Christopher Blevins exploded onto the world stage in Val di Sole in 2021. Now the American leads the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and returns to the Trentino trails that launched his career. Cross-Country and Short Track races are set for 20–22 June in Daolasa di Commezzadura
Over nearly two decades of World Cup racing, Val di Sole Bikeland has played a key role in shaping some of the sport’s biggest stars. Among them, Nino Schurter stands out: the Swiss legend claimed his first U23 world title here in 2008 — the start of a historic career and countless memorable days, in Val di Sole and beyond.
At the 2021 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships — the most recent held in Val di Sole — a then-relatively unknown American rider stunned the field by collecting three medals: gold in Short Track, silver in the Team Relay, and bronze in E-MTB. Nearly four years later, Christopher Blevins is once again in the spotlight. With six victories across Cross-Country and Short Track in the 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the 27-year-old from New Mexico leads the overall standings with authority.
Blevins’ only off day came in Leogang, Austria, where he finished 17th in the Cross-Country race. Beyond that, it’s been an almost perfect season: six wins and a second-place finish in the opener at Araxá, Brazil.
“I have lots of great memories from Val di Sole, mostly because it's such a beautiful place and my favorite World Cup venue in Europe. World Champs in 2021 was special for me, not just because of winning Short Track, but racing five days in a row in a bunch of different styles and just having so much fun doing it,” said Blevins.
“This year, I hope to race consistently in Val di Sole, and put together a good ride for a podium in the XCO to maintain the overall series lead. I love this track and I think it's one of the most natural MTB courses we have on the World Series.”
Blevins is not the only Specialized Factory Racing athlete with podium ambitions in Val di Sole. Victor Koretzky, Martin Vidaurre, and Adrien Boichis bring strength to the men’s lineup, while Laura Stigger, Sina Frei, and Haley Batten are top contenders in the women’s Elite races.
The action starts Friday, 20 June, with the Short Track competitions. The U23 women race at 15:45, followed by U23 men at 16:25, Elite women at 17:30, and Elite men at 18:10.
After Saturday’s Downhill showcase, Sunday, 22 June, is all about Olympic Cross-Country. The U23 women kick off the day at 09:00, followed by Elite women at 11:00, Elite men at 13:30, and U23 men at 15:30.
