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The Enduro Open gives amateur riders the chance to ride the very same stages as the UCI Enduro World Cup on the same weekend, and now, for 2026, even on the same days. It’s as close as it gets to racing like a pro!At its core, enduro has always been about adventure. The discipline was born from long days in remote mountains where self‑sufficiency mattered as much as skill. That spirit lives on today in the Enduro Open - a focus on fun, exploration and community, with a competitive edge for those who want to push their limits. Whether you're chasing seconds or just soaking in stunning views, you’ll put your fitness, riding skills and problem‑solving to the test.Enduro Open Calendar:28–31 May: Loudenvielle – Peyragudes (France)11–14 June: Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria)26–28 June: Val di Fassa – Trentino (Italy)17–19 July: Aletsch Arena – Bellwald (Switzerland)14–16 August : Morillon, Haute‑Savoie (France)New for 2026A major evolution arrives this season as Enduro Open Racing will now run on the exact same course and the same days as the UCI Enduro World Cup. The participants will drop in just hours before the pros and then wait for the world’s best at the finish line in order to compare their times directly with them on the same terrain under the same conditions and on the very same taped course while being at the finish to cheer the Elite riders of the discipline.New race categories:For 2026, race categories have been expanded and are now fully age‑based, creating more competitive, more balanced and more rewarding racing by grouping riders into narrower bands.17–18 Male / Female19–34 Male / Female35–39 Male / Female40–44 Male / Female45–49 Male / Female50–54 Male / Female55–59 Male / Female60+ Male / Female​​E-MTB Male 17+​​E-MTB Female 17+​​Pairs 17+ (mixed or gender specific)​Upcoming entries:Entries for Loudenvielle – Peyragudes (France) and Saalfelden Leogang - Salzburgerland (Austria) will open on 3 April.Entries for the remaining Enduro Open races in Val Di Fassa – Trentino (Italy), Aletsch Arena – Bellwald (Switzerland), Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France) will be opening on 17 April. Stay tuned to our official website and social media channels for updates or sign up for our newsletter by entering your email address at the bottom of the webpage.Entry requirements: There are no entry criteria for Enduro Open races. All you need is a bike and the desire to enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable mountain biking experience. However, spots are limited to 300 riders per round, so speed is key if you want to secure your place on the Enduro Open start line. More details on the races, pricing, and included services:28–31 May in Loudenvielle – Peyragudes (France):Alongside world‑class competition, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series at Loudenvielle–Peyragudes, presented by FACOM, gives amateur riders the opportunity to race between the tapes through Open Racing. Riders can put their skills to the test in Enduro and E‑Enduro categories, tackling the exact same course used by the UCI Enduro World Cup’s elite.Below you’ll find everything you need to know, including race formats, pricing, and what’s included.Entry fee: €130, with a reduced fee of €80 for Junior categories (17–18)Services included:-        Official race entry and number board-        Training day access-        Access to feed stations and water points-        Uplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicable-        Timing equipment-        Access to professional technical support-        -        Welcome goodie bag-        Free Bike Park Day with lift access on Sunday 31 May to ride the park-        Free Balnéa Spa resort access valid for the weekendMake a weekend of it! Loudenvielle offers much more than racing. Bring friends and family and enjoy the full festival atmosphere:-        Watch the UCI Downhill World Cup Finals on Sunday 31 May-        Explore the event village with activities for all ages-        Kids’ races, Monster FMX shows and live music-        Food stalls, entertainment and a lake ride for the whole family.Click HERE for registration. The process is quick and straightforward: simply log in with your existing account or create one if you don’t have one yet. Then complete your personal details, sign the waivers, and select your races.11–14 June in Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria):Set in Austria’s largest mountain biking region, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series heads to the Epic Bikepark Saalfelden Leogang. For the first time ever, Leogang is opening its race to Open entries, giving riders from around the world the chance to compete at this iconic venue as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.Riders can put their skills to the test in Enduro and E‑Enduro categories, tackling the exact same course used by the UCI Enduro World Cup’s elite.Below you’ll find everything you need to know, including race formats, pricing, and what’s included.Entry fee: €150, with a reduced fee of €80 for Junior categories (17–18)Services included:-        Official race entry and number board-        Training day access-        Access to feed stations and water points-        Uplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicable-        Timing equipment-        Access to professional technical supportMake a weekend of it! Leogang offers much more than racing. Bring friends and family and enjoy the full festival atmosphere:-        Watch the UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup on Friday 12 June-        Watch the UCI Downhill World Cup Finals on Saturday 13 June-        Watch the UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup on Sunday 14 June-        Explore the event village with food stalls, entertainment and activities for the whole family.Click HERE for registration. The process is quick and straightforward: simply log in with your existing account or create one if you don’t have one yet. Then complete your personal details, sign the waivers, and select your races.26-28 June in Val di Fassa, Trentino (Italy):Join the world’s best as they race one of the most iconic venues on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar. The Enduro Open in Val di Fassa - Trentino, presented by Shimano, never disappoints, with infamous trails, unbeatable gelato, and a true enduro atmosphere.A landmark venue in the discipline, Val di Fassa made history in 2024 as the first location to host the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro & E‑Enduro World Championships. Now, the challenge awaits once again: will you take on the legendary Tutti Fruitti ridgeline alongside the UCI Enduro World Cup athletes in this two‑day epic race?Entry fee: €150, with a reduced fee of €80 for Junior categories (17–18)Services included:-        Official race entry and number board-        Training day access-        Access to feed stations and water points-        Uplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicable-        Timing equipment-        Access to professional technical supportEntries open 17 April17-19 July in Aletsch Arena – Bellwald, Valais (Switzerland):With steep, demanding, technical and untamed trails, Enduro Open racing in Aletsch will push every rider to their limits. This venue delivers a truly raw enduro experience and it’s no surprise it was selected to host the UCI Enduro & E‑Enduro World Championships in 2025.Riders will have the chance to test their skills on the exact same course raced by the UCI Enduro World Cup stars, tackling the challenge across two intense days of competition.Entry fee: €150, with reduced fee of €80 for 17-18 categoryServices included:-        Official race entry and number board-        Training day access-        Access to feed stations and water points-        Uplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicable-        Timing equipment-        Access to professional technical supportEntries open 17 April14-16 August Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France):The final round of the 2026 UCI Enduro World Cup season will unfold on the pine‑lined trails of Morillon, Haute‑Savoie. Join the heroes of the sport at this iconic venue and take on the very same trails at the Enduro Open, presented by Shimano racing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best on a fitting stage for the season finale.Entry fee: €150, with a reduced fee of €80 for Junior categories (17–18)Services included:-        Official race entry and number board-        Training day access-        Access to feed stations and water points-        Uplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicable-        Timing equipment-        Access to professional technical supportEntries Open 17 April

