Spectacular performances and strong emotions

In sporting terms, this premiere, in which the title fights in all mountain bike disciplines were held in a single region, was a complete success. The races lived up to all expectations: Highly superior victories by some dominators, hard-fought sprint decisions for the medals, spectacular catch-ups and unexpected twists and turns made for two unforgettable weeks of competition. The nations' ranking was a clear-cut affair: France took first place in the medal table with a total of 19 podium places, including nine gold medals. Host nation Switzerland also left a lasting impression with 14 medals in six of the eight disciplines, including two gold medals for Alessandra Keller and Finn Treudler.

In addition to these absolute figures, the World Championships were also full of emotion, particularly with the moving farewells to Camille Balanche, Linda Indergand and Nino Schurter, but also thanks to the intense feelings that could be felt at every finish and on every podium. Participating in the World Championships remains an unforgettable experience in every athlete's career.

Exceptional numbers and a lasting legacy

In total, more than 110,000 people - spectators, athletes, coaches and volunteers - contributed to the success of these World Championships, underlining the importance and appeal of the event. The festive and communal atmosphere was characterized by the enthusiasm of the audience, diverse animations and various fan zones. They made it possible to fully enjoy the spectacle and the Valais 2025 experience.

Valais Cycling also put the spotlight on young people and welcomed more than 3000 schoolchildren from the canton for introductory activities to cycling. At the same time, more than 2100 cycling enthusiasts came together to ride to Sion, Champéry and Crans-Montana as part of the various "Ride to the Champs" events. They covered a cumulative distance of more than 35,000 kilometers, helping to promote soft mobility while strengthening the community spirit around cycling.

Steve Morabito, President of Valais 2025, underlines the importance and spirit of the event: "From the beginning, our goal was to leave a lasting legacy in Valais. These World Championships have fully confirmed this. The incredible energy and commitment of our volunteers, the passion of the public and the dedication of the athletes on a sporting level have made these two weeks exceptional in every respect."

A shared success and a promising future

The "Valais 2025" organization would like to thank the more than 2,800 volunteers and the numerous sponsors and partners without whom the success of these World Championships would not have been possible. These championships were an important milestone for the development of mountain biking in Switzerland, and in Valais in particular, and confirmed the region's potential as a venue for major international competitions. The enthusiasm of the public, the unique atmosphere on the race courses and the extensive media coverage provided the canton with an exceptional showcase. 

However, the event is not limited to the sporting achievements: By bringing together the various stakeholders around the cycling and mountain biking strategy of the canton of Valais, the World Championships have created a sustainable dynamic and generated added value for the entire region that extends far beyond the host destinations.

Damian Constantin, Director of Valais/Wallis Promotion, says: "I was lucky enough to experience these World Championships from the inside, to follow the races and share the emotions up close with the athletes, the volunteers and the public. Seeing how the Valais vibrated to the rhythm of mountain biking will remain a strong memory for me. The incredible enthusiasm of the spectators and the international echo of the event show the charisma of such an event. What touched me most, however, was that I was able to witness the emergence of real cohesion between all the players involved, united around a common vision for the future of mountain biking in Valais."

Looking to the future

Switzerland is planning a bid for the Cycling Championships 2035, which will bring together all cycling disciplines. This bid, which is jointly supported by the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais, could bring new world championship races to the established venues of Valais 2025. The last two weeks have impressively demonstrated that the region has all the necessary skills and enthusiasm to meet this challenge.

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