The 2025 edition of the UEC Downhill European Mountain Bike Championships came to a close today in La Molina, Spain, a fixture now firmly established on the Union Européenne de Cyclisme’s calendar.
A total of 387 athletes representing 27 nations took part in the event, during which continental titles were awarded in all categories, from 13-year-olds to Masters, confirming the increasingly central role of this discipline within European cycling.
The Elite European Champion’s jersey was won by Simon Chapelet (France) and Lisa Baumann (Switzerland), at the end of an intense and spectacular competition, contested on a technical course located in an exceptional natural setting, ideal for mountain biking and summer cycle touring.
The Men's Elite final was particularly hotly contested, with the gold medal going to France's Simon Chapelet, who completed his run in 2'57'“08, just 3 tenths of a second ahead of the outgoing champion, Austria's Andreas Kolb (2'57”'38). Another Frenchman, Johan Garcin, rounded off the podium with a time of 2'57''62.
In the Women's Elite category, Switzerland's Lisa Baumann (3'26'“31) was confirmed ahead of Italy's Gloria Scarsi (2nd in 3'26”'51) and France's Vicky Clavel (3rd in 3'27''91). The Junior titles were won by Rosa Zierl (Austria) and Omri Danon (Israel).
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: "La Molina was a splendid edition of the Downhill European Championships, characterised by great participation, an electrifying atmosphere and an enchanting natural setting. A place that shows great potential not only for off-road disciplines, but also for the development of summer cycle tourism in this extraordinary region of the Pyrenees.
Downhill is proving to be a highly attractive discipline, capable of involving a young and passionate public, thanks to its spectacular nature and excitement of the races.
I would like to thank the local organising committee, led by Albert Balcells, for its great commitment and professionalism, the Real Federación Española de Ciclismo and its president José Vicioso, the partners and supporters who made this event possible, as well as the National Federations and all the athletes and technicians who took part.
The Union Européenne de Cyclisme will continue to invest and believe in the development of off-road cycling, organising more and more international events in places that, like La Molina, represent the perfect combination of sport, nature and hospitality."
