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La Molina has kicked-off the 2025 MTB downhill European championships with a vibrant opening ceremony. In a late afternoon event, the presenters welcomed riders, teams and spectators surrounded by an atmosphere full of adrenaline, talent and passion for downhilling.

420 athletes representing 28 countries as well as the main authorities from the organising committee took part in the ceremony; Carles Ruiz, President of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya; José Vicioso, President of the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC); Enrico Della Casa, President of the European Cycling Union (UEC); Juan Luis Soto, Head Head of Cabinet of the Consejo Superior de Deportes, and Berni Álvarez, Minister of Sports of the Generalitat de Catalunya; marking the official start of three days of racing on the spectacular Comella DH course.

Action on the course during the first official training sessions

After the course walk inspection during Thursday evening, the athletes have ridden their bicycles for the first time for practice that has occupied the course activity for the entire day. Time to put into practice the conclusions reached yesterday, exploring limits and deciding lines. 

The best specialists have already ridden the course; a demanding 2.3 kilometre downhill with 411 metres of negative elevation. A complex course to offer a brutal show, with a technical section on its top half and very fast in its lower part. The terrain, drier than two weeks ago for the Spanish and Catalonian DH championships, has a series of jumps and berms. It also has some steep sections, offering the possibility to find alternative lines to be faster.

420 athletes form 28 countries that have filled the downhill European Championship’s paddock of colour and adrenaline. A large group of riders and national teams ready to achieve the best result in one of the most important weekends of the season.

Saturday promises to raise the heart rate. After another round of official practice, the timer will start the qualifying round at 13:45. The clock will determine the starting positions for Sunday's final, when the new European champions will be decided.

Activities for everyone

During the three days of competition, the village will remain open without interruption from 8:00 to 20:00, offering a  wide variety of services for all ages: food trucks, shaded and rest areas (canopies), a children's pumptrack and several recreational activities.

The programme will intensify during the weekend, both in terms of sport and entertainment. On Saturday 2nd of August, at 17:00, there will be a Tribute to the Catalan DH Riders, followed by the Estrella Damm concert with ‘El Kiwi’ at 17:30 and a DJ session by Uri Moner at 18:30, also sponsored by Estrella Damm. All activities will be free and open to the public.

The Spanish Government and the Generalitat de Catalunya lead the institutional support of this championship. The Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), body  dependent on the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport, the Departament d’Esports and the FGC agree that the organisation of the European Championships will reinforce Spain and Catalunya’s position as ideal place for mountain biking and a benchmark destination for cycling and mountain sports.