The 2026 UEC MTB European Downhill Championships came to a close in Vitosha Mountain, on the outskirts of Sofia (Bulgaria). The event brought together 316 athletes from 28 countries, competing in the Elite, Junior, Under-17, Under-15 and Masters categories.
Three days of competition took place in a particularly picturesque setting, with Vitosha Mountain providing a technical and outstanding course just a few kilometres from the centre of the Bulgarian capital.
Both Elite European titles were won by Italy, thanks to victories by Gloria Scarsi and Loris Revelli.
In the Elite Women’s race, Gloria Scarsi clocked the fastest time of 4’06’’39, finishing ahead of her compatriot Veronika Widmann, who came second in 4’08’’33, 1’’94 behind. The bronze medal went to Poland’s Amelia Dudek, who finished in 4’13’’86.
The Men’s Elite final also saw an Italian one-two. Loris Revelli claimed the European title with a time of 3’21’’62, ahead of Stefano Introzzi, who finished second in 3’23’’33. Britain’s Dom Platt completed the podium with a time of 3’25’’90.
There was French dominance in the Women’s Junior event, with three French athletes on the podium. Chloé Cres Clement was crowned European champion with a time of 4’22’’94, finishing just 78 hundredths of a second ahead of Ava Chaumet Lagrange (4’23’’72), whilst Zoé Lugans took the bronze medal in 4’29’’53.
In the Men’s Junior race, the European title was won by Spain’s Enol Torre Martinez, who finished in 3’29’’21. Behind him were Italy’s Filippo Gilardino, second in 3’33’’90, and Czech Republic’s Stanislav Mlčák, third in 3’35’’81.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: “We have witnessed a top-class European Championships in Vitosha Mountain, with a strong turnout of 316 athletes from 28 countries and superb races. Bulgaria has a great tradition in Downhill and Mountain Biking, and this event has once again confirmed the passion this country has for our sport.
The venue is truly fascinating: just a few kilometres from the centre of a major European capital like Sofia lies a mountain that pulsates with sporting activity all year round, with winter sports during the colder months, and cycling, outdoor sports and tourism during the summer. This blend of sport, nature and the city make Vitosha Mountain a particularly attractive venue for hosting events of this calibre.
I would like to thank the Bulgarian Cycling Federation, the local organisers, the City of Sofia, the authorities, the volunteers, the partners and everyone who contributed to the success of these Championships. A big thank you also goes, of course, to the National Federations, the athletes and the teams who came from all over Europe and treated us to three days of great sport.
Events such as this one confirm the vitality and appeal of Downhill cycling, particularly amongst young people, and encourage us to continue developing this spectacular discipline across Europe.”
The next edition of the UEC MTB Downhill Championships will take place in La Molina (Spain), from 13 to 15 August 2027.
