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schroeder and griz talk TN national coming up this weekend and other #USDH topics
https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/usdh-insights-tennessee-national-pre-show-sean-griz-mcclendon
from whoop UCI - the Enduro Open "returning to enduro roots"
ENDURO OPEN: AT THE HEART OF MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURE
It has also been a testbed for new mountain bike technology, with dropper posts, 1x drivetrains and E-bikes all put through their paces in Enduro before being adopted by the wider industry.
In 2025, the UCI Enduro World Cup is returning to its roots, with courses that delve deep into the backcountry and go big on exploration.
Thanks to the Enduro Open, amateurs will have the chance to experience the very same adrenaline-fuelled descents of stages and lactic acid-inducing uphill liaisons as professional athletes.
At five of the seven iconic venues of the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, fans will be able to put their fitness, racing skills and trail-side tinkering credentials to the test on the same weekend as the UCI Enduro World Cup as they embark on some of the world’s most iconic natural trails. It’s not limited to Enduro bikes, with each round also featuring separate E-bike categories that will push rider and their battery-assisted bikes to their limits.
And if amazing riding against the backdrop of stunning scenery in the likes of Pietra Ligure (Italy) and Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France) wasn’t enough, participants will also be able to directly compare their times to the pros – who go between the race tape on the exact same stages 24 hours later.
ENDURO OPEN CALENDAR
10 May – Pietra Ligure (Italy)
16 May – Bielsko-Biała (Poland)
30 May – Loudenvielle-Peyragudes (France)
28 June – Val di Fassa, Trentino (Italy)
23 August – Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France)
Entries for each Enduro Open round are split across six categories:
Junior Men*
Junior Women*
Men
Women
Masters Men (35+)
Masters Women (35+)
Ebike Men
Ebike Women
*Minimum age 17/18 years old depending on the year of birth. Please check individual races in the booking portal.
Entries for Pietra Ligure (Italy) and Bielsko-Biała (Poland) will open on Tuesday, March 25th.
More details on the races, pricing, and included services:
10 May – Pietra Ligure (Italy) | A classic Finale Outdoor Region race of rocky trails, coastal views and the true enduro experience.
Entry fee: 110€
Services included: training day, access to water and feed stations, timing equipment and access to technical support
Make a weekend of it - watch the UCI Enduro World Cup opening round on Sunday 11 May
Click HERE for registration
16 May – Bielsko-Biała (Poland) | An up-and-coming mountain biking hotspot!
Entry fee: 130€
Services included: training day, access to water and feed stations, timing equipment and access to technical support
Make a weekend of it - watch the second round of the UCI Enduro World Cup alongside the UCI Downhill World Cup opening round on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18.
Click HERE for registration
Entries for the remaining Enduro Open races in Loundevielle-Peyragudes (France), Val Di Fassa, Trentino (Italy), and the brand-new venue of Morillon, Haute-Savoie (France) will be opening (very) soon. Stay tuned to our official website and social media channels for updates or sign up for our newsletter!
Speed is of the essence if you want to secure your spot in the Enduro Open start line, with a limit of 400 spaces available at each round.
Entry requirements: There are no entry criteria for Enduro Open races! All you need is a bike and the desire to have an unparalleled and unique mountain biking experience.
For those aiming higher, each Enduro Open round also serves as an official qualifier for the UCI Enduro World Cup, with global ranking points up for grabs in both the men's and women's categories.
Episode 2 of Red Bull's Race Tapes. These vids are so good!
i started a TN national thread here. added some pics from today with more to come (practice doesn't even start until friday)
https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2025-tennessee-national-dh-windrock
Do a 20-30 minute deep dive into track cycling. It will surprise you. There is infrastructure for it in so many countries, even some you wouldn't expect. Korea is a good example. It isn't even on the radar for track, but I was shocked to discover how much track cycling infrastructure there is. There are velodromes of various sizes all over the country, even a few major stadium-sized ones. Serious competitions start at the middle and high school levels. Cities have track teams. There's even a Keiren series where guys are making surprisingly good livings.
