UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: TOM PIDCOCK AND PAULINE FERRAND-PRÉVOT AIMING FOR A GOLDEN DOUBLE, WHILE LOÏC BRUNI AND VALI HÖLL AMONGST DOWNHILL FAVOURITES

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.