From July 23 to 27, 2025, Melgaço, a charming location in northern Portugal, will transform into the European off-road capital, hosting the European Mountain Bike Championships. Thirteen titles are at stake across Team Relay, Cross Country, and Short Track categories for Elite, Under 23, and Junior athletes.

323 athletes representing 32 nations are registered for the continental event, ready to compete on the technical trails of this location in the heart of the Viana do Castelo district, promising spectacular performances in a stunning setting.

The event promises to be of the highest level, with start lists featuring extremely important names. Among the Elite men, great anticipation surrounds Nino Schurter, the multi-titled Swiss already European champion in 2020, eager to pursue another success. Challenging him will be Thomas Pidcock, the British talent with two Olympic golds and seemingly inexhaustible desire to win.

The level of contenders is extremely high. Luca Martin, fresh French champion, arrives in Melgaço after an epic battle in the UCI World Series against Pidcock. Attention is also focused on Jordan Sarrou (France), always competitive, and on Luca Schwarzbauer (Germany) and Simon Andreassen (Denmark).

Not to be underestimated are Filippo Colombo, the new Swiss champion, along with Italians Simone Avondetto, current European champion, and Luca Braidot, always a protagonist in major events.

Among the Elite women, great anticipation surrounds Jolanda Neff (Switzerland), Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo 2020 and already four-time continental champion, and Evie Richards (Great Britain), a constant presence on the podiums of the most important calendar events. Also to be carefully followed are Jenny Rissveds (Sweden), third in the last World Series stage in Andorra, Martina Berta (Italy), also coming off an excellent performance, and the Swiss Linda Indergand.

In the Under 23 categories, the spotlight is on Valentina Corvi (Italy) and Finn Treudler (Switzerland), both winners in Andorra and increasingly prominent in the movement, especially looking towards the future. In the youth categories, focus is on the new promises from Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Italy, nations that have always been continental leaders. Among the most anticipated names are Adrien Boichis (France) and Monique Halter (Switzerland).

Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: "Melgaço is preparing to host an extraordinary event that celebrates the passion and excellence of European mountain biking. With an extremely high technical level and a territory perfect for this discipline, the 2025 edition promises spectacle and emotions. Portugal, a land of great cycling tradition, confirms its ability to host top international events, also thanks to the commitment of the Portuguese Cycling Federation and its President, Candido Barbosa, who is always at the forefront of promoting our sport. A special thanks goes to the city of Melgaço, to Mayor Manoel Batista, for their hospitality, and to the organizing committee led by Jorge Domingues, who with passion and professionalism, together with his staff, has worked to offer an ideal stage for athletes and enthusiasts".