Lanthier Nadeau Announces Retirement

After a record-breaking 2025 season of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the UCI Enduro World Cup returns in May, with updated regulations, rankings and qualification pathways as the world’s top riders line up on a new calendar in pursuit of overall honours.The season opens with two one-day races in Loudenvielle–Peyragudes (France) and Saalfelden Leogang–Salzburgerland (Austria), before moving into a sequence of two-day events beginning in Val di Fassa–Trentino (Italy). Following this, riders will head to La Thuile–Valle d’Aosta (Italy), which marks the halfway point of the season and features the return of the night stage, before two-day racing resumes in Aletsch Arena–Bellwald, Valais (Switzerland) and Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France).After dominating last season, overall winners, Slawomir Łukasik (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) and Ella Conolly, will be back between the race tapes, aiming to defend their titles. Both claimed their first UCI Enduro World Cup wins and proved they had developed a taste for it, each finishing the year with three race victories in addition to the overall title. Replicating that success will not come easily, however, with a deep and competitive field ready to challenge, including Alex Rudeau, Lief Rodgers, Elly Hoskin and Simona Kuchynková (Cube Action Team), all of whom established themselves as genuine contenders over the course of last season.Fans can follow the action throughout the year with comprehensive coverage at every round, including detailed course previews featuring the route and its key sections; practice day and race day video highlights on the official YouTube channel, key race moments on social media, live timings on the official WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series website and a highlights programme broadcast on TNT Sports and Eurosport a week after the event. This season, former Enduro rider and Enduro World Series (EWS) Under 21 Champion Elliott Heap joins the team as a presenter for all video content, bringing valuable first-hand race experience and in-depth insight and analysis.Amateur riders will once again get their chance to test themselves on the same trails - and now on the same days - as the sport’s elite through the Enduro Open. In Loudenvielle–Peyragudes, Saalfelden Leogang–Salzburgerland, Val di Fassa–Trentino, Aletsch Arena–Bellwald, Valais, and Morillon, Haute-Savoie, participants will drop in just hours before the professionals and then wait at the finish line to compare their times directly with them on the same terrain under the same conditions. New age categories, as well as a pairs category, have also been introduced to create more competitive and rewarding racing by grouping riders into narrower bands. Registrations for all rounds are now open.NEW FOR 2026The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports have introduced updates to the regulations, rankings and qualification pathways for the UCI Enduro World Cup. These changes aim to align Enduro with the Downhill and Cross-country formats, ensuring consistent regulations within the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series while expanding opportunities for riders to compete at UCI World Cup level. From 2026, Enduro riders will earn UCI Ranking points instead of Global Ranking points, aligning the format with the wider cycling ecosystem. UCI ranking points will be awarded at all Enduro races on the UCI International Calendar.The introduction of the UCI Enduro ranking system creates a second pathway into the UCI Enduro World Cup, with the top 50 men and top 50 women in the rankings at the time of entry earning automatic qualification.The Global Ranking list used for 2025 qualification has been frozen, with the top 300 men and top 75 women (as of 31/12/2025) securing automatic qualification for the full 2026 UCI Enduro World Cup season.Other ways to qualify for the UCI Enduro World Cup include:Any rider registered with a WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team or UCI Mountain Bike TeamCurrent UCI World Champions, Continental Champions and National ChampionsThe Top 50 Men and Top 50 Women in the UCI EDR Individual RankingEach National Federation also receives additional quota places to use at their discretion – three per Elite category and four per Junior category - allowing them greater flexibility to select and enter riders alongside those who qualify through standard allocation criteria.More information on the full UCI Regulations can be found here.The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season kicks off on 1 May in MONA YongPyong, (South Korea) with cross-country and downhill action. The UCI Enduro World Cup and Enduro Open begin in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France) on 28 May.

