The XCO World Cup 2025 begins in Brazil: favorites, schedules, and how to watch

The wait is over. The UCI XCO/XCC World Cup 2025 kicks off this weekend in Araxá, Brazil and will do so with a double event that will repeat the circuit in 7 days with a different route. The Brazilian town, which made its successful debut in 2024, will host two consecutive rounds and confirms the World Cup in a country where fans have shown full support for this sport.

Schedule and how to watch the Araxá 2025 XCO World Cup

The first round will take place on April 5 and 6. The Short Track (XCC) races will be held on Saturday, April 5, while the Cross-country Olympic (XCO) will take center stage on Sunday, April 6.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 (GMT+2 time)

• 15:45: Short Track - Women Under-23 (XCC)
• 16:25: Short Track - Men Under-23 (XCC)
• 17:45: Short Track - Women Elite (XCC)
• 18:25: Short Track - Men Elite (XCC)

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Sunday, April 6, 2025 (GMT+2 time)

• 14:00: XCO - Women Under-23 (XCO)
• 16:00: XCO - Men Under-23 (XCO)
• 18:30: Women Elite XCO
• 20:30: Men Elite XCO

As has been customary for the past couple of seasons, the races can be watched live through the MAX digital app or on the Eurosport channel.

Who won here in 2024

It is worth remembering that in the 2024 season, Araxá was the scene of Specialized Factory Racing's dominance.

Victor Koretzky took the victory in the men's Short Track (XCC) category and almost won the XCO as well, but a chain slip forced him to settle for second place. The XCO victory went to Danish rider Simon Andreassen, who was with the Cannondale team at the time, and the podium was completed by the current world champion Alan Hatherly.

In the women's category, Haley Batten of Specialized Factory had a perfect weekend by winning both the women's Short Track and the women's Olympic race (XCO). In the XCO podium, Jenny Rissveds finished second and Savilia Blunk third.

Favorites to win the Araxá 2025 XCO World Cup

While we are still waiting for the final list, we will update the news when we have it. The truth is that this first event of the calendar will be full of favorites to win.

In the men's race, there are many contenders for victory. French rider Victor Koretzky hasn't been seen much in the preseason but is a safe bet and was close to winning in Araxá in 2024. Danish rider Simon Andreassen arrives in Brazil ready to defend his victory from last season with his new team, Orbea Fox Factory Team. World champion Alan Hatherly (Giant Factory) was also among the top contenders last year, as was Swiss rider Filippo Colombo (SCOTT SRAM), who also comes from winning the Cape Epic alongside Nino Schurter, another strong contender.

American rider Chris Blevins (Specialized Factory) also performed well in Brazil last year and it wouldn't be surprising to see him at the front alongside other standout specialists like Mathias Fluckiger (Thomus Maxon), Luca Braidot (Wilier Vittoria), Sam Gaze (Alpecin Deceunick), Martin Vidaurre (Specialized Factory), David Valero (BH Coloma Team), or Jordan Sarrou (BMC Team).

In the women's category, there are also many contenders for the first victory of the year. Among them, we could highlight American rider Haley Batten (Specialized Factory) and Swedish rider Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV), who finished first and second here last season. And we must also consider the usual podium candidates in any race they enter, such as Candice Lill, the current number 1 in the UCI ranking, the 2024 overall winner Alessandra Keller (Thomus Maxon), Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing), Loana Lecomte (BMC Team), Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory), or Laura Stigger from the Specialized team.

What is the Araxá circuit like

Araxá, located in the western region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, offers a circuit characterized by its red clay terrain and fast trails through lush forests. This year, there will be two different variations of the course: one for the opening round and another different one for the second round to be held from April 10 to 12. This change in the layout promises to keep the riders on their toes during both competitions.

Although altitude will not be a determining factor as the highest point of the circuit reaches 973 meters above sea level, athletes will have to manage weather conditions marked by high humidity, which usually exceeds 80%.

We will see how the riders adapt to these weather conditions and if they truly have an impact on the competition.