These are the first 7 teams invited to participate in the XCO World Cup in Araxá
The International Cycling Union (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports have just officially announced the first seven teams invited to the first two rounds of the XCO Mountain Bike World Cup 2025, which will take place in Araxa - Minas Gerais (Brazil) on April 6 and 12.
These are the first 7 teams invited under the new XCO World Cup regulations
Remember that 2025 will be the first year that the World Cup will have teams in "first" and "second division".
The teams in the first group are called Mountain Bike World Series Team, there are 20 for XCO/XCC and have the right to participate in all World Cup events. In the second group are the rest of the teams and can only participate in World Cup events invited by the organization or because one of their cyclists has earned a spot for that race, through a golden ticket or other achievement.
Now, the UCI and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports have just announced the first 7 wildcard teams that will be able to compete in Brazil and their reasons for being invited.
RECOMENDADO
The most reliable method for determining how many calories you burn while cycling
The Tour de France is cutting its prize money in 2026: here's how the 2.3 million euros will be distributed
The UCI uses this index to determine when the heat is dangerous for cyclists
Impossible challenges and cycling legends: The 10 toughest mountain passes on the planet
Counter-steering, braking, and tracing: the basics for improving your curve handling
Does the current UCI limit for bicycle weight make sense?

The selection includes three local Brazilian teams: Caloi Henrique Avancini Racing, led by two-time world champion Henrique Avancini, Specialized Racing BR, which will compete in Elite and Under-23 categories, and Soul Extreme Racing Team, a new formation aiming to excel in international MTB.
In addition, four European teams focused on developing young talents complete the list: Lexware Mountainbike Team, Trinity Racing (team that launched figures like Christopher Blevins and Line Burquier), KTM Factory MTB Team, and Massi.
Wildcard teams confirmed for the Araxa - Minas Gerais World Cup:
- Caloi Henrique Avancini Racing
- Specialized Racing BR
- Soul Extreme Racing Team
- Lexware Mountainbike Team
- Trinity Racing
- KTM Factory MTB Team
- Massi