Today, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports announces the return of original series Race Bikes, following the success of its debut season.Season two will air on WBD across mainland Europe (via Eurosport) and the UK and Ireland (via TNT Sports) as well as its streaming platform HBO Max. The behind-the-scenes four-part docuseries follows host Ric McLaughlin as he looks to lift the lid on some of downhill and cross-country’s most iconic bikes, meeting the riders and designers behind them and weaving each machine’s story together with rich archive footage.The first episode airs on Tuesday 7 April at 17:45 CEST (check local listings) with a deep dive into Loris Vergier’s Commencal Supreme – one of the most successful downhill mountain bikes of all time. The 30-minute episode includes interviews with the man whose name it bears – Max Commencal – shot at the manufacturer’s HQ in Andorra.Week two sees McLaughlin turn back the clock and head in search of 2011 and 2012’s most-winning bike – Aaron Gwin’s Trek Session 9.9. The American won nine UCI World Cup victories and two UCI World Cup overall titles aboard the Trek World Racing rig over the two seasons, becoming the first American to do so. McLaughlin’s search takes him to ex-manager Martin Whiteley’s house in Spain, where the pair delve into one of the most iconic periods in the sport’s history – and the bike that led the way.Episode three turns its attention to cross-country and one of the most cutting-edge designs to line-up on the current start grid – the Cannondale Scalpel. The show delves deep into the American manufacturer’s story and how it went from underdog to the top of the world, while also covers the career of 2020 Olympic gold medallist and Cannondale Factory Racing rider, Jolanda Neff.The series wraps up with one of the most mysterious bikes to grace the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series – Loïc Bruni’s Specialized Project Black. Developed out in the open but always kept relatively unmarked and under wraps, it’s the most cutting-edge bike to be covered yet on Race Bikes, and the first that McLaughlin has got to experience himself.Ric McLaughlin, Producer, Director and Presenter of Race Bikes, said: “Race Bikes is all about the bikes, but behind each one is a fascinating person and an equally fascinating story - how the bike was created and how it ended up where it is today. If you’re a core fan, you’ll definitely take something from it, but even if you only rode bikes as a kid and haven’t touched one in 20 years, there’s still something here for you.”This season follows on from the success of season one, where the four-episode series reached 3.3M viewers on linear TV (Eurosport and TNT Sports). All episodes of season one are currently available to stream on HBO Max.Schedule (timings subject to change, check local listings):Episode 1: Loris Vergier’s Commencal Supreme, Tuesday 7 April, Eurosport / TNT Sports, 17:45 CEST.Episode 2: Aaron Gwin’s Trek Session 9.9, Tuesday 14 April, Eurosport / TNT Sports, 17:30 CESTEpisode 3: Jolanda Neff’s Cannondale Scalpel, Tuesday 21 April, Eurosport / TNT Sports, 18:00 CESTEpisode 4: Loïc Bruni’s Specialized Project Black, Tuesday 28 April, Eurosport / TNT Sports, 17:45 CESTAll episodes will be available on demand on HBO Max.In addition to Race Bikes, WBD Sports’ documentary The Cycle is now available to stream on HBO Max. The 60-minute documentary follows five riders including WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series stars Lachlan Stevens McNab (Trek - Unbroken DH) and Evie Richards (Trek - Unbroken XC) and goes behind-the-scenes to reveal what it means to live as a professional rider.The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season kicks off on May 1 in MONA YongPyong, South Korea – marking the return of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to the Asian continent for the first time in 25 years. 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, as well as around the world through WBD’s broadcast partners.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe and GoPro are proud to confirm a new two-year partnership for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.The American technology company continues as Official Supplier of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, with the role of Official Wearable Camera Supplier across all UCI Downhill World Cup rounds.Cutting‑edge helmet-mounted GoPro cameras will deliver immersive live rider perspectives from the world’s most demanding mountain bike courses. Top downhill riders — including reigning Men Elite UCI Downhill World Cup overall champion Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) and others — will provide fans with in‑depth course previews and exclusive content shared throughout the season on WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and GoPro’s social channels, including @GoProBike Instagram and YouTube. GoPro integrations will also feature across Cross‑country and Enduro, where Carlson on Course will continue to offer expert course reviews alongside guest riders. As part of the partnership, GoPro will also receive dedicated on‑course branding visibility and a dedicated expo area on-site.GoPro makes the world’s best POV cameras for mountain biking—whether riders want the ultimate creative flexibility of the MAX2 360 camera or the unmatched, immersive perspective of HERO13 Black paired with the Ultra Wide Lens. GoPro’s Emmy® Award-winning HyperSmooth video stabilization, combined with a durable, waterproof design, helps capture unforgettable rider moments and perspectives—regardless of conditions. Learn more about GoPro’s mountain bike cameras and accessories at GoPro.com.Rick Loughery, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Digital Commerce at GoPro, said: “Continuing our partnership with the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is easy decision. GoPro is deeply committed to the mountain bike community, and we’re excited to empower riders and athletes to capture the speed, skill, and intensity of UCI Downhill World Cup racing with perspectives only GoPro can provide.”Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with GoPro for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. This relationship is built on long standing trust and a shared vision, developed over many years of close collaboration. Our ambition is always to put fans right at the heart of the action, and no one does that better than GoPro. Their innovative camera technology delivers truly immersive perspectives, bringing the intensity, speed and emotion of racing to our broadcasts and digital platforms.”  The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season kicks off on May 1 in MONA YongPyong, South Korea – marking the return of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to the Asian continent for the first time in 25 years.

