2021 UCI MTB World Championships Preview

Twelve Australians will line up in their bid for the rainbow jersey in Downhill, Cross-Country Olympic and E-MTB Cross-Country at the UCI MTB World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy starting Wednesday 25th August.

It’s been 13 years since the venue hosted a full World Championship.

That year Australia would claim only one medal, after reigning world downhill champ Sam Hill who was on track for the gold after being up at every split, crashed on the final corner but still managed to secure the bronze.

Aussie Riders DH

In the elite men, six green and gold kits will be racing down the famous Black Snake course over 2.4km which is also known for being one of the most technically demanding downhill tracks in the world.

Troy Brosnan (SA) claimed a silver medal two years ago at the World Championships in Mont Sainte Anne before an 8th at last year’s mudfest in Leogang.

Connor Fearon (SA), Dean Lucas (VIC), Kye A’Hern (ACT) and Luke Meier-Smith (NSW) will also front up for their shot at World Championship glory.

Michael Hannah (QLD) will be competing at his 18th World Championships having featured on the podium three times (2017, 2013, 2009).

In the junior men, Remy Meier-Smith (NSW) and Oliver Davis (VIC) come into the championships in form with a fourth and ninth at the last round of the World Cup.

Aussie Riders XCO

In the Cross-Country Olympic, to be held on Saturday 28th August, Rebecca McConnell (ACT) will be out to continue her impressive form at a World Championships after two consecutive bronze medals.

McConnell is currently 4th in the overall rankings and finished seventh the last time the Italian venue hosted a World Cup in 2019. She will also line up in the Cross-Country Short Track on Thursday 26th.

Daniel McConnell (ACT) will be the lone Aussie in the elite men’s field as he chases another top 20 performance, while Cameron Wright (QLD) lines up for his first World Championship tilt in the Under 23 field.

Josh Carlson will fly the Aussie flag in the E-MTB cross-country on Friday 27th August.

The XC course will feature a 4 km circuit with 190 meters of elevation gain around the Val di Sole Bike Park.

SBS On Demand, Kayo Sports and UCI will stream the following events:

• XCC at 12:45am (AEST) Friday 27th
• XCO Women – 20:40pm (AEST) Saturday 28th
• XCO Men – 23:25pm (AEST) Saturday 28th
• DH Men – 22:30pm (AEST) Sunday 29th

Event Schedule