Van der Poel Eyes Rare World Title as Swiss Stars Prepare for Epic Battle at Mountain Bike Worlds
Crans-Montana, Switzerland – The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships reach a fever pitch this weekend with the Elite Cross-Country events, promising a showdown for the ages. All eyes are on cycling superstar Mathieu Van der Poel as he attempts to add a coveted rainbow jersey to his already impressive collection, but a strong Swiss contingent, led by Mathias Flückiger and Alessandra Keller, are determined to defend their home turf. This is breaking news for mountain biking fans worldwide, and archyde.com is bringing you the latest updates.
Van der Poel’s Mountain Bike Challenge: From Road to Glory?
Mathieu Van der Poel, a dominant force in cyclo-cross, gravel, and road cycling, is setting his sights on conquering the challenging cross-country course in Crans-Montana. Despite not being a full-time mountain biker, his raw talent and recent preparation – two weeks spent specifically acclimating to the terrain – make him the clear favorite. “Van der Poel has been in Montana for two weeks. In mountain biking, if you stop driving regularly, you lose a little speed downhill. This is what we saw in Gets, where Van der Poel has lost time on the best in the technical parts, but he had two weeks to improve,” explains RTS consultant Alain Glassey. The absence of Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, currently competing in the Vuelta a España, further elevates Van der Poel’s status. But the road to victory won’t be easy.
Swiss Hopes Soar: Flückiger and Keller Lead the Charge
The Swiss team arrives in Crans-Montana brimming with confidence. Mathias Flückiger, a consistent performer on the World Cup circuit, finished second at last year’s World Cup stage in Valais, a performance that fuels expectations for a strong showing. Glassey believes Flückiger is a genuine contender, noting, “He was the one who prevented Van der Poel from going over the handlebars attacking the descents.” On the women’s side, Alessandra Keller is riding high after winning the short track event and the overall World Cup classification in 2024. She’ll face a formidable challenge from Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds, a former Olympic and World Champion, setting the stage for a captivating duel.
Course Changes and Competitive Landscape
The Crans-Montana course has undergone modifications following safety concerns raised after numerous falls in the previous year. The UCI has focused on making the notorious “Rock Garden” section less dangerous, a change that is expected to impact race dynamics and potentially alter the competitive order. Beyond Van der Poel, Flückiger, and Keller, riders like France’s Victor Koretzky, America’s Christopher Blevins, and defending world champion Alan Hatherly of South Africa are also considered serious threats. For the Swiss, Filippo Colombo is also looking strong, having finished 6th in the short track event.
Schurter’s Farewell and a Generation of Swiss Talent
This World Championships holds special significance for veteran Nino Schurter, competing in his final Worlds. While not considered a top favorite, the 39-year-old legend is known for his ability to deliver surprises. Glassey hopes to see Schurter “create the surprise.” Alongside Schurter, a new wave of Swiss riders – Nicole Koller, Sina Frei, Linda Indergand, and Jolanda Neff – are eager to make their mark, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition. Several are using this race as a springboard for future announcements about their careers.
Where to Watch: Live Coverage on RTS 2
Don’t miss the action! The Women’s Elite Cross-Country race will be broadcast live on RTS 2 on Saturday at 1:50 p.m., followed by the Men’s Elite race on Sunday at 1:20 p.m. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage, expert analysis, and the latest results from the 2025 Mountain Bike World Championships. This event isn’t just a competition; it’s a showcase of athleticism, determination, and the enduring spirit of mountain biking – a sport that continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide. The blend of established stars and rising talents promises a weekend of unforgettable racing.
