Opening Weekend in Sion

Sion, June 11, 2025. From August 30 to September 14, 2025, the canton of Valais will host a world- class sporting event: the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. For the first time in mountain biking history, all eight disciplines will be brought together in a single event.

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Sion, at the heart of the celebration for the UCI World Championships kick-off
The City of Sion will have the honor of launching the World Championships during the opening weekend, on August 30 and 31, 2025. Driven by an ambitious local organization, this inaugural event promises to be a major moment, combining sport, culture, and community spirit.

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CASTLE RIDE BCVs – A one-of-a-kind urban downhill race blending speed and style
On Saturday, August 30, Sion will host an extraordinary show combining timed downhill and aerial freestyle. Fifteen teams of two athletes each will take on a spectacular course connecting the Tourbillon Castle to the bustling alleys of the old town. The route was designed in collaboration with world- renowned riders Tomas Slavik (CZE) and Thomas Genon (BEL). The Castle Ride BCVS is set to be the highlight of the weekend, offering adrenaline-filled action while showcasing Sion’s unique medieval heritage. With the participating athletes followed by millions on social media, the event will provide international exposure for both the city of Sion and the canton of Valais.

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“We are proud and honored to host the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. This opening weekend will be a milestone for Sion and a unique opportunity to highlight our heritage— those special places that give our city its soul and beauty. With its spectacular course, the Castle Ride BCVS will captivate both the local crowd and viewers from around the world.”

— Philippe Varone, President of the City of Sion

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WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT – The longest ever bicycle single line
Another highlight of the opening weekend will be an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest single-line of cyclists.

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“This world record attempt is much more than a sporting challenge — it’s a celebration of our cantonal unity. By gathering more than 2,000 cyclists from across the canton, we’re creating a unique moment of sharing and solidarity. This will leave a lasting impression, offering young people and cycling enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.”
— Steve Morabito, President of Valais Wallis Cycling

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Before the official attempt, participants will have the opportunity to cycle to Sion from various starting points in the canton. Along the “Ride to the Champs” route, festive and cultural activities will energize the journey.

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A GRAND OPENING SHOW – Accompanied by a bold cultural program
Throughout the weekend, the Place du Midi will come alive with a spectacular opening show designed and produced by Le Spot de Sion, the city’s leading cultural and creative center. This original performance blending circus arts, dance, and the cycling world will be presented four times during the weekend to ensure broad public access.
In parallel, the CulturIn association will offer a rich and unifying cultural program. The highlight: an exclusive concert by KT Gorique, a committed artist from Valais, who will deliver a powerful performance alongside special guests, combining rap, energy, and engagement.
An artistic competition will bring together local talents, and a monumental live mural will be created over the weekend, transforming the urban space into a living gallery.

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EXPO VILLAGE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Throughout the weekend, the city of Sion will host an expo village and public entertainment area open to everyone. Younger participants will have the chance to safely try out cycling, with beginner sessions led by Cyclophile Sédunois and Valais Wallis Cycling, offering fun and age-appropriate introductions to biking.

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PROGRAM

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2025
09:00 – 21:00 Sponsor village, entertainment & F&B
10:00 – 11:45 Castle Ride BCVS – Test session
10:00 – 11:00 Explorer MTB initiation with Cyclophile Sédunois
10:00 – 11:30 Discover Sion MTB initiation
11:30 – 12:00 Opening Show – Performance 1
13:30 – 14:30 Urban Ride initiation
14:00 – 16:00 Castle Ride BCVS – Qualification session
15:00 – 16:00 Urban Ride initiation
17:00 – 19:00 Castle Ride BCVS – Final
19:00 – 19:30 Castle Ride BCVS Awards & Official Valais 2025 Kick-off
19:30 – 20:00 Opening Show – Performance 2
21:00 – 23:15 Opening Concert – KT Gorique & Guests

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025
09:00 – 19:00 Sponsor village, entertainment & F&B
08:00 – 12:00 Ride to the Champs Sion
10:00 – 10:30 Opening Show – Performance 3
10:30 – 11:30 Explorer MTB initiation
10:30 – 12:00 Discover Sion MTB initiation
12:00 – 14:00 Official world record attempt – longest bicycle conga line
14:30 – 15:00 Official Valais 2025 Kick-off
15:00 – 16:00 Slopestyle show on the Castle Ride course
16:00 – 16:30 Opening Show – Performance 4

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MEDIA FOLDERS

Photos here

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PRESS CONTACTS

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2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais
media@valais2025.ch
+41 79 304 06 11

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R&D Cycling

Grégory Saudan, CEO

greg@rd-cycling.com

+41 79 349 37 43