Every year, Earth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the future of our planet, on global sustainability and on the actions that individuals and organisations can take to protect the environments in which we live and work.Today, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports is pleased to share an update on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, an initiative that has been steadily developed since WBD Sports Europe was appointed global promoter of all major UCI Mountain Bike World Cups in 2023.Last season was marked by a host of key milestones, including WBD Sports’ commitment to the UCI Climate Action Charter and the official launch of the Women in Mountain Bike program. In 2026, these efforts will ramp up even further with a concrete roadmap designed to align all championship stakeholders around a shared ambition: to leave no trace, but to leave a legacy.A FRAMEWORK FOR A LASTING LEGACYLeave No Trace, Leave a Legacy sits at the heart of the CSR roadmap, developed to encompass the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ initiatives at every level.Recognising that mountain biking is part of the future of the mountain regions and therefore shares a responsibility for their protection, the program aims to safeguard outdoor ecosystems, strengthen local communities and create a positive, long-lasting legacy.The roadmap focuses on trail stewardship, prioritising the protection, maintenance and regeneration of the trails and ecosystems that host the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, while recognising the vital role outdoor communities play in the social and economic life of mountain regions.Beyond on‑site actions, it also seeks to embed sustainability into the wider culture of elite mountain biking, leveraging the influence of athletes to drive and inspire meaningful change that reaches well beyond the series.LAUNCH OF THE LEGACY AWARDOne concrete action launching this year is set to become a key barometer for stakeholder engagement: the first edition of the Legacy Award. Designed to recognise impactful initiatives, share best practices, encourage innovation and leadership and inspire the wider ecosystem, this award will play a central role in bringing the CSR roadmap to life.Riders, teams and local organising committees will be invited throughout the season to submit evidence of their own CSR initiatives in order to be considered for the Legacy Award. All submissions will be reviewed by a jury -to be announced- which will assess each entry and select the winner.The Legacy Award recipient will be presented and celebrated at the end of the season as part of the new WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Awards Ceremony, taking place in Lake Placid on 4 October. More information will be shared in due course.A COLLABORATIVE APPROACHTo drive the day‑to‑day work across all CSR‑related areas, a dedicated CSR Committee has already been established. Its role is to reinforce the importance of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ CSR roadmap at all levels and actively involve all stakeholders in this journey.Led by Anja Rodenbroker, Women in Mountain Bike Ambassador for WBD Sports, and Gautier De Stoppani, CSR Strategy Project Leader at WBD Sports Europe, the CSR Committee brings together representatives from all Local Organising Committees, along with one representative per format (Endurance and Gravity). It serves as the main forum to discuss, coordinate and amplify CSR initiatives developed across the series.In support of the ambitious goals set out in the CSR roadmap, the newly created Committee will also collaborate on the development and rollout of a new tool, TrailGuard. Designed to structure, centralise and automate the collection of CSR-related information, this new platform aims to make evaluation processes and reporting more efficient and consistent across the series.

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 CALENDAR28–31 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 CATEGORIESFor 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 ENTRIESEntries 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 boardTraining day accessAccess to feed stations and water pointsUplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicableTiming equipmentAccess to professional technical supportWelcome goodie bagFree Bike Park Day with lift access on Sunday 31 May to ride the parkMake 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 MayExplore the event village with activities for all agesKids’ races, Monster FMX shows and live musicFood 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, 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 boardTraining day accessAccess to feed stations and water pointsUplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicableTiming equipmentAccess 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 JuneWatch the UCI Downhill World Cup Finals on Saturday 13 JuneWatch the UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup on Sunday 14 JuneExplore 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 boardTraining day accessAccess to feed stations and water pointsUplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicableTiming equipmentAccess to professional technical supportClick 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.17-19 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 boardTraining day accessAccess to feed stations and water pointsUplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicableTiming equipmentAccess to professional technical supportClick 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.14-16 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 boardTraining day accessAccess to feed stations and water pointsUplift / shuttle / gondola access where applicableTiming equipmentAccess to professional technical supportClick 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.