The report published by EY on the impact of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships outlines an organisational model built around sustainability, territorial cohesion and the long-term development of cycling in Valais, Switzerland. This edition brought together almost all major mountain bike disciplines for the first time in a single event held from 30 August to 14 September, with competitions distributed across eight venues in the canton.
The territorial structure of the Championships enabled the integration of environmental sustainability criteria across all sites and strengthened accessibility in finish areas. The analysis indicates that these outcomes form part of the long-lasting legacy the event leaves in Valais and will continue beyond the competition period.
Sustainability and environmental management
The report confirms that 90% of the energy used during the Championships came from the local grid and renewable sources, while three venues deployed battery systems to support sustainable power supply. In addition, 99% of all tableware used during the event was reusable or biodegradable, significantly reducing waste generation around the competition areas.
Post-event land management also stands out among the key findings. The document notes that all venues were cleaned and restored after the competitions, meeting the commitments agreed with local authorities. Furthermore, 75% of the events were free to attend, making it easier for spectators to access all disciplines of the Mountain Bike World Championships.
More than half of spectators travelled by public transport or bicycle
According to EY, 59% of spectators travelled to the venues using public transport or bicycles, and more than one-third combined different modes of transport. This mobility pattern remained consistent throughout both weekends of the Championships and helped reduce pressure on the main urban areas of the canton.
Accessibility was another central parameter. The report details that 100% of finish zones were adapted for people with reduced mobility. The organisational structure also involved the local community, with significant participation from volunteers and active involvement of cycling clubs and associations across Valais.
Growth of cycling in Valais
The Championships acted as a catalyst for the sporting development of the canton. Since 2020, the number of young people registered in local cycling clubs has increased by 130%, while women’s participation has grown by 45%. These figures reflect steady progress that has accelerated with the organisation of the Mountain Bike World Championships.
The report also highlights the creation and consolidation of the Valais Cycling Academy, which has supported 52 athletes since 2023. The initiative is part of a broader structural development plan that includes the establishment of three new performance centres and educational programmes for schools in the region.
The 2025 edition introduced a combined event format that brought together eight disciplines across eight venues within a single competition. This approach increased the visibility of all events and improved the distribution of spectator flows across the territory. The structure also enhanced international exposure and operational coordination, setting a new benchmark for future mountain bike championships organised under the UCI.