The Golden Ticket system will celebrate standout riders in the UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series, offering emerging talent a fast‑track opportunity to join the world’s elite. Riders who claim a Golden Ticket earn the right to enter any round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, marking a major milestone in their competitive journey.Launched in 2025, the UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series which are run in collaboration with the Continental Confederations, bring together high-level competitions across each region of the world.  In 2026, the five UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series comprise of 39 events across 27 countries worldwide in Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Downhill (DHI). These Series provide a vital steppingstone between regional racing and elite international competition by offering UCI points and now, a direct pathway to the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.HOW GOLDEN TIKCETS WORKAt every qualifying UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series round, the top three finishers in each eligible category (excluding athletes already registered with a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team) will receive a Golden Ticket during the podium ceremony.A Golden Ticket grants that rider a coveted starting place at one WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round of their choosing within 52 weeks of receiving it, providing a springboard onto the world stage. The eligible categories are as follows:XCO: Elite Men, Elite Women, Under‑23 Men, and Under‑23 WomenDHI: Elite Men, Elite Women, Junior Men, and Junior WomenThis initiative puts a spotlight on emerging talent from the Continental circuit, rewarding standout performances with the opportunity to race alongside the world’s best and gain international exposure on the road to a long-term professional career.Find out more information on the UCI regulations here.Discover the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series calendar here.

The Women in Mountain Bike initiative has become a central pillar of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) roadmap.Since its inception in July 2024, marked by an inaugural networking breakfast for women from across the mountain bike community at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France), the initiative has continued to gain momentum and grow in scope.Building on that first milestone, the programme has expanded rapidly and is set to increase its influence throughout the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Its objective is clear: to help create a more accessible, inclusive and equitable environment, while increasing female representation at the pinnacle of competitive mountain bike.This International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the initiative’s achievements over the past year, as well as to look ahead to what lies in store in the months to come.CREATION OF THE WOMEN IN MTB WORKING GROUPOne of the key milestones in 2025 was the appointment of a WBD Ambassador to lead the initiative: Anja Rodenbroker, who has been part of the core WBD Sports mountain bike team since the launch of the ambitious WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series project and roadmap in 2023.As a first step under her leadership, a Women in MTB Working Group has been established. The 19‑member collective brings together riders, team managers, partners, and industry and corporate representatives from across cross‑country, downhill and enduro disciplines.The group will meet regularly throughout the 2026 season to define a dedicated roadmap addressing the key challenges facing women in mountain bike.2026 INITIATIVES: FROM HISTORIC CHANGE TO TANGIBLE ACTIONWhile the Women in MTB Working Group is still in its early stages, it has already begun developing initiatives and immediate actions. These include:Rebalancing race scheduling: a landmark step will see the Elite Women’s race run last at a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event this season, a decision that represents a historic first for the sport. This milestone moment is set to take place at the Saalfelden Leogang Salzburgerland UCI Downhill World Cup (11-14 June), where the women’s field, including local star Valentina Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres), will close the programme. Traditionally, men’s races have occupied the final slot and generally benefited from the prime broadcast window; this change marks a powerful shift in visibility, recognition and parity for women’s racing at the highest level.Education around RED‑S: Raising awareness of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED‑S) across the mountain bike community is a key priority. RED‑S is a condition that affects both men and women and is caused by an imbalance between the energy intake and the energy demands of training and competition, and can have serious consequences for health, wellbeing and athletic performance, affecting areas such as hormonal function, bone health, recovery, mental health and long‑term development. To support this, WBD Sports has engaged with Project RED‑S UK, a UK‑based initiative dedicated to advocating for and increasing awareness of RED‑S. The short‑term objective is to educate athletes, coaches, team managers, parents and all WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series stakeholders on what RED‑S is, how to recognise its symptoms, how it impacts performance, and how to challenge the negative perceptions surrounding the condition.Storytelling and awareness: the production of a mini‑documentary exploring the health challenges faced by women in sport is underway. The film focuses on the often-hidden struggles of female mountain bike athletes and builds on a shorter version released last season. This expanded edition will feature additional interviews with leading athletes and address a wide range of topics, from menstruation to body image.Improving event facilities: a key focus is enhancing on-site sanitation and athlete‑dedicated facilities across all WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series events. While the objective is to improve conditions for all athletes, the need for this initiative was identified through discussions within the Women in MTB group, where specific challenges faced by female athletes and staff were highlighted.A SHARED COMMITMENTBeyond WBD Sports, other partners across the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series ecosystem have also launched their own initiatives to help address gender imbalance within mountain bike.The local organising committee for the 2026 season finale in the Lake Placid Olympic Sites (New York, USA), taking place from 2 to 4 October, has introduced a dedicated Women in Sport programme this year, alongside a series of women‑focused activations planned around the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event. These initiatives will be amplified through WBD Sports’ Women in MTB Initiative, reinforcing a shared commitment to progress across the sport.

