The UCI reminds that this year there will be 2 divisions in MTB and publishes the list of teams for 2025

The UCI has just published the list of mountain bike teams for 2025 and reminds of the changes in the regulations that will result in "two divisions" for access to the World Series.

UCI publishes all mountain bike teams for 2025

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has released the list of mountain bike teams registered for the 2025 season, dividing them into two categories:

• UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams (first division, formerly known as UCI Elite Mountain Bike Teams)
• UCI Mountain Bike Teams (second division)

A total of 101 teams from 22 countries and 4 continents have registered for the new season and the complete list of teams can be consulted here.

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But it is important to remember that this year will bring important changes. Starting on January 1, 2025, new changes in the classification of teams that will grant access or not to compete in the MTB World Cup events came into effect.

Now, only the teams in the 1st division, the UCI Mountain Bike Teams, will be able to directly participate in the World Cup events and will be divided into two formats:

• Gravity: Downhill (DHI) and Enduro (END) teams
• Endurance: Cross-country (XCO) and Short track (XCC) teams

In each category, there will be a maximum of 20 teams, of which 15 will be selected based on the annual team ranking, not yet published, and the other 5 spots in each category can be filled by second division teams that obtain a wild card granted by the UCI.

How to obtain the wild card?

Second division teams wishing to compete in the 2025 MTB World Cup will have until February 7 to request a wild card (an invitation pass) from the UCI. To obtain this invitation, the following criteria will be evaluated:

• UCI Ranking (current and previous season)
• Profile of the cyclists in their roster
• Team composition (represented categories, presence of men and women)
• Profile of sponsors (level of activity, international reach)
• Media coverage, especially on social networks
• Recent sporting performance of their riders
• Commitment to anti-doping efforts

The UCI explains that these new rules aim to raise the competitive level of the World Cup and ensure that only the strongest teams with the best structure can be at the elite level of the global MTB.