Zurich, May 22, 2025. In 100 days, the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships will kick off, and Valais aims to mark this important milestone as the Matterhorn is adorned with the UCI colours, symbolizing the commitment of the entire region. This striking visual was revealed during the “Cycle Week” bike festival in Zurich at the Valais/Wallis Promotion booth, reflecting the growing excitement for this flagship event, set to take place from August 30 to September 14, 2025. At the same time, it gave organizers the opportunity to share the latest updates on preparations and additional projects.
With over 1,500 athletes and accompanying persons, 150,000 spectators expected over two weeks, and three live TV broadcasts, the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships promise a unique spectacle. The 2018 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships held in Switzerland attracted the attention of nearly 6 million viewers worldwide, either live or via delayed broadcasts, with 555,000 of them in Switzerland alone. "Valais is ready. Operations in each of the eight host destinations are well advanced, the recruitment of volunteers is progressing well, and ticket sales have successfully started," said Steve Morabito, President of Valais 2025. "We will host a celebration of cycling and top-level competitions, but above all, we will leave a strong and lasting legacy for the youth, the region, and mountain biking in Valais."
The Matterhorn in UCI colours
To mark this important milestone, Valais 2025 brought the UCI’s iconic rainbow stripes to the Matterhorn. This symbolic gesture represents the unifying spirit of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Julien Hess, Director of Valais 2025, explains: "The Matterhorn is an iconic symbol of Valais, recognized worldwide. Adorning it with the UCI colours is a powerful statement that underscores the significance of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, helping to make the event – and Valais itself – shine far beyond trails and borders."
A legacy for the future
In addition to hosting the eight UCI World Championships, Valais 2025 aims to leave a lasting impact from this event. Alongside the sports preparations, the organizers, in collaboration with Valais Cycling, the Valais cycling federation, have focused their projects on three legacy pillars: youth, sports development, and the promotion of women in cycling. The initial results are very promising, and efforts are already planned to continue beyond 2025. Tabea Ulmer, Head of Training, Mass Sports, and Development at Swiss Cycling, concurs: "Swiss Cycling looks forward to continuing the collaboration with Valais. The canton is a driving force and plays a key role in the future of mountain biking in our country. The Valais/Wallis training center, established in 2023, provides an optimal development framework for young talents in the region."
A technological and territorial showcase
Valais/Wallis Promotion took the opportunity to present its upcoming digital project: the “Valais Bike Guide”. The promotional body aims to reinvent its communication through a digital assistant that will provide information on available bike routes in the canton. This effort to improve communication around the bike offer is part of the ongoing "Bike Strategy Valais/Wallis", approved by the cantonal government in 2017. Roger Brunner, Head of Corporate Communication at Valais/Wallis Promotion, explains: "This pilot project demonstrates the canton’s commitment to digital innovation and the intelligent enhancement of its territory. By facilitating access to bike-related information, it also supports Valais's ambition to position itself as a leading bike destination in the context of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships."
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Practical information 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais.
Opening of accreditations for medias: 17 June 2025
Dates of the event: 30 August to 14 September 2025
Competition calendar
Competition venues:
- Sion: Opening Ceremony, Castle Ride and Ride to the Champs
- Crans-Montana: Cross-Country Olympic and Cross-Country Team Relay (XCO and XCR)
- Zermatt: Cross-Country Short Track (XCC)
- Verbier-Val d'Anniviers: Cross-Country Marathon (XCM)
- Champéry: Downhill (DHI)
- Aletsch Arena/Bellwald: Enduro (EDR), E-Enduro (E-EDR) and E-Mountain bike Cross-Country (E-XC)
- Monthey: Pumptrack (PUM)
