Sion, Monday, 15 September 2025 – From 30 August to 14 September, Valais pulsed to the rhythm of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. Across eight iconic destinations, the event brought together eight major mountain bike disciplines for the very first time, crowning 27 World Champions in the Elite, U23, and Junior categories. In total, 1,228 athletes from 60 nations delivered a world-class sporting spectacle, setting a historic record for participation. With remarkable sporting achievements, an enthusiastic public, and strong media resonance, these World Championships mark a milestone for mountain biking in Valais.
Spectacular Performances and Powerful Emotions
On the sporting front, this unprecedented gathering of all mountain bike disciplines in one region proved a resounding success. The races exceeded expectations: dominant performances, photo-finish victories, dramatic comebacks, and unexpected twists defined two unforgettable weeks of competition. France led the medal standings with 19 podiums, including 9 World Titles. Switzerland also shone, securing 14 medals across 6 of the 8 disciplines, with two golds from Alessandra Keller (Short Track) and Finn Treudler (U23 Olympic Cross-country).
“Our strong results across all age categories are closely tied to the continuity of our development program. The national team will continue to deliver great satisfaction beyond these World Championships,” said Patrick Müller, Sporting Director of Swiss Cycling.
But the impact went far beyond the numbers. The event was filled with emotion, from the heartfelt farewells of Swiss stars Nino Schurter, Camille Balanche, and Linda Indergand to the intensity felt at every finish line and every podium. For athletes, competing at the World Championships remains an unforgettable milestone in their careers.
Extraordinary Participation and a Lasting Legacy for Valais
In total, more than 110,000 people – spectators, athletes, staff, and volunteers – took part in the World Championships, underscoring both the scale and the appeal of the event. A festive and inclusive atmosphere, fueled by public enthusiasm, diverse activities, and lively fan zones, allowed everyone to immerse themselves in the spectacle and experience Valais 2025 to the fullest.
Youth engagement was also a highlight: over 3,000 local students discovered the world of cycling through activities organized by Valais Cycling. At the same time, more than 2,100 cyclists rode to the competition venues as part of the Ride to the Champs events in Sion, Champéry, and Crans-Montana. Collectively, these rides covered more than 35,000 km, promoting sustainable mobility while strengthening the sense of community around cycling.
Steve Morabito, President of Valais 2025, emphasized the scale and spirit of the event: "From the very beginning, our goal was to leave a lasting legacy for Valais, and these World Championships have fully delivered. The incredible energy and commitment of our volunteers, the passion of the spectators who came in large numbers, and the dedication of the athletes on the sporting stage made these two weeks truly exceptional."
A Collective Success and a Promising Future
The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the more than 2,800 volunteers, along with the many sponsors and partners, whose commitment made the success of these World Championships possible. This edition marked a major milestone in the development of mountain biking in Switzerland, and particularly in Valais, reinforcing the region’s central role as a host of major international competitions. The passion of the spectators, the unique atmosphere across the race sites, and the extensive media coverage provided an exceptional showcase for the canton.
Yet the event went far beyond sporting performances. By uniting all stakeholders around Valais’ cycling and MTB strategy, it sparked a momentum that is set to last, generating lasting value for the entire region well beyond the host destinations.
Damian Constantin, Director of Valais/Wallis Promotion, reflected: "I had the privilege of experiencing these World Championships from within, attending the races, and sharing the emotions up close with the athletes, volunteers, and the public. Seeing Valais come alive to the rhythm of mountain biking will remain a powerful memory. The incredible enthusiasm of the spectators and the international reach of the event show the strength of such a gathering. But what moved me the most was witnessing a true sense of cohesion emerging among all the entities involved, united around a shared vision for the future of MTB in Valais."
Looking ahead, Switzerland is preparing a potential bid for the 2035 Cycling World Championships, which will bring together all cycling disciplines. Carried jointly by the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Valais, this bid could see new competitions return to the Valais 2025 sites. The past two weeks have clearly shown that the region possesses both the expertise and the passion needed to meet this challenge.
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