WILIER-VITTORIA: WORLD CUP 2025 KICKS OFF IN BRAZIL!

The wait is over! The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup—now known as the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series—gets underway this weekend, and just like last year, it all starts in Brazil. The Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team will be out in full force, with all seven riders already on Brazilian soil. They’ll hit the course for XCC and XCO races on April 5–6 (Saturday and Sunday).

The opening two rounds will take place in Araxá, located in the western part of Minas Gerais, in southern Brazil—roughly 600 km south of the capital, Brasília. One of the biggest challenges could be the high humidity, which this time of year often climbs above 80%. The course is fast and rolling, laid over red clay soil, with a technical section weaving through the forest. Araxá will also host Round 2 the following weekend (April 12–13), featuring a slightly altered course layout.

Wilier-Vittoria will be counting on European Champion Simone Avondetto and Italian Champion Luca Braidot, who return to their natural racing ground after an exceptional run at the Cape Epic, where they won three stages and finished second overall. Joining them is Juri Zanotti, while in the U23 category, Italian Champion Elian Paccagnella and Gustav Heby Pedersen are eager to impress—especially Pedersen, who’s already back in form after a nasty crash at the Swiss Cup (thankfully with no fractures).

On the women’s side, Sofie Heby Pedersen will compete in the Elite category, while Ella MacPhee is looking to shine among the U23s.

“The start of the World Cup always brings a flood of emotions,” said Wilier-Vittoria Team Principal Marco Trentin. “Araxá is one of the fastest tracks on the circuit, and we’re ready to face it with focus and determination. The goal is to be in the mix and aim for the best possible result. The whole team has prepared with great commitment, and after the unforgettable Cape Epic experience, we’re excited to race together again.”