UCI Confirms 2025 MTB World Series Changes

I love that WB and the UCI seem to think that the sport is so rich that it can afford to support all these new events and the level of professionalism it expects at the new World Cup series.  Hopefully the increased exposure they’re bringing (lol) will bring in a host of new outside sponsors with deep pockets.

There won’t be any new events @Speeder, the continental series will be piggybacking on existing national races at least for the foreseeable future.

I had assumed it was going to be the IXS did Europe and the monster series* for NA.

That was my assumption too. I have no idea if there is something similar in South America, Asia or Australasia.

In someways by restricting access to WCDH it might increase interest and therefore sponsor value if more riders are racing in these series rather than jumping up to WC. Would you be better getting a top 10 at an IXS event than never making the broadcast part of a WC race. Would that offer sponsors more exposure?

That’s an interesting one, I asked similar to @benpinnick over on a PB comment section and his answer was that he’d rather see his rider battle for higher spots in UK races, than not qualifying at at higher race.

Whether he’s unique in that, I don’t know, but it certainly gave me some thoughts to ponder over myself.

It’s an incredibly hard thing to know when it comes to sponsors as to how to keep them happy and it can be a minefield with conflicts of interest and discussions. I only hope we’re doing it right.

Obviously this is only National level stuff not worlds, but a basis on a theme for sure.

Well it certainly won’t bring any more exposure to iXS if they’re no longer a continental race series sponsor for 2025…

Sad fact of the day: there are no North and South American cycling federations, only a Pan American one. Somebody is going to have their work cut out for them organising that continental series.

For sure “Continental Series” sound good and almost plausible until you realise that for most, the travel costs involved won’t be dissimilar to an existing World Cup. They’ve just made everything next level expensive, for everyone.

For sure “Continental Series” sound good and almost plausible until you realise that for most, the travel costs involved won’t be dissimilar to an existing World Cup

The costs for UK racers racing over to EU races is honestly horrible. You’re looking at £300 in train/ferry costs, then £300-400 to get to the location and back home. Add in even the cheapest accomodation for 3-4 nights and you’re up at £1200 for the weekend racing. At best you could arguably do it for £900 if you camp and eat cheaply out of the van. But it’s still a lot of cash. Add in £125 for race entry for an IXS and you’re over a grand for the weekend.

None of that of course includes anything else like tyres, pads, chains, spares etc etc.. Just the direct costs.

One day on the thread for my lad i may put on a total in terms of yearly costings…. but i’m not sure i want to scare myself that much 😀

Looked at the IXS calendar for next year, lots of the races are doubled up on consecutive weekends and adjacent countries. So doing 2 races isnt double the cost.

Still a huge amount, I clearly dont have the “racer” mindset as I could have a much better time on my bike with that amount of money and time invested.

Looked at the IXS calendar for next year, lots of the races are doubled up on consecutive weekends and adjacent countries. So doing 2 races isnt double the cost.

Certainly an option for us yes, but then you’ve still got 5 extra days you need to either camp for or Airbnb etc.

Where you seeing 2025 dates ? I can only find Willingen

@ayjaydoubleyou

Got a link for that calendar? I was under the impression that they’re only organising a smattering of German C2 races next year.

Beaten to it by Weeksy’s edit

Preview of La Thuile track for next year:

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-first-tracks-on-the-fresh-la-thuile-downhill-world-cup-course.html

Apparently steeper than it looks, and hopefully not as bike-parky either.

Knowing the Aosta Valley a bit, I reckon they can pull something good off.

Ah… my mistake, googled 2025 dates, clicked the link, didnt realise I was looking at this years <facepalm emoji>

UCI website has

https://www.uci.org/calendar/mtb/1voMyukVGR4iZMhMlDfRv0?discipline=MTB&searchTerm=IXS&raceCategory=ME&raceType=DHI

Three dates, Willingen in May, Ilmenau in Auguest, and un-named Swiss venue in OCtober.

None on consecutive weekends (not even consecutive months!) so ignore my previous comments…

No worries, thanks for trying buddy