Mountain biking is a sport that combines technique, endurance and adrenaline, attracting millions of enthusiasts around the world. With its roots in the 1970s, it has evolved into an Olympic sport and continues to grow in popularity. Today we’re going to meet the biggest names in mountain biking today and learn more about the sport!
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The sport’s leading names, both on the international scene and in Brazil, are constantly raising the level of competition.
With the 2024 Olympic Games approaching, it is hoped that mountain biking will continue to capture the imagination of sports fans and inspire new generations of riders.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in mountain biking today are!
Biggest names in Mountain Biking: historical context
Mountain biking, also known as MTB, is a sport that combines adventure and adrenaline and emerged as a branch of traditional cycling.
The origins of mountain biking date back to the 1970s, when cyclists in California, USA, began adapting bikes for off-road routes, tackling rough terrain and natural trails.
These pioneers, including the likes of Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze and Charlie Kelly, are considered the founders of MTB.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in mountain biking today are!
The popularity of mountain biking grew rapidly, leading to the creation of competitions and the development of specific bikes for the sport.
In 1990, the International Cycling Union (UCI) organized the first Mountain Bike World Championships, solidifying the sport on the global sports scene.
In 1996, mountain biking was included in the Atlanta Olympic Games, marking its Olympic debut.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in mountain biking today are!
Today’s biggest names in mountain biking: rules and disciplines
Mountain biking has several disciplines, including Cross-Country (XC), Downhill (DH), and Enduro, each with its own rules and characteristics:
Cross-Country (XC)
This is the Olympic discipline of mountain biking. The races are held on closed circuits with climbs, descents and natural obstacles. Competitors must complete several laps and the winner is the first to cross the finish line.
Downhill (DH)
It involves descending steep and technical trails in the shortest possible time. Cyclists descend one at a time and the winner is the one with the shortest time.
Enduro
It combines elements of XC and DH, with several timed stages on technical descents and liaison sections that are not timed.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in mountain biking today are!
Biggest names in Mountain Bike Cycling (Men – World)
Nino Schurter (Switzerland)
Considered one of the greatest mountain bikers of all time, Schurter is a multiple world and Olympic champion in the Cross-Country discipline.
Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)
Although also a cyclocross and road racer, van der Poel is a strong mountain bike competitor with several important victories.
Loïc Bruni (France)
Dominant in Downhill, Bruni is a multiple world champion and a benchmark in the discipline.
Biggest names in Mountain Bike Cycling (Women – World)
Jolanda Neff (Switzerland)
One of the most versatile cyclists, Neff is a Cross-Country world champion and a strong marathon competitor.
Kate Courtney (USA)
World Cross-Country Champion, Courtney is one of the leading athletes on the international scene.
Myriam Nicole (France)
An outstanding Downhill competitor, Nicole is a world champion and one of the most respected cyclists in the sport.
Biggest names in Mountain Biking (Men – Brazil)
Henrique Avancini
The leading name in Brazilian mountain biking, Avancini is a marathon world champion and has won several international cross-country competitions.
Luiz Henrique Cocuzzi
A promising Brazilian mountain biker, Cocuzzi has excelled in national and international competitions.
Biggest names in Mountain Biking today (Women – Brazil)
Raiza Goulão
One of Brazil’s leading cyclists, Goulão competes in Cross-Country and has represented the country in several international competitions.
Jaqueline Mourão
A veteran of the sport, Mourão competes in several cycling disciplines, including mountain biking, and has an outstanding career.
Athletes with a chance of medaling at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
For the 2024 Olympic Games, some athletes are considered favorites for medals in mountain biking:
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland): always a strong candidate in Cross-Country.
- Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands): if he focuses on MTB, he will be one of the main contenders.
- Kate Courtney (USA): expected to be a strong competitor in the women’s Cross-Country.
- Henrique Avancini (Brazil): With his consistent performance, Avancini has a good chance of winning a medal for Brazil.
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