The Champions League was pointed in the right direction. Clearly, there was enough of an audience to start it. The scale of the events and the current global economy doesn't help though.
Track Grand Slam track and field is coming this year. It'll be interesting to see if it can maintain an audience.
Back on the topic of dirt racing. There should be an interesting announcement coming in April.
vital raw from windrock today. heck of a day with mint conditions!
Juanfer Vélez Makes It A Hat-Trick Of Titles With Victory At Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo
In an intense battle on the narrow streets of Guanajuato, Mexico, Colombian MTB downhill ace Juanfer Vélez proved once again to be untouchable as he claimed victory at Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo 2025 and won the overall series title for a third consecutive year.
Here is all you need to know:
- The Red Bull Cerro Abajo 2024/2025 series saw an elite field of international riders race full throttle down narrow streets and steep staircases in the historical cities of Genoa in Italy, Valparaíso in Chile and finally in Guanajuato, Mexico.
- Cheered on by huge crowds in each city, the ultimate urban downhill race series came to a conclusion this weekend in Mexico and it was Vélez who emerged victorious. The Colombian was simply untouchable as he produced the perfect race to claim victory and wrap up the series title for a third straight year.
- Fellow Colombian rider Sebastian Holguin secured second place in Guanajuato, while third place in the final race of the season went to Brazil’s Roger Vieira.
- In the overall standings, Czech superstar Tomáš Slavík (who only needed a 6th place finish here to secure the title but crashed out in his race run - ed.), who triumphed in Valparaíso, narrowly missed out on the title as he finished just two points behind Vélez. He’ll now be desperate to claim the overall title when the new season of Red Bull Cerro Abajo gets underway again in Genoa, Italy.
RESULTS – Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo 2025 Finals
1. Juanfer Velez 1:47.257
2. Sebastian Holguin 1:48.194
3. Roger Vieira 1:49.853
4. Johannes Fischbach 1:49.906
5. Jeronimo Paez 1:50.310
6. Felipe Agurto 1:50.661
7. Douglas Vieira 1:50.756
8. Gabriel Giovannini 1:50.922
9. Lucas Borba 1:51.375
10. Adrien Loron 1:51.531
11. Edgar Carballo 1:51.890
12. Alex Marin 1:52.480
13. Wyn Masters 1:53.555
14. Alan Reyes 2:08.741
15. Tomas Slavik 2:28.896
BikePark Wales - Not a Race results
Perhaps an indicator of early season pace
Gas To Podium, hell yeah!
HOT LAPS official event announcement
EVENT DETAILS FOR HOT LAPS 2025!!! - www.hotlapsmtb.com - Register Here for Events Here
A Jam-Style Mountain Bike Weekend: Racing, Jumping, Camping, Demos, and more!!
Dates: May 30 - June 1, 2025
Location: Port Gamble Ride Park, WA - PORT GAMBLE HERITAGE PARK
Hot Laps is a 3-day celebration of mountain biking, where friendly competition, progression, and good times take center stage. Racing shouldn't be about pre-race porta-potty panic, lung-searing torture, or legs full of lactic acid. It’s not even about the sweet taste of victory or the sting of defeat. It’s about the people—your ride-or-die crew who cheer you on, push you harder, and make you laugh when you’re sucking wind.
Founded by Jill Kintner (Olympic medalist, World Champion) and Matt Orlando (trail builder, videographer), Hot Laps is a weekend created by riders for riders, with a focus on community and process. Challenge yourself with short, repeatable laps, get multiple chances to race your best, and enjoy sessions with friends. Whether you're racing, demoing bikes, jumping, learning, claiming raffle prizes, or just soaking in the vibes, you’ll leave feeling like you've leveled up, both on and off the bike!
"Hot Laps is about pushing yourself and having fun. We created this event to bring people together, learn, and race with less stress and fewer rules. The format is my favorite- 3 chances to figure it out and try to get the best out of yourself. It's a fun game, and I can't wait to see who's in for a good time!!!".
