After the latest update to the UCI mountain bike rulebook saw the adjustment to just three riders on the podium across all World Cup disciplines, a large group of top XC talent gathered to protest the change by calling for a return to five-rider elite podiums at the opening round of the 2025 Mountain Bike World Series this weekend in Brazil.
The original statement addressed to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has received support from a roster of some of the fastest DH athletes. Loic Bruni, Vali Höll, Myriam Nicole and Amaury Pierron are among those supporting calls to reverse the podium rule change.
The statement now signed by more than 120 XC racers, 10 Endurance World Series teams and 61 downhill racers says the decision to change the number of riders on the elite podiums was taken “despite strong resistance from the athletes who are the very heart of this sport”.
Full statement addressed to WBD
In response to the recent statement from the XCO Riders, we stand by this statement: For over 30 years, the Mountain Bike World Cup podium has consisted of five riders. A unique podium for mountain biking, it has given countless riders and teams greater visibility and opportunity. It has been a game-changer for many athletes and has given rise 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, it has given riders more opportunities to shine in the spotlight, and it has added value to the riders, teams and all the sponsors and brands behind us who are the backbone of professional mountain bike racing. Warner Brothers Discovery has only one reason for reducing the podium to three riders, conformity. To conform to the norm, to other sports. A decision that was made in the face of strong resistance from the athletes who are the very heart of this sport. We have been ignored and left voiceless as the future of our sport changes. As our fans know, mountain biking has never been about conformity, we have been blazing our own trail since the beginning of World Cup racing in the 90s and we want to keep our unique character. The vast majority of teams and riders feel completely unheard on this subject. This is our sport and we will not let conformity take away its character! We are demanding a 5-rider podium in 2025!
Following the initial reporting on the cyclists' protests, here is the joint statement from the UCI and the WBD:
After extensive consultation with all stakeholders involved in mountain biking, including members of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission, in which rider representatives are actively involved, the UCI and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports have introduced a change to the podium protocol for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. From 1 January 2025, podium recognition is now limited to the top three riders, aligning this protocol with the UCI World Championships, other UCI Mountain Bike World Cup formats, the Olympics and other cycling disciplines. This decision was part of a series of amendments aimed at improving the structure of the sport and was publicly announced on 17 October 2024, after being approved by the UCI Management Committee.
These changes have been developed through a thorough and transparent process, reflecting our commitment to aligning mountain biking with broader sporting standards and improving the presentation of the sport. The updated podium protocol is a key part of our long-term strategy for the sport and is intended to remain consistent going forward.
Now we are looking forward to a fantastic opening weekend in Araxá and a brilliant season ahead!
