Have you ever watched a World Cup MTB race in person?

Experiencing a World Cup mountain bike race in person is a totally different experience than watching it online.

By Jeff Barber
September 7, 2025

8 comments

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A mountain biker navigates a rocky downhill trail during a race, surrounded by cheering spectators in a lush, green forest. The biker wears a helmet and protective gear, with a distinct jersey, as they maneuver through the challenging terrain. In the background, fans of varying ages watch intently, some recording the action with their phones.

The Mountain Bike World Championships just took place in Switzerland this weekend, with thousands of spectators cheering on the top riders from around the world. With a race calendar that stretches from April to October and more than a dozen stops around the world, fans have the opportunity to see their favorite athletes live and in person.

If you’ve seen at least one race in person, tell us if you would go back to watch another one — and why — in the comments section below. 👇

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8 Comments

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IdahoSJ Idaho // 2018
Sep 7, 2025

We were able to attend the 2001 UCI World Championships in Vail. It was both spectacular and somber. The races were held a couple days after 9-11. All the big stars of the time were there but the crowds weren’t. We had the opportunity for a front row seat at whatever section of the downhill we decided to watch at. We moved around a lot to see different aspects of the course. Rock garden, open section through a meadow and the insane drop to the finish line. The athletic ability of those riders was mind boggling but the crowd enthusiasm was somewhat subdued as you can imagine.
Would I go again? Probably not. I will just remember this as a special event that was shared by a small crowd.

1 reply

rooharris California // 2022
Sep 8, 2025

Having never seen a MTB race back in 1991 I decided to enter the Park City Motherlode Off Road Cycling Festival. I competed in the Hill Climb, Cross Country and Scots Trial. At this time, it was coupled with the NORBA Grundig World Cup races. Ned Overend John Tomac and other notables were present. I won all my Master Class races for my age group. It was a fun experience.

I never did another race after that. It was too chaotic with too many frenzied folks milling about. I got to learn a lot about mountain biking to become very proficient at it over the years. Still riding analogue at 78!

0 reply

TurnerBikes California // 2023
Sep 9, 2025

I am so amazed looking back at photos and digging up memories.. I have been blessed with seeing 6 World Championships and at least that many World Cups.. It's so freakin' cool !! As the Better Ride post sums it up so well, "Watching the best at any craft is mind blowing! Add to that the crowds, the excitement and the drama" But to reiterate, to watch the best of anything is mind blowing and humbling. After seeing these athletes ride full gas, all of them.. it's sometimes hard to call myself a 'mountain biker'.

JALmtb29 Connecticut // 2017
Sep 11, 2025

I attended the races at Snowshoe in 2021. XC short track , DH and XC. The best part for me was how much access there was to the riders. All weekend you might bump into a few just walking around the village. Autograph sessions after the races. I actually talked to Minnaar in the pits after he missed the final with shoulder injury. Real nice guy. Too bad non of his talent rubbed off on me. I was one of many that got a high five from Bruni after his win by .25 secs! I would definitely go back. I also got a selfie with Emily Batty. Gorgeous!!

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Sep 9, 2025

I have never been to a world cup. I am interested in going to a world cup after watching the pros at Iceman. The crowds and excitement was really cool.

BetterRide Team Utah // 2019
Sep 7, 2025

I raced in one World Cup and I've coached at quite a few. Why would I want to see another? Because it's the pinnacle of our sport! Watching the best at any craft is mind blowing! Add to that the crowds, the excitement and the drama and it's a rather enjoyable weekend. Oh, and the fact that you can get so close to the action and actually meet your favorite riders. I realize probably 85% of mountain bikers have never raced and racing as nothing to do with why they ride but, it fun, exciting and inspiring!

PAriderUSAshreder Pennsylvania // 2025
Sep 11, 2025

Watched Aaron Gwin win in Wyndham NY. And traveled to Snowshoe WV to catch three of the four world cups there. Mountain bike fans and the atmosphere they create is like no other sport.

Vicky robertson New Zealand // 2016
Sep 7, 2025

We volunteered for a World Cup race in 2023 leogang was such an experience (we are from nz)

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