—Jill Kintner
NEW FOR 2025!
• Amateur Slalom- 50 spots only!!
• Revamped jumps, more progressive lines
• E-Bike Pro prize purse - thanks Crestline Bikes
• Expanded DEMO - 4 + brands ( FRI + SAT)
SO, WHATS ON THE AGENDA?
SCHEDULE: https://www.hotlapsmtb.com/hotlaps-schedule
HOT LAPS ENDURO
Enduro the way it should be! Whether you’re a pro or first-timer, race at your own pace with up to 3 runs per stage, counting only your fastest lap. We offer stage prizes from our sponsors along with an overall result combining all your best laps. Ride as much or little as you like on courses designed for every skill level, and e bikes categories as well
It’s all about having fun, improving, and enjoying the ride. Timing by : Race Cascadia
Register Here for Events Here
COOL RUNNINGS PRO SLALOM INVITATIONAL
Get your heart pumping with this high-speed, high-stakes slalom race for the pros! A best-of-3 format with 100% payback from registration fees. Spectators can expect plenty of action, laughs, and an energetic live MC to keep the energy high. PRO Invite-only—email us for details hotlapsmtb@gmail.com ! Timing by : NW Cup
AMATEUR COOL RUNNINGS SLALOM only 50 spots available!
New for 2025! This slalom race is for Expert riders (Cat 1 and advanced Cat 2 level). Challenge yourself on one of the park’s iconic black diamond courses in a relaxed, low-pressure session. You’ll have 2 hours to ride, with only your fastest lap counting at the end. Expect high Speeds, Jumps, and drops. Saturday only! Timing by : Race Cascadia
WOMEN’S JUMP SESSION Fri- May 30
Led by Sweetlines coach Kat Sweet and pro freerider Chelsea Kimball, this free, women-only jump session fri night is designed to help riders of all levels progress and gain confidence in the air. Come out, session, and level up!
TOP GUN JUMP JAM Sat May 31
The Top Gun Jump Jam is where the action’s at! Riders of all levels will take on the iconic Maverick and Iceman jump lines. Watch or ride, the action never stops! Plus, don’t miss the BEST WHIP CONTEST, judged by our celebrity panel across 3 runs in male, female, and open categories. Free public event - Jumps open all day!! • Ride at your own risk
DEMO & VENDOR ROW
Try out the latest bikes and gear from top brands like Specialized, Pivot, Evil, and more! Demo bikes will be available Friday and Saturday with an ID, CC, and $20 wristband for the whole weekend. Test multiple bikes on different trails with quick laps around the park on diverse trails. And while you’re at it, swing by Vendor Row to check out the latest gear, meet industry folks, and chat with the people behind your favorite brands.
DEMO INFO
FOOD TRUCKS
Refuel and keep the good times rolling with food trucks serving up delicious bites all weekend long.
SPECTATING + RAFFLES
Not racing? No problem! Hot Laps has prime viewing zones so you won’t miss a second of the action. Whether it’s the insane jumps, thrilling races, or big air, there’s always something to watch. Plus, don’t miss the raffle where you can win awesome prizes while supporting trail building—a win-win! Sat - Hot Ticket Raffle for one big item, and Sun- multiple items like an evoc bike bag, TRP brakes, Burgtec bars stems and pedals, and more!!!
CAMPING
Stay close to the action at the RC Field (primitive camping) or enjoy full hook-ups at Kitsap Memorial State Park, just 5 miles away (sells out fast)
Registration:
Opens March 3 @ 7 PM. Secure your spot and don’t miss out on the most fun weekend of the year!
Sign-up link: https://hotlapsmtb.redpodium.com/hot-laps-2025
Learn more: www.hotlapsmtb.com
Follow us on Instagram: @hotlapsmtb
Port Gamble is located 80 miles from Sea-Tac airport, and 7 miles from the Kingston Ferry dock.
