Skip to content
All about sports. — Sports — How to

XC World Cup kick-off in Brazil – Watching details, schedules, and contenders listed below

The 2025 cross-country cycling season is in full swing, leading to the commencement of the UCI MTB World Series 2025. The opening round takes place in Araxá, Brazil from 3rd to 6th April, with the venue hosting consecutive rounds on 10-12 April. This article will cover the essentials -...

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Mountaineering bicycle racing season has commenced in 2025, leading up to the initiation of the UCI...
Mountaineering bicycle racing season has commenced in 2025, leading up to the initiation of the UCI MTB World Series 2025. The first event takes place in Araxá, Brazil from April 3-6, with a second round following immediately, scheduled for April 10-12. This write-up will provide insight into the location, dates, participants, and methods of the races, named the "Three Ws and an H". The major competition this weekend is the UCI MTB World Series cross-country opener. Some top XC racers have lodged a protest with organizers Warner Brothers Discovery over their decision to reduce the podium size from 5 to 3.

XC World Cup kick-off in Brazil – Watching details, schedules, and contenders listed below

Us mountain bikin' fanatics, unite! The initial leg of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is prised open this weekend in Araxá, Brazil. Buckle up and read the lowdown on what to expect as we cover the wheres, whens, whos, and hows. Spoiler alert: some top XC racers have lodged a protest against the reduction of podium size from 5 to 3, so keep your eyes peeled for updates from Rebecca on that.

Curious about the weatherscape in Araxá, Brazil? You might be assuming there won't be much rain for the riders, seeing as it's in April and all. But let's not forget that humidity is expected to reach around 80%. So, prepare for a steamy voilet-rider-scene!

Location, Location, Location

Much like last year, the opening round of the UCI MTB World Series cross-country is, you guessed it, in Araxá, Brazil. It's approximately 600km south of the country's capital, and the region's highest point is 973m, which is a welcomed change compared to the punishing European altitudes. The lush Red Clay trails and forest sections make for the perfect setting for our cross-country soiree, but be warned: the course will be different for each round.

The racing spectacle is scheduled to commence on Saturday 5 April, with the XC Short Track taking center stage. Then, on Sunday, the XCO - Olympic distance follows suit. Fire up these race dates in your calendar, because we've done the math for you:

Saturday, 5 April

  • 10:45 event time/ 14:45 GB time - Women's U23 XC Short Track Race
  • 11:25 event time/ 15:25 GB time - Men's U23 XC Short Track Race
  • 12:30 event time / 16:30 GB time - Women's Elite XC Short Track Race
  • 13:10 event time / 17:10 GB time - Men's Elite XC Short Track Race

Sunday, 6 April

  • 09:00 event time / 13:00 GB time - Women's U23 XCO Race
  • 11:00 event time / 15:00 GB time - Men's U23 XCO Race
  • 13:30 event time / 17:30 GB time - Women's Elite XCO Race
  • 15:30 event time / 19:30 GB time - Men's Elite XCO Race

Catch the Thrill - Stream It Live!

If Eurosport's demise has left you reeling and the increase in the monthly Discovery+ subscription fee is causing you distress, don't despair. There's hope for hardcore fans on an EE phone contract - you can watch live World Cup downhill and CX racing on TNT for a mere £16 a month…if you lease a new TV! For the rest of us, savoring the races via Discovery+ is our only legal option.

Regardless of your chosen platform, you'll be able to catch the Women's and Men's Elite races throughout the weekend, as well as the U23 XCO races on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Women's Elite XCC race airs from 15:45, and the men's follows at 17:00. On Sunday, the Women's U23 XCO race kicks off from 12:55, and the Men's U23 XCO race starts at 14:55. The Women's Elite XCO race is on from 17:00, and the Men's Elite XCO race from 19:15.

Winners and Losers - Who's Cooked Up For Victory?

Who'll reign supreme this year? Last year, Haley Batten started strongly with wins in both the XCC and XCO races in the first round in Brazil. Victor Koretzky claimed the Men's Elite XCC race, and Simon Andreassen of Cannondale Factory Racing won the Men's Elite XCO race. With so many talented riders on the roster this year, such as Jolanda Neff, Loana Lecomte, Puck Pieterse, and Evie Richards, it's anyone's game! Keep those peepers peeled on the race tracks to see who emerges victorious!

Traveling to Araxá, Brazil on the 5th and 6th of April will give you the opportunity to witness some exhilarating sports action, as the UCI MTB World Series cross-country races, aka the "sports spectacle," will be taking place there. To catch the live stream of these exciting sporting events, tune into TNT (for those with an EE phone contract) or Discovery+ for a small fee. Watch out for the competitive races, like the Women's Elite XCC race on Saturday (15:45) or the Men's Elite XCO race on Sunday (19:15), and see who among the top racers, such as Jolanda Neff, Loana Lecomte, Puck Pieterse, and Evie Richards, will earn the title of champion in sports!

Read also:

Related

Latest