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Prominent cross-country (XCO) and downhill mountain bike riders have issued a joint statement to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the organizers of the Mountain Bike World Series, requesting the reinstatement of the five-rider podium. This appeal comes after WBD announced a change limiting podium recognition to the top three riders, aligning with practices in other sports and cycling disciplines. The decision, part of a broader reform package, has faced significant backlash from the mountain biking community, with over 60 riders signing the statement ahead of the first XCO World Series race of the season in Brazil.
The riders argue that the five-rider podium has been a cornerstone of mountain biking for over 30 years, providing unique opportunities for athletes, teams, and sponsors. They contend that reducing the podium to three riders undermines the sport’s distinctive character and diminishes opportunities for exposure, particularly for lesser-known riders and smaller teams. The statement emphasizes that mountain biking has always marched to the beat of its own drum, carving out a unique identity since the inception of World Cup racing in the 1990s. The riders accuse WBD of prioritizing conformity over the sport’s heritage and the athletes’ voices, stating they have been ignored despite strong opposition.
Warner Bros. Discovery responded by explaining that the decision was made after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the UCI Mountain Bike Commission, and aligns with podium protocols at the UCI World Championships, the Olympics, and other cycling disciplines. The change, effective from January 2025, is part of a long-term strategy to enhance the sport’s structure and presentation. WBD maintains that the decision was made transparently and with the sport’s best interests in mind, though the riders argue that their input was disregarded.
The statement reflects a deeper tension between preserving the unique identity of mountain biking and aligning it with broader sporting standards. The riders stress that the five-rider podium has been a defining feature of the sport, offering more athletes a chance to shine and adding depth to competitions. They view the change as a move toward homogenization that strips away the sport’s individuality and diminishes its appeal.
The list of signatories includes some of the sport’s biggest names, such as Nino Schurter, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and Evie Richards, as well as emerging talents and representatives from smaller teams. Their collective voice underscores the widespread concern among athletes about the direction of the sport under current leadership.
As the first XCO World Series race of the season approaches, the controversy has added an extra layer of intrigue to the event. The podium ceremony will undoubtedly be watched closely, with many riders and fans viewing it as a symbolic moment in the ongoing debate over the sport’s identity and future.
In conclusion, the decision to reduce the podium from five to three riders has sparked significant backlash from the mountain biking community. Riders argue that the change undermines the sport’s unique character and opportunities for exposure, while WBD maintains that it aligns with broader sporting standards and enhances the sport’s structure. The upcoming season will likely see continued debate and advocacy from riders determined to preserve the traditions that have defined mountain biking for decades.
