A total of 13 titles are at stake, including team relay, cross-country and short track in the elite, U23 and junior categories. 319 athletes from 31 nations have registered to compete against each other on the technically demanding courses in Melgaço.

The start lists suggest a competition at the highest level. In the men's elite class, much is expected of the exceptional Swiss athlete Nino Schurter, who is already multiple national and European champion and is hoping for another triumph in Melgaço. His biggest rival: Britain's Tom Pidcock, two-time Olympic champion and always programmed for victory.

Newly crowned French champion Luca Martin is also arriving with great self-confidence, having fought an epic duel with Pidcock in the UCI World Series. Other favorites include Jordan Sarrou (France), Luca Schwarzbauer (Germany) and Simon Andreassen (Denmark). Filippo Colombo, the new Swiss champion, and the Italians Simone Avondetto, reigning European champion, and Luca Braidot, known for strong performances at major events, are also not to be underestimated.

In the women's race, the focus will be on Jolanda Neff. The Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 and four-time European champion from Switzerland is one of the favorites, as is Evie Richards from Great Britain, who regularly features on the podium of the most important races. Other hot contenders are Jenny Rissveds (Sweden), third at the last World Series race in Andorra, Martina Berta (Italy) and Linda Indergand (Switzerland), who is also hoping for strong form.

In the U23 categories, Valentina Corvi (Italy) and Finn Treudler (Switzerland) are in the spotlight. Both impressed recently in Andorra and are seen as great promises for the future.

In the junior categories, it is also worth taking a closer look at talents from Denmark, France, Switzerland and Italy - all countries with a long history of success in mountain biking. Adrien Boichis (France) and Monique Halter (Switzerland) are particularly eagerly awaited.

Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme, is delighted:
"Melgaço is preparing for an exceptional event that celebrates passion and excellence in European mountain biking. With a technically demanding level and a perfect environment for this discipline, the 2025 edition promises to be a spectacular and emotional experience.

Portugal, a country with a great cycling tradition, is once again demonstrating its ability to organize international events at the highest level. This is also thanks to the commitment of the Portuguese Cycling Federation under the leadership of President Candido Barbosa.

Special thanks go to the city of Melgaço and its mayor Manoel Batista for their warm hospitality, as well as to the organizing committee led by Jorge Domingues and his team, who are creating ideal conditions for athletes and fans with passion and professionalism."

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