The 20 teams that will form the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Endurance line-up have been confirmed, with some of the sport’s biggest names guaranteed to compete across all nine rounds of the 2026 UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup calendar.Riders such as  Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing), Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing), Alan Hatherly (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC), Evie Richards (Trek - Unbroken XC), Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon), Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing), Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Premier Tech) are all assured a place on the start line.FACTORY AND DEVELOPMENT-FOCUSED TEAMS SECURE 2-YEAR LICENCEThe top 10 teams in the 2025 UCI ranking have been rewarded with two-year WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series team licences, and the list is made up of some big factory outfits and plucky underdogs who find themselves at the top table after relying on wildcard entries last time out.Specialized Factory Racing dominated proceedings last year and it will be tough for its riders to match their success in 2026. Christopher Blevins had a record-breaking year as he navigated his way to a Men Elite UCI XCO-XCC World Cup overall double, while Victor Koretzky made up for a middling season by defending his UCI XCC World Championship title. The team is packed full of firepower – Martin Vidaurre Kossmann and Adrien Boichis both highlighting their potential – while Haley Batten, Sina Frei and Laura Stigger all have elite-level wins to their names.The second-best spot in 2025 was taken by Decathlon Ford Factory Racing courtesy of Women Elite UCI XCO World Cup overall winner Samara Maxwell’s podium-placing consistency throughout the year. The team will have to do it without the New Zealander for 2026 – the 24-year-old announcing she’s taking a year-long sabbatical from racing – but Savilia Blunk and Joshua Dubau are consistent top 10 finishers on their day and ready to step up.One team looking up in 2026 is Canyon XC Racing. Home of UCI XCO World Champion Jenny Rissveds, the Swede was in the form of her life towards the end of last season and will be hoping to carry on where she left off when racing gets underway at the opening round in MONA YongPyong (South Korea). Teammate Luca Schwarzbauer showed signs of his best, and the pair will be joined by reigning Women U23 UCI XCO World Cup overall winner Valentina Corvi, who will continue racing in the U23 class this year.Another outfit that showed promising form towards the latter stages of the 2025 series was Cannondale Factory Racing – Charlie Aldridge picking up his first UCI XCO World Cup win in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada) and Luca Martin securing two wins (one XCC, one XCO) in his first elite season. Swiss icon Jolanda Neff completes the squad as they look to wrestle top-dog status back from their US rivals Specialized.Elsewhere, UCI XCC World Champion Alessandra Keller leads Thömus maxon’s Swiss teamsheet alongside compatriots Mathias Flückiger and Lars Foster, and Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team gets a youthful boost with Ella Macphee and Gustav Pedersen joining Simone Avondetto and Luca Braidot in the elite ranks.Scott-SRAM MTB Race Team enter a new chapter following Nino Schurter’s retirement with an established and competitive line-up in Filippo Colombo, Fabio Puntener and Bjorn Riley ready to carry the team forward and score consistently. Elite stalwarts Simon Andreassen and Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) meanwhile will be hoping to push on in the team’s second season.The final two teams with a 2-year licence are U23 UCI XCO-XCC World Cup overall winner Finn Treudler’s Cube Factory Racing, and previous wildcard entrant Bixs Race Team, who have retained Ramona Forchini and Marcel Guerrini as they embark on their first season as a UCI World Series team.BIG NAMES AND FRESH OUTFITS AMONGST 1-YEAR LICENCE TEAMSThe biggest name to find itself amongst the 1-year licenced teams is Giant Factory Off-Road Team – XC, the home of back-to-back UCI XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly. The South African’s multi-discipline schedule means he isn’t able to bank points for the team consistently throughout the season, but when he does race a UCI World Cup, there’s a high chance he’ll be contributing near-maximum points.Trek - Unbroken XC’s Evie Richards will be looking to defend her UCI XCC World Cup overall title while Vlad Dascalu returns for the American team.Also, like in the Gravity selection, one team that was ranked in the top 15 teams won’t be returning to the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series – Ghost Factory Racing folding after 15 years in the sport. It isn’t the last we’ll see of its riders though, with Anne Terpstra, Nicole Koller and Caroline Bohé all now part of the Lapierre PXR Racing team – a hybrid of the Ghost and Lapierre Racing teams of 2025, which also sees Anton Cooper and Tobias Lillelund retain their spots.Other teams to secure the automatic WHOOP UCI World Series Team status were Mathis Azzaro’s Origine Racing Division and KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team.STARS AMONGST WILDCARD SELECTIONSIn addition to the top 15 ranked teams, five full-season wildcard spots were made available by the UCI for the remaining UCI Mountain Bike Teams.The five wildcard spots went to the established outfits Alpecin-Premier Tech, BH Coloma Team, BMC Factory Racing and Liv Factory Racing, as well as Mondraker Factory Racing XC, who will line up for its second season.This guarantees starting places for multi-discipline stars Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Premier Tech), previous UCI World Cup winners Jordan Sarrou and Loana Lecomte (BMC Factory Racing).The full list of teams to secure WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status were:2-year licence1. Specialized Factory Racing2. Decathlon Ford Racing Team3. Canyon XC Racing4. Cannondale Factory Racing5. Thömus Maxon6. Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team7. Orbea Fox Factory Team8. Cube Factory Racing9. Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team10. BIXS Race Team1-year licence11. Trek - Unbroken XC12. Origine Racing Division13. KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team14. Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC15. Lapierre PXR RacingWildcards (1-year licence)16. BH Coloma Team17. Liv Factory Racing18. Mondraker Factory Racing XC19. BMC Factory Racing20. Alpecin-Premier TechThe 2026 UCI Cross-country World Cup kicks off on May 1 in MONA YongPyong (South Korea) - marking the first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event on Asian soil in 25 years. From there, the season begins its European leg in Nové Město Na Moravě (Czechia), before heading to Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria), Lenzerheide (Switzerland), La Thuile – Valle d’Aosta (Italy), Pal Arinsal (Andorra) and Les Gets – Haute Savoie (France). The riders will then cross the Atlantic to close out the season in Soldier Hollow, Midway, Utah (USA) and Lake Placid Olympic Sites, New York (USA).

The 60-minute documentary will air on 3rd March at 17:30 CET on Eurosport and HBO Max across mainland Europe and at 16:30 GMT on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK and Ireland*.From the weight of early expectations to the uncertainty of beginnings, from the challenge of balance to the pressure of winning and the obsession with results, the documentary reveals what it truly means to live as a professional rider.Lachlan Stevens McNab (Trek - Unbroken DH) stands on the start line of his career, facing the leap from promise to profession. 2025 UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) overall champion Evie Richards (Trek - Unbroken XC) chases medals, living at the edge where ambition, pressure, and identity collide. Other featured riders include Thibau Nys (Belgium – Cyclocross and Road), Emma Norsgaard (Denmark – Road), Emil Johansson (Sweden - MTB Slopestyle/Freeride).Moving between road, track, cyclocross, and mountain biking, the show will offer an intimate, collective portrait of a profession defined by repetition and resilience where every season begins again, and becoming a pro rider is a process that never truly ends.*HBO Max is available in Europe in France, Greece, Iberia, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Nordics, Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. discovery+ is the streaming platform for United Kingdom ahead of HBO Max launching in 2026.

