As after every great theatrical performance, the curtain fell today in Girona, bringing the HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup to a close. But not without first deciding who would win this important international trophy. The fifth and final stage of the UCI World Cup, which was held as part of the Sea Otter Europe trade fair event and took place for the eighth time this year, took place against the backdrop of the Spanish Costa Brava.

125 riders of the HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup set off on an 82-kilometre course with 2969 meters of elevation gain. Rainfall during the night and at times during the day made the course extremely slippery and challenging. Anyone hoping for a top place had to prove their fitness and technical skills.

With his eleventh place today, the German Andreas Seewald from Team Singer KTM Racing achieved a total of 90 points and thus secured victory in the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup 2025: "I am very happy to have won the World Cup in a season in which I was also crowned winner of the Hero in the Dolomites and the home race in the Black Forest. I had a drop in performance towards the end of the season as I was riding so many races, but today it was important to get this result for me and my team," said this year's winner. "Now I'm recovering briefly, but then I already have my sights set on next season with the World Cup as my goal."

Belgian Wout Alleman from the Buff Megamo Team came second in the overall standings, finishing seventh today. His 120 points were not enough to beat the German. However, he was able to contribute valuable points for the team classification, in which his Buff Megamo team was crowned the winning team.

Third place in the overall World Cup standings went to 43-year-old Colombian Leo Paez, who finished La Tramun in fourth place.

There were also top-class performances in the women's race. The Dutchwoman Rosa Van Doorn from the Buff Megamo Team finished second in the Spanish race, earning 200 points and securing her the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup 2025 trophy. "I'm speechless," said the emotional Van Doorn, who had to interrupt her interview briefly after the race to cry. "It has been a great season with significant victories and convincing results on very different courses, proof of the excellent work. Today's race was also very tough on the demanding course, which was made even more challenging by the rain. Congratulations to Paula Gorycka - Kurmann, who was the best today. I'm already ready for next season."

The Italian Sandra Mairhofer, who finished seventh today and was unable to cope with the slippery surface, took second place in the overall standings. Also on the World Cup podium was Poland's Paula Gorycka - Kurmann, who dominated La Tramun and proved her stamina on the difficult routes.

After five exciting and surprising races, this year's UCI World Cup has now come to an end. However, preparations are already underway for the HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup 2026. The venues will remain the same as this year; in addition, another race will be held in Calpe on the Spanish Costa Blanca on February 21, which will open the series.

"It's true, we are already working on the next edition of the World Cup. But for now we want to enjoy the success of this initiative, which gives mountain bike marathons a whole new perspective for development - through a format that not only enhances the region where the races take place, but also promotes the coexistence of the two hearts of the mountain bike movement: the top sport of professionals and the recreational sport of amateurs," says Gerhard Vanzi, coordinator of the HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup. "With this in mind, I would also like to thank the UCI and the various organizing committees for the trust they have placed in us, as well as all the elite and master riders who have believed in this new World Cup."