SCHEDULE: https://www.hotlapsmtb.com/hotlaps-schedule
Check out our MERCH for Pre-order or pick up at the event.
From the team...See you at Hot Laps!!:
Jill Kintner | Matt Orlando | Bob Stensen | Natasha Weiss |Kat Sweet | Chelsea Kimball | Race Cascadia | NW Cup
What’s the open category for a whip off lol
Allegheny Gnar has announced two grassroots DH races in western Pennsylvania.
Round 1 - May 30 - June 1: Clark's Summit Oil City, PA
Round 2 - July 4-6: PA State Champs in President, PA
More info: https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/allegheny-gnar-2025-downhill-events-announced
Some XC bike bling from Orbea ahead of the first World Cup in Brazil this weekend. Simon Andreassen's European XCC Champion Orbea Oiz.
mmmmmechanical drivetrain baby
They're still running 34 step cast rather than 34 SL. It's strange to not run the newest offering for marketing purposes. I don't follow XC, are they not sponsored by Fox?
Ahead of the opening round of the XC World Cup this weekend in Brazil the athletes are making a statement to Warner Brothers Discovery regarding the five rider podium - here it is:
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For more than 30 years, the podium at the mountain bike World Cup has been five riders. A podium unique to mountain bike, it has provided countless riders and teams with more exposure and opportunities. It's been the breakthrough for many athletes and given life to smaller teams. Chasing a podium in our sport at the highest level has always meant a Top 5. It has added value and depth to the sport, given riders more chance to shine in the spotlight and added value to riders, teams and all of the sponsors and brands behind us who are the backbone of professional mountain bike racing.
Warner Brothers Discovery have only one reason for reducing the podium to three riders, conformity. To conform to the norm, to the other sports. A decision that has been made despite strong pushback from the athletes who are the very heart of the sport. We have been ignored and are left without a voice as the future of our sport changes.
As our fans know, mountain biking has never been about conformity, we have carved our own path since the inception of World Cup racing in the 1990’s and we want to keep our unique character. The vast majority of teams and riders feel completely unheard on this topic.
This is our sport and we won’t let conformity strip away it’s character! We demand the 5 rider podium in 2025!
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The list has been signed by the entire Top 30 riders including: Nino Shurter, Tom Pidcock, Pauline Ferrand Prevot, Alan Hatherly, Puck Pieterse, Alessandra Keller, and 120+ riders total.
This is amazing, I hope it can get some traction and create the change it aims for. I’m also hoping they implement that change across all disciplines. From the racer’s perspective, the point about brand exposure and visibility is inarguable. But from my point of view as a fan, I’ve always thought that a three person podium looked a bit dull and I-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-my-hands awkward. 5 person podium looks like a party.
Would boycotting the 3 person podium get their point across?
I think the protest is simple. Go race and the top 3 don't show up for podium until its swapped back to 5.
I think there's a thing in ze rules which make podium attendance mandatory. The fine's probably more than the prize money.
Tis what I thought.
I think we all know the prize money is lower than the fines. WBD & UCI can’t have racers making a living
Are there also fines for showing up on the podium without being called up? Just protest by having the 4th and 5th riders walk up to their respective spots by the podium? Bonus if the UCI make a big fuss about it, that's even more exposure for all of the athletes and sponsors who were on the podium that day.
are the rules so specific that a rider has to face the crowd? show up w/ back to crowd so there's not a single usable podium photo
wear a shirt with Rob warners face on it
its more fun spraying champagne on 4 other people than 2.
If anything is going to work the top 3 need to stand up (or not in this instance) for 4th & 5th. I think a 5 spot podium looks better than 3.
Sharing is caring
Conformity… Has WBD ever seen a wrestling podium? They got 8 up there at tournaments. But yeah that might be a bit much.
I mentioned this (amazing) idea to my homey standing next to me and he said “Any of these folks ever see a Miles Davis concert?”, and that reminded me that Dylan did it too, and reassured me that Uncle Gordo is the person we want steering the ship.
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