The 20 teams that will make up the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams for the 2026 Gravity season have been confirmed, and their rider line-ups are jam-packed with UCI Downhill World Cup round winners, multi-time overall series champions and new contenders who are set to challenge the old guard for podium places.As well as the reigning Elite UCI World Cup and UCI World Championship victors Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) and Valentina Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres), each round’s start list will feature some of the biggest stars and icons of Gravity mountain biking – from Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity) and Tahnée Seagrave (Orbea FMD Racing) to Aaron Gwin (Frameworks / TRP) and Myriam Nicole (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction).FACTORY TEAMS AND PLUCKY UNDERDOGS REWARDED WITH 2-YEAR LICENCEOne of the main changes between the 2025 and 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams is that this year, the top 10 teams in the UCI rankings have been rewarded with two-year licences – guaranteeing their spot in the start hut in 2026 and 2027 regardless of their UCI points at the end of the year.The top-ranked team from last year was Canyon DH Racing, and the German manufacturer’s factory outfit remains unchanged – Troy Brosnan, Marine Cabirou and Luca Shaw lead the charge alongside rising stars Henri Kiefer and Aletha Ostgaard.Second in the rankings was Santa Cruz Syndicate, who can thank the outstanding form of Jackson Goldstone for their lofty position. The Men Elite UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner and reigning UCI World Champion enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2025 and will have a tough job to match his five victories, which included a streak of four-consecutive wins. Following YT Mob’s folding at the end of 2025, the team line-up evolves, with Austrian Andreas Kölb joining and Laurie Greenland no longer part of the roster. Nina Hoffman returns for her fifth season with the Steve Peat-mentored team.One rider who will be desperate to get the better of Goldstone this season is Loïc Bruni. The Specialized Gravity rider took the battle for the overall title right down to the wire last season, and it will be exciting to see him resume his duel with the Canadian rider in South Korea. Finn Iles and Jordan Williams will also return to the American manufacturer’s factory team.The fallout from the YT Industries closure was one the biggest stories of the off-season, as it determined which team four-time UCI World Champion and UCI World Cup overall winner Vali Höll would be riding for in 2026. The Austrian opted for Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres – a smaller outfit that punched above its weight in 2025 to secure a two-year licence. She joins the likes of Lisa Baumann and Antoine Pierron.Pierron’s brother, Amaury, returns after a season of highs and lows with his Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction team, which includes the icon Myriam Nicole, 2024 UCI World Champion Loris Vergier, and the Alran twins – with Max, the reigning Men Junior UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner.Elsewhere, Tahnée Seagrave will be aiming to build on her good form from 2025 in her Orbea FMD Racing squad alongside Martin Maes, while two-time UCI World Cup winner Ronan Dunne and US Champion Ryan Pickerton have been joined by Oli Clark at Mondraker Factory Racing DH. The final three teams to receive a two-year licence were Richie Rude Jr’s Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team, with the American Enduro star continuing to prioritise Downhill in 2026; Women Junior UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner Rosa Zierl’s Cube Factory Racing; and Trek - Unbroken DH, who have added Oisin O’Callaghan to a line-up that includes Lachlan Stevens-McNab, Matt Walker and Sacha Earnest.BIG NAMES AND PREVIOUS WILDCARDS SECURE 1-YEAR LICENCEWhile the top 10 ranked teams know that their UCI World Series status is secure until the end of 2027, teams ranked 11-15 will have to prove themselves all over again to retain their guaranteed spot in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series start hut.The biggest team to find themselves with a one-year licence is Giant Factory Off-Road Team - DH. They will be hoping that Lake Placid Olympic Region winner Luke Meier-Smith and Rémi Thirion can help turn their fortunes around in 2026.Other established names include the Greg Minnaar-managed Norco x adidas Race Division, with one of the break-out stars from 2025, Gracey Hemstreet, and 2011 UCI World Champion Danny Hart as their focus for results.Elsewhere, Gloria Scarsi’s MS-Racing and Mille Johnset’s Nukeproof Axess Racing will ensure that both pinners will feature in each UCI World Cup round.The final licence went to Unno Factory Racing DH. Formerly known as Rogue Racing - SR Suntour, the team’s consistency was one of the stories of 2025. Entering each round as a wildcard, they banked enough points to outscore teams with much bigger budgets.ICONIC ATHLETES RELY ON WILDCARD SPOTSThe final five WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series team spots are assigned based on a different selection criterion, but in 2026 they were, coincidentally, also the next five teams on the UCI rankings.The biggest name in this category is arguably Scott Downhill Factory, who can rely on the riding of Jess Blewitt, Benoit Coulanges and new-signing Dakotah Norton to help nudge them up the rankings and into a guaranteed slot in 2026.Smaller outfits like Reece Wilson’s AON Racing and Charlie Hatton’s Continental Atherton also needed a season-long wildcard for the second year in a row, while Santa Cruz Burgtec by Goodman’s spot will see Thibaut Laly and Nathan Pontvianne lining up in the start hut.Another exciting wildcard selection is Frameworks Racing / TRP, home to Asa Vermette, who will be joining the Elite ranks in 2026. The American team has also added five-time UCI World Cup overall winner Aaron Gwin to its team sheet, and both riders will be in contention for top spots at each UCI World Cup round.The full list of Gravity teams to secure WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status are: 2-year licence:Canyon DH RacingSanta Cruz SyndicateCommencal/Muc-Off by Riding AddictionOrbea FMD RacingMondraker Factory Racing DHYeti / Fox Factory Race TeamCube Factory RacingSpecialized GravityTrek - Unbroken DHCommencal Schwalbe by Les Orres1-year licence:Norco X Adidas Race DivisionMS-RacingNukeproof Axess RacingUnno Factory Racing DHGiant Factory Off-Road Team – DHWildcards (1-year licence):Santa Cruz Burgtec by GoodmanScott Downhill FactoryFrameworks Racing / TRPAON RacingContinental AthertonThe 2026 UCI Downhill World Cup kicks off on May 1 with the Race of South Korea, marking the first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event on Asian soil in 25 years. From there, the season continues in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France) for the opening round of the European leg, which also features stops in Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria), Lenzerheide (Switzerland), La Thuile – Valle d’Aosta (Italy), Pal Arinsal (Andorra), and Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France). The riders will then cross the Atlantic to downhill’s spiritual home of Whistler Mountain Bike Park, British Columbia (Canada), delivering on decades of anticipation before wrapping up the season at the historic Lake Placid Olympic Region, New York (USA) in October.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and SCOTT Sports are proud to confirm a new long-term partnership for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.The international sports brand that develops, markets, and sells bike, winter sports, running and outdoor products becomes the Official Cross-country Bike Partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, as well as the Event Presenting Partner for the UCI World Cup round in Soldier Hollow, Midway, Utah (USA).This new partnership builds on SCOTT Sports’ previous commitment to the series, which began with a local partnership for the 2025 UCI World Cup round in Lenzerheide (Switzerland).Since inventing the world’s first aluminum ski pole in 1958, innovation and progression have been central to SCOTT Sports’ philosophy. This commitment has shaped a strong mountain bike heritage dating back to the creation of its UCI World Cup team in 2002, which has supported numerous champions, including Olympic gold medalist and 10‑time UCI World Champion Nino Schurter. Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “SCOTT Sports has been synonymous with success in the cycling world for many years and we are thrilled to have them on board as partners of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the pinnacle of mountain bike competition, in an extended capacity for the next two seasons.” Julian Wagner, Global Bike Marketing Lead at SCOTT Sports, said: "We’re incredibly excited to partner with the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series over the next few seasons. Cross-country racing is woven into our DNA, so stepping in as the Official Cross-country Partner feels like a natural fit. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our heritage while continuing to push the sport forward." The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season kicks off on May 1 with the Race of South Korea – marking the return of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to the Asian continent for the first time in 25 years.

Andréane Lanthier Nadeau has announced her retirement from professional mountain biking.The 32-year-old Canadian has been competing at the pinnacle of Enduro racing since 2016, both as a privateer and as part of the Rocky Mountain/Race Face Enduro Team, but has decided to call time on her career three months before the start of the 2026 UCI Enduro World Cup season in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France).In a post on her social channels, Lantheir Nadeau said:Bye bye to the World Cup chasing years of my life. 10 years. I never would have thought. Wow. What a blessing, I have so much gratitude for this chapter of my life I got to write and live.I’m proud of how I’ve carried myself; with authenticity, empathy, and passion. Podiums, losses, near-wins, that’s a small part of what living from my passion meant for me. So many people to thank.Trying to be the best in the world is a dream life and it is also brutal. Somewhere along the way my self-worth got tied to my results and I want that to be different for me in the future. In the middle of the ‘25 season I truly felt a shift, I didn’t want things to be about my performance anymore; I no longer had that urge to be the absolute best. It takes that desire to compete at the top level. It feels good to step away when young Canadian enduro racers are out in full force. I believe in the beauty of the discipline and that it is here to stay.After starting her career in cross-country Olympic (XCO), where she finished a career-highest 6th at the U23 UCI XCO World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada) during the 2012 season, she made the switch to Enduro in 2016.The change was successful immediately, Lanthier Nadeau finishing on the podium (3rd) in her very first Enduro World Series race in La Thuile.In 2019, she committed to her first full Enduro World Series (the precursor to the UCI Enduro World Cup) season, recording two second places and two third places to finish third in the overall.While she couldn’t reach the same highs in the following years, she was a consistent top-10 finisher and came second in her last ever race – the 2025 Canadian National Enduro Championships.We wish Andréane all the best in her retirement and hope to see her stay in the sport in one way or another in future years.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports are pleased to announce that the third edition of the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships will take place in Finale Outdoor Region, Liguria, Italy, from October 16 to 18, 2026.The event will award the UCI World Champion titles and the coveted rainbow jerseys in the following six categories: Men Elite Enduro, Women Elite Enduro, Men Junior Enduro, Women Junior Enduro, Men E-Enduro, and Women E-Enduro.With over two decades of history rooted in outdoor sports and enduro riding, Finale Ligure and the Finale Outdoor Region have become one of the world’s most renowned mountain bike destinations. Since the first edition of Finalenduro in 2008, the region has continuously hosted the most prestigious international events, such as the Enduro World Series, including the Trophy of Nations, and the UCI Enduro World Cup, part of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, alternating with the neighbouring town of Pietra Ligure. Finale has distinguished itself for the quality of its trails, its exceptional organization, and its deep connection with the authentic spirit of the sport.Stretching from the mountains to the sea, the region offers a network of over 200 trails, making it a natural playground for enduro. The elevation changes, terrain variety and breathtaking views over the Ligurian Sea create the perfect mix that has earned Finale the title of “Home of Enduro” – the place where the sport was born, evolved, and continues to inspire riders around the world.Chris Ball, VP Cycling Events, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, said: “We’re proud to promote the third edition of the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships, continuing to grow this exciting discipline on the global stage. Returning to Italy, where we celebrated the very first UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Championships, makes this milestone even more special—and hosting it in Finale Outdoor Region, Liguria, widely regarded as the spiritual home of enduro, feels like it was only a matter of time. Enduro is deeply rooted in Finale’s culture, history, and identity, and being part of this new chapter in the history of the discipline is an honour. With the experience and innovation, we’ve honed through the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, we’re ready to deliver an unforgettable event for athletes and fans alike.”David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Over the years, Finale Outdoor Region, in Liguria, has become a sought-after destination for mountain bike specialists from around the world. An important and popular stopover of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, it will now host the battles for the coveted rainbow jerseys of UCI World Champion for mountain bike Enduro and E-enduro. I am delighted that we are taking this prestigious event to one of the meccas of international mountain bike, where we can expect intense and top-quality competitions next October.”Simona Ferro, Vice President of the Liguria Region with responsibility for Sport, said: “In 2025, Liguria was named European Region of Sport: a recognition that crowned an extraordinary year, during which we also promoted major sporting events, fully acknowledging their strategic role in the development of the territory. It is significant to see that the 2026 events calendar in Liguria also includes international-level competitions, such as the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Championships, which will bring further prestige to the Finale Outdoor Region—an area that represents a global benchmark for outdoor activities, thanks to a unique location that connects the sea with inland trails. A truly exceptional setting, able to offer technically demanding routes and natural scenery of rare beauty.”Angelo Berlangieri, Mayor of Finale Ligure and Valter Sericano, Councillor for Sport, said: “The award of the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships to Finale Ligure marks an extraordinary milestone, celebrating a journey that began in the late 1990s. From the early mountain bike events to today, we have seen the sport, the territory, and the local community grow together. Finale Ligure has become an international benchmark for enduro and the entire outdoor movement, thanks to a consistent effort in promotion, care, and shared vision. The UCI World Championships are not only a major sporting event but also recognition of a territory that, with passion and determination, has built a sustainable and successful model of development.”Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation, said: “I am extremely pleased about the awarding of the UCI Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships to Italy, and in particular to the territory of Finale Ligure. For the Italian cycling movement, this represents a clear confirmation of the strong organizational capabilities of our clubs and institutions, especially considering that, starting this year and in the years ahead, Italy will host numerous international events, including both World and European Championships.For Finale Ligure, this designation confirms its status as one of the regions that has best embraced the spirit of the times, recognizing outdoor activities as one of the most powerful drivers of tourism and territorial promotion. Finale is not only about cycling in its many expressions, from mountain bike to road cycling, but also about climbing, trekking, and a wide range of other outdoor activities. Cycling, however, plays a key role, as demonstrated by the awarding of this UCI World Championship, both in terms of economic impact for local communities and the overall number of visitors it attracts.The relationship between Enduro and Finale Ligure is long-standing, continuously evolving and always striving for new milestones. I therefore extend my congratulations to the local authorities who believed in this project, as well as the organizers who, with professionalism and expertise, have turned a dream into reality.”Ugo Frascherelli, President of the Finale Outdoor Region Consortium, added: “We are proud to be part of the Local Organising Committee for the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships, the most prestigious event for these formats. This achievement is the result of true teamwork — a journey that began with the Finale Outdoor Resort Association and has been carried forward by the Finale Outdoor Region Consortium, through the collaboration between the municipalities of Finale Ligure and Pietra Ligure, local administrations, and all those who have contributed to the growth and international recognition of our destination.Today, outdoor sports are a real driver of the local economy, and this success confirms how promoting the region through major sporting events — with the UCI World Championships at the top — is key to its growth and global identity.”For more information on the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike Enduro and E-Enduro World Championships, Finale Ligure, Liguria, visit the official website events.finaleoutdoor.comPictures: © Nicola Damonte - Finale Outdoor Region

A VENUE WITH DEEP UCI WORLD CUP HISTORYAcross its 25 years, Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland has become a regularly visited venue in international mountain biking. It has hosted 14 UCI Mountain Bike World Cups, along with the 2012 and 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and is set to be host once again in 2028.Its opening season places the venue’s longevity into perspective. When the bike park began operations in 2001, Nicolas Vouilloz and Anne‑Caroline Chausson claimed UCI Downhill World Championship titles in Vail/Beaver Creek, Aaron Gwin had yet to make his UCI World Cup debut and future local favourite Valentina Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) was still months away from being born.The region has seen substantial growth since those early days. What began with a small collection of tracks has expanded into 21 lines and trails, or 30 including the Riders Playground, added in 2013 as a beginner‑friendly area. Rider numbers have increased on a similar scale - from 16,700 uplift rides in the first year to around 270,000 per summer season today.Across that time, Leogang has hosted countless major events and delivered some of the most memorable moments in both downhill and cross‑country competition, across its 120 kilometres of lines and trails.ANNIVERSARY EVENTS IN 2026To mark its 25‑year anniversary, the region will host a dedicated celebration weekend from 24–26 July, featuring community activities and riding programmes. The venue will also continue its focus on growing participation through initiatives such as the Ladies Shred Events, offering camps, coaching and workshops aimed at supporting and encouraging women and girls in mountain biking.The broader Saalfelden Leogang events calendar also sees the 7th edition of the Bike Festival Saalfelden Leogang, from 2–4 October.For the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Leogang remains an important and familiar stop. In its anniversary year, the venue will host another quadruple header from 11–14 June, with Downhill, Cross‑country Olympic (XCO), Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Enduro all set to feature.25 years after first opening, Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland continues to play a significant role in the international racing landscape and will once again welcome the world’s best riders this June.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports and Monster Energy are proud to announce a new long-term partnership for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.Monster Energy becomes a main partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, taking on the role of Official Energy Drink partner. As part of the agreement, the global energy drink giant will join WBD Sports onsite at all 14 events, bringing fresh energy and engagement to fan activations, enhancing the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series experience both trackside and on broadcast.The partnership builds on Monster Energy’s longstanding commitment to mountain bike, having supported some of the sport’s most iconic athletes since the brand’s inception, including Sam Hill, Steve Peat and Brendan Fairclough. During the 2025 season, several UCI Downhill World Cup podium finishers were Monster Energy athletes, including Amaury Pierron, Marine Cabirou, Loris Vergier, Luca Shaw, Thibaut Dapréla and Troy Brosnan. This agreement will further amplify Monster Energy’s presence at mountain bike events and support WBD Sports’ mission to grow the sport globally.Beyond mountain bike, Monster Energy has firmly established itself within the wider cycling world, driven by its investment in athlete development programs, including Freestyle BMX.Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at WBD Sports, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Monster Energy as a main partner for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Securing a brand of Monster Energy’s reputation is a testament to the passion and dedication our teams have demonstrated since assuming the organisational and promotional aspects of the series. The team at Monster Energy has exciting plans for the forthcoming season and beyond, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring this new partnership to life.Daniel McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Monster Energy, said: “Mountain bike is one of the most progressive and exciting disciplines in global sport, and the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series represents the very pinnacle of competition. Monster Energy has a long history of supporting athletes and events that push limits and inspire fans, and we’re proud to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to elevate the experience for riders and audiences worldwide. We’re excited to bring our energy, creativity, and passion for the sport to every stop on the series.” Cody Dresser, Vice President of Action Sports at Monster Energy, said: “Mountain bike has always been part of Monster Energy’s DNA. The riders, the culture, and the fans share the same spirit that drives everything we do, pushing limits, taking risks, and elevating what’s possible. Partnering with the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series gives us an incredible platform to support the sport at every level. Fans can expect an elevated presence from Monster Energy throughout the 2026 season, with dynamic on-site activations that celebrate the athletes and bring the passion of the sport directly to fans around the world.”In 2025, WBD Sports drove the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series to new records across broadcast, digital and social platforms, and on-site fan attendance. Building on these strong foundations, the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series aims to deliver another record-breaking season across all four formats.The 2026 season kicks off on May 1 with the Race of South Korea – marking the return of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to the Asian continent for the first time in 25 years.

