2025 European MTB Championships: Pidcock and Rissveds set the pace in Melgaço

From July 23rd to 27th, the Portuguese town of Melgaço hosted the 2025 European Mountain Bike Championships, with the Olympic Cross-Country (XCO) and Short Track (XCC) events taking center stage. With Europe’s top riders in attendance across Elite, U23, and Junior categories, the event delivered dominant performances, historic double wins, and the rise of a new generation of talent.

Pidcock and Rissveds dominate the XCO

In the main event of the weekend, the XCO, all eyes were on Tom Pidcock and Jenny Rissveds—and neither disappointed. