchynková said afterwards: “It’s so crazy, my first Elite season, I’m just a rookie and I’m already second place and World Championships are next so all eyes on there.” ONLY ONE FAIRYTALE ENDING IN JUNIORS AS PORTA SPOILS ADAMS PARTY Porta completed her superior victory in the women’s junior race, continuing her dominance by winning every stage apart from Morillon Village following her Saturday sweep, and she crossed the line on the final run of the day holding a victory margin of over three and a half minutes. Chloe Bear (Yeti/FOX Factory Race Team) was the only rider to break the streak, winning stage seven by five seconds en route to finishing second in the round and third overall behind Lucile Metge, who wasn’t at the day two roll-out, and Kuchynková’s successor as women’s junior champion Lacey Adams (Yeti/FOX Factory Race Team) who had an off weekend in France. “The first day was super cool, I’m super happy to have two minutes in front of the other girls and I just tried to keep my advantage and stay on my bike, riding with flow,” Porta said. Adams was crowned overall winner before the summer break and though her victory lap wasn’t as flawless as she’d have liked, she still looked back on the weekend and the year with pride: “Big two days of racing, I really enjoyed them. I spent more time on the ground than I should’ve, a bit of a slow race for me but I’m stoked to take the overall.” Things went more smoothly for men’s junior overall champion Almueis after a difficult day one. Starting Sunday six seconds behind compatriot Hugo Marti Montessinos, Almueis immediately annihilated that gap with a daring Sairon Trail run that put him in the driving seat for the rest of the event. Though Marti closed the gap slightly with victory on stage seven, Almueis responded in style by putting eight seconds into the rest of the pack on the penultimate stage and holding firm on Paddock Express, which was won by Gabriel Santhuile. “Really good weekend for me, the first day was pretty hard with a slippery stage and I wasn’t confident on my bike, but second day I succeeded and I’m really happy to win the last of the season” Almueis said. The weekend also marked the final Open EDR and Open E-EDR events of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season, as 192 riders took on four stages ridden by the pros. The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series stays in the Haute-Savoie region of France for seven more days but relocates five miles north to Les Gets for the return of the Cross-country Short Track, Cross-country Olympic and Downhill competitions with all six Elite titles still up for grabs.