Riders Unite Against World Series Podium Place Reductions

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by Hannah Dobson April 3, 2025 21

Prominent XCO and Downhill riders have issued a statement to Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), the current organisers of the Mountain Bike World Series, asking for the reinstatement of the five rider podium. As originally indicated in the leaked document detailing reforms for this year, new rules have been implemented which will see podiums reduced from five to three riders. This is in line with practice in other sports, where three-person podiums are the norm.

The XC riders went first, with the Downhill riders following suit and reiterating what had already been said. In total, more than 60 riders have signed up to the statements.

This appeal to the organisers comes just before the first XCO World Series race of the season, in Brazil. We’ve asked WBD for comment and will update if we hear back. It could make for interesting viewing at the podium ceremony this weekend…

Update: here’s the statement from WBD:

Following extensive consultation with all stakeholders involved in mountain biking, including members of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission — where rider representatives are actively involved — the UCI and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports have introduced a modification to the podium protocol for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Effective from 1 January 2025, podium recognition is now limited to the top three riders, aligning this protocol with the UCI World Championships, other mountain bike UCI World Cup formats, the Olympics and other cycling disciplines. This decision was part of a series of amendments aimed at enhancing the sport’s structure and was publicly announced on 17 October 2024, after being approved by the UCI Management Committee.

These changes were developed through a thorough and transparent process, reflecting our commitment to aligning mountain biking with broader sporting standards and improving the sport’s presentation. The updated podium protocol is a key part of our long-term strategy for the sport and is intended to remain consistent going forward.

We now look forward to a great opening weekend in Araxá and a brilliant season ahead!

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A Statement to the UCl and Warner Brothers Discovery from the UCI XCO Mountain Bike Athletes:

For more than 30 years, the podium at the mountain bike World Cup has been five riders. A podium unique to mountain bike, it has provided countless riders and teams with more exposure and opportunities. It’s been the breakthrough for many athletes and given life to smaller teams. Chasing a podium in our sport at the highest level has always meant a Top 5. It has added value and depth to the sport, given riders more chance to shine in the spotlight and added value to riders, teams and all of the sponsors and brands behind us who are the backbone of professional mountain bike racing.

Warner Brothers Discovery have only one reason for reducing the podium to three riders, conformity. To conform to the norm, to the other sports. A decision that has been made despite strong pushback from the athletes who are the very heart of the sport. We have been ignored and are left without a voice as the future of our sport changes.

As our fans know, mountain biking has never been about conformity, we have carved our own path since the inception of World Cup racing in the 1990’s and we want to keep our unique character. The vast majority of teams and riders feel completely unheard on this topic.

This is our sport and we won’t let conformity strip away its character! We demand the 5 rider podium in 2025!

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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