Epic and Thrilling Mountain Bike Races to Watch in 2025

Let’s face it—mountain biking isn’t just a sport; it’s a spectacle. Where else can you witness fearless riders bombing down trails, defying gravity, and occasionally testing how much dirt a jersey can hold? In 2025, the world’s top mountain bike events promise all the thrills, spills, and heart-stopping moments you could ever want—without having to risk a hospital trip yourself.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just here for the chaos (we see you, crash reel enthusiasts), this year’s lineup of events will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, dust off your best spectator shoes, pack your loudest cheering voice, and get ready to be entertained. These are the MTB races that’ll have you hooked—no pedaling required!

RedBull Hardline - Tasmania - 7th-8th Feb

The world’s most challenging downhill MTB race returns to Australia in 2025, and this year it’s set to be more epic than ever!

If you thought Tasmania was just about cuddly marsupials and stunning landscapes, think again—because in February 2025, it’s getting a serious dose of adrenaline, dirt, and questionable life choices. That’s right, Red Bull Hardline is heading back Down Under, and it’s bringing its signature brand of “Are they even human?!” mountain biking action with it.

Designed by none other than Dan and Gee Atherton—two absolute legends in the mountain biking world and possibly the only people who could make a trail that terrifies even the bravest riders—this course promises to be an all-you-can-handle buffet of brutal features. For the uninitiated, Dan and Gee aren’t just top-tier riders; they’re also among the best trail builders on the planet. If you’ve ever seen their work, you know they don’t mess around.

Picture this: a course so brutal, it makes regular downhill tracks look like a Sunday ride through the park. Steep rock gardens? Check. Giant gaps? Check. 

This is why Red Bull Hardline is an exclusive invite-only event showcasing the world’s most progressive male and female MTB downhill riders.

You can stream all of the action on RedBull TV!!

2024 Winners

  • Gee Atherton – UK
  • Jackson Goldstone – Can
  • Asa Vermette – USA
  • Ronan Dunne – Ireland
  • Matt Jones – UK
  • Laurie Greenland – UK
  • Kaos Seagrave – UK
  • Bernard Kerr – UK
  • Hugo Frixtalon – France
  • Szymon Godziek – Pol
  • George Brannigan – NZ
  • Edgar Briole – France
  • Roger Vieira – Brazil
  • Charlie Hatton – UK
  • Juanfer Velez – Col
  • Connor Fearon – Aus
  • Darcy Coutts – Aus
  • Matteo Iniguez – France
  •  Dan Booker – Aus
  • Troy Brosnan – Aus
  • Kade Edwards – UK
  • Sam Hill – Aus
  • Theo Erlangen – S.Africa
  • Sebastian Holguin -Col
  • Josh Bryceland – UK

Crankworx - Rotorua - 5th-9th March

If there’s one event that turns a peaceful town into the ultimate mountain biking playground, it’s Crankworx Rotorua. Set in the lush forests of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua transforms into a high-octane paradise every year, and 2025 is no exception.

Each year, Rotorua creates unforgettable moments that celebrate the heart and spirit of mountain biking.

What makes Rotorua such a gem? Well, it’s part of the Crankworx World Tour, which means it’s packed with events that push the boundaries of what bikes (and the humans on them) can actually do. Slopestyle? Check. Downhill? Double check. Pump track battles so intense they could be mistaken for a high-speed duel? Oh, you bet. And let’s not forget the Speed & Style events, where riders somehow manage to hurl themselves off jumps and do backflips—because clearly, riding down a hill really fast just isn’t exciting enough.

You can stream all the action on RedBull TV!!

For 2025, the World Cup is bringing its A-game with an international tour that hits legendary venues and a few new surprises. Expect iconic climbs, high-speed descents, and a battle for every millisecond as riders push their limits to snag the top spot. Don’t be fooled by the lack of full-face helmets and body armor—this isn’t just a cardio contest. These courses are packed with technical challenges that will have even the most seasoned riders sweating bullets.

Araxá marks the start of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season, bringing world-class XCO and XCC racing to its scenic trails. Known for its challenging terrain and vibrant atmosphere, Araxá promises an electrifying start to the series.

You can catch all the action on GCN+, the Eurosport App, discovery+ and on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. 

DarkFEST isn’t just a mountain bike event—it’s a giant middle finger to physics. The world’s boldest freeriders taking on massive jumps!

It’s the brainchild of Sam Reynolds and the DarkFEST crew, who clearly have a personal vendetta against staying close to the ground. Honestly, you have to wonder if their course design meetings just involve them asking, “How do we make this even more ridiculous?”

The UCI Enduro World Cup is back, and it’s kicking off the 2025 season in the stunning seaside town of Pietra Ligure, Italy. Known for its breathtaking views, Mediterranean charm, and, most importantly, its gnarly trails, this picturesque location is no stranger to hosting world-class mountain biking events. But don’t be fooled by the postcard-perfect scenery—these trails are anything but a walk in the park.

Pietra Ligure’s rugged terrain is tailor-made for enduro racing, combining steep, technical descents with punchy climbs that test riders’ fitness, skill, and grit. From rocky sections that seem to have been designed to rattle bikes (and nerves) to flowing trails that demand precision at breakneck speeds, the first round of the 2025 UCI Enduro World Cup promises to set the tone for an epic season.