Today, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) Sports, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and the French region of Haute-Savoie are pleased to confirm the two venues that will host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series rounds from August 14 to 23.The first weekend of action in Haute-Savoie will see the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series return to Morillon on August 14-16 after the venue’s successful debut in 2025. The Grand Massif commune hosted the UCI Enduro World Cup season finale last year and will conclude the six-round series once more, with overall placings on the line at the Enduro Bike Park.Just five days after the dust has settled in Morillon, it will be the turn of Les Gets, which is hosting the final European rounds of the UCI Cross-country Olympic, Cross-country Short Track and Downhill World Cups between August 21-23.A staple of the UCI World Cup circuit since the 90s, when Nicolas Vouilloz, Steve Peat and Anne-Caroline Chausson dominated the Downhill course, Les Gets has been an annual fixture for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ Endurance and Gravity athletes since 2019. Last year, Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) and Max Alran (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) gave the partisan French crowd something to cheer about in both formats, and the passionate local fan base will be hoping for more red, white and blue victories in 2026.The two back-to-back weekends of off-road riding will see the world of mountain bike converge on Haute-Savoie, with live music, entertainment, an expo, and fan activations at the event villages throughout. Last year’s event attracted more than 100,000 fans across the four formats, and big crowds are expected once again.Located in the heart of the French Alps and serving as a gateway between France, Switzerland and Italy, the Haute-Savoie region is a major partner for these two rounds of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Deeply committed to mountain bike and to sport more broadly, Haute-Savoie has consistently championed sport as a driver of regional vitality and as a way to showcase its remarkable natural assets on the global stage.The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series double-header in Haute-Savoie also provides a great preview of what the region has in store for when it hosts the 2027 UCI Cycling World Championships. First held in Glasgow in 2023, the event brings together multiple UCI World Championships across cycling’s different disciplines in a two-week celebration of bike-based brilliance.

The start of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series might still be five months away, but there’s plenty of action for fans to sink their teeth into during the off-season transfer window.Although the number of moves has been a bit less than last year – where rider’s UCI points could help determine a team’s WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team status – there has still been plenty to digest and analyse, with new announcements coming almost every day.Here are the transfer headlines ahead of the 2026 series.DOWNHILLThe most anticipated transfer of the 2025-26 off-season has been the destination of Vali Höll. After YT Mob disbanded at the end of the 2025 season following YT Industries’ insolvency, the reigning overall series champion found herself without a team. However, after months of speculation, it was finally confirmed that she will join the French-based Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres squad for 2026.In the same context, her compatriot Andreas Kolb has secured a new home as well, joining 2025 men’s Elite overall winner Jackson Goldstone at Santa Cruz Syndicate, with Brit Laurie Greenland appearing to make way for the Austrian pinner; Oisin O’Callaghan move to Trek Unbroken DH and enduro-turned-downhill rider Kasper Woolley head to MS-Racing.Another team making moves during the off-season are Mondraker Factory Racing DH. The Spanish factory team resigned Ryan Pinkerton on a three-year deal, while Oli Clark has been rewarded with a move from MS-Racing after a solid season in the Junior ranks, which included a UCI World Cup win at Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria).Clark will be filling Dakotah Norton’s shoes with the American joining season-long wildcard team Scott Downhill Factory for 2026 and looking to revive the Swiss manufacturer’s fortunes on the world stage. New Zealander Jess Blewitt has also made the switch from Cube Factory Racing.Finally, one of the biggest transfers is Aaron Gwin’s move to Frameworks Racing / TRP. The icon and five-time overall champion has led his own Gwin Racing team for the last two years but moves to the US-based team alongside Anna Newkirk and Asa Vermette, where it is hoped he will contribute competitive results while also acting as a mentor for the rest of the young team.ENDUROImpact of the YT Mob closure wasn’t limited to Downhill, with Jack Moir and Christian Textor both competing for the outfit in the UCI Enduro World Cup. While Textor had announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season, Australian Moir has only just announced his own – calling time on a successful career that spanned both Downhill and Enduro.They aren’t the only two riders who won’t be present in the new series with 2026’s second-place finisher Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV) also partially stepping back from racing – the Canadian announcing that he won’t be at every round of the new season.CROSS-COUNTRYThe biggest headline of the Cross-country off-season has been the news from Samara Maxwell. The 2025 UCI XCO World Cup overall champion announced a contract extension with Decathlon Ford Racing until 2028 before confirming that she will take a season-long sabbatical in 2026 instead of defending her title.The other main story is the closure of Ghost Factory Racing after 15 years in the sport. The German team was the home of Anne Terpstra, Nicole Koller and Caroline Bohé, but all can be expected to be snapped up by other teams with announcements forthcoming.Elsewhere, Nina Graf has moved from Lapierre Unity Racing to Trek - Unbroken XC after some impressive top 10 performances in 2025, while Madigan Munro and Gunner Holmgren will leave the American factory team. Tyler Orschel has joined KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team – the Canadian privateer joining Bart Brentjens’ team after almost stepping away from the sport at the end of the 2025 series.Looking to the Under-23 ranks, Men U23 UCI XCO and Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup champion Finn Treudler has had his contract extended with Cube Factory Racing to 2028 as he makes the step up to the Elites.