UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2025 brings together the world’s top mountain bikers in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
From 10-14 September, all eyes will be on the Olympic format cross-country, bringing down the curtains on two weeks of incredible action across 27 events in 10 disciplines, including downhill, enduro and pump track.
With the absence of Olympic champions Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships2025 in cross-country Olympic (XCO) is set to crown a new champion.
Here are few notable riders to watch out for at UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2025 in XCO.
Men’s Elite Race
Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)
Already a world champion in road, cyclocross, and gravel, Mathieu van der Poel enters the XCO Worlds with a singular mission: complete the set. Despite flashes of brilliance in mountain biking, mechanical failures and crashes have stymied his past championship ambitions. If the Dutch all-rounder delivers a clean race, he may finally seize the rainbow jersey that has eluded him on the dirt.
Nino Schurter (Switzerland)
Few athletes in any sport boast the resume of Nino Schurter- ten-time world champion, Olympic gold medallist, and icon of mountain biking. Racing on home soil in Switzerland, this could be the 39-year-old’s final shot at glory. Whether or not he stands atop the podium, expect a legendary send-off from the Swiss fans.
Victor Koretzky (France)
The Frenchman is currently the World Cup leader. He bagged silver at Paris 2024. His smooth handling and racecraft make him a formidable threat- especially if the frontrunners falter. His consistency makes him a top favourite at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2025.
Women’s Elite Race
With the reigning world and Olympic champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot out, the women’s race is wide open- and the level of competition is deeper than ever.
Puck Pieterse (Netherlands)
As reigning World Champion, Puck Pieterse enters with both the rainbow jersey and the weight of expectation. Her explosive riding style and aggressive descending make her a fan favorite and a front-runner- but she’ll have no room for error.
Haley Batten (USA)
The American captured silver medal at Paris Olympics 2024 and has been in a great form in 2025. With endurance, savvy, and a powerful finish, she’s well-positioned to challenge for her first elite world title.
Samara Maxwell (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Samara Maxwell has burst into the elite ranks with fearless riding and sharp tactical instincts. A podium here would confirm what many already suspect: she’s the future of women’s XCO.
Also Read: UCI Mountain Bike World Series 2025: Decoding The Unique Formats
UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2025: Cross-country Olympic and Mixed Team Relay Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 11 September 2025 | 17:00 | Cross-country Mixed Team Relay |
| 12 September 2025 | 15:00 | Women Junior Cross-country Olympic |
| 17:00 | Men Junior Cross-country Olympic | |
| 13 September 2025 | 11:00 | Men Under 23 Cross-country Olympic |
| 14:00 | Women Elite Cross-country Olympic | |
| 14 September 2025 | 10:30 | Women Under 23 Cross-country Olympic |
| 13:30 | Men Elite Cross-country Olympic |