You can catch all the action on GCN+, the Eurosport App, discovery+ and on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. 

2024 Overall Champions

Elite Men

Richie Rude

Elite Women

Hattie Harnden

U21 Men

Bailey Christie

U21 Women

Simona Kuchynkova

The UCI Downhill World Cup is back for 2025, and it’s wasting no time dropping into the action—literally! The first round of the season kicks off in Poland, and if you’ve never seen Polish mountain biking terrain, you’re in for a treat. Picture rugged trails carved into lush forests and steep drops that make you question the laws of physics.

You can catch all the action on GCN+, the Eurosport App, discovery+ and on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. 

2024 Winners

RedBull Hardline - Wales - 26th-27th July

The world’s toughest downhill mountain bike race, Red Bull Hardline returns to Wales on 26th – 27th July 2025.

Red Bull Hardline is not for the faint of heart. Widely regarded as one of the toughest downhill mountain bike races on the planet, this legendary course is the brainchild of MTB trail visionary Dan Atherton. Designed to push riders to their limits, it’s a true test of skill, bravery, and sheer grit.

This brutal track brings together the world’s elite riders, challenging them with a relentless mix of colossal jumps, nerve-shredding boulder drops, intricate technical sections, and unpredictable weather conditions. True to its name, Hardline is as hard as it gets—both in reputation and reality.

You can stream all of the action on RedBull TV!!

2024 Winners

Crankworx - Whistler - 8th-17th August

Crankworx Whistler is back for 2025, bringing the world’s most electrifying mountain bike festival to the iconic trails of British Columbia. Known as the pinnacle of freeride and gravity-fueled MTB events, Crankworx is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the sport itself. From heart-stopping slopestyle tricks that defy physics to intense downhill battles and air-filled whip-offs, it’s a non-stop adrenaline rush that keeps fans glued to the action.

For 2025, the festival promises an epic lineup of events, including the legendary Red Bull Joyride, the Dual Slalom, and the Canadian Open DH. It’s a week-long showcase of jaw-dropping talent, mind-blowing stunts, and the kind of energy you can only find in Whistler’s legendary mountain biking scene. Whether you’re there for the competition or the party atmosphere, Crankworx Whistler is an unmissable event for any MTB fan.

Can’t make it to Whistler? No worries— The entire event will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV

The pinnacle of mountain biking is back! The 2025 UCI MTB World Championships will run from August 30th to September 14th, bringing together the world’s best riders to battle it out for glory. This two-week festival of speed, skill, and pure adrenaline will showcase a range of MTB disciplines, from downhill to cross-country, and promises edge-of-your-seat action every single day.

This year’s championship is set to deliver unforgettable moments as riders compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys. Expect heart-pounding downhill descents, strategic cross-country duels, and the kind of technical precision that makes you question whether these riders are human or machines. If you’re a fan of mountain biking—or just love watching extreme sports—this is an event you can’t afford to miss.

You can catch all the action on GCN+, the Eurosport App, discovery+ and on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. 

Mark your calendars because the UCI Cross-Country (XC) and Downhill (DH) World Cup final is set to be an unmissable showdown! From October 9th to 12th, the world’s best riders will descend (quite literally) on the ultimate stage to battle it out for the championship titles. With the season on the line, expect nothing less than all-out performances, heart-stopping moments, and dramatic finishes.

This year’s final promises a spectacular mix of technical XC races that push endurance and strategy to the limit, paired with electrifying downhill runs that will leave you holding your breath. Riders will give it everything they’ve got as they tackle gnarly trails, unpredictable weather, and the intense pressure of the season finale.

You can catch all the action on GCN+, the Eurosport App, discovery+ and on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. 

RedBull Rampage - TBC October

Every October, the mountain biking world holds its breath for the most jaw-dropping event on the calendar: Red Bull Rampage. While the exact date for 2025 is still under wraps, one thing is certain—it’s going to be another mind-blowing display of freeride madness. Set against the dramatic desert cliffs of Utah, Rampage isn’t just a competition; it’s a test of creativity, courage, and pure biking artistry.

The event brings together the best freeriders in the world to tackle impossibly steep lines, sculpt massive features, and throw down gravity-defying tricks. Think death-defying drops, massive gaps, and trick combos that leave even seasoned fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Red Bull Rampage isn’t just a race; it’s a high-stakes spectacle where the only limits are those set by the riders’ imaginations (and maybe a little by physics).

You can stream all of the action on RedBull TV!!

2024 Winners

Conclusion...

2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for mountain biking, packed with incredible events that will have fans on the edge of their seats. From the daring riders of Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania to the adrenaline-pumping start of the UCI Downhill World Cup in Poland, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping action to look forward to.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just discovering the thrill of mountain biking, these events promise a mix of skill, excitement, and pure grit that’s impossible to resist. So, mark your calendars, plan your trips, or settle in to watch from home—whatever your style, these events are sure to deliver all the adrenaline and inspiration you could ask for.

Here’s to an epic year of mountain biking—see you at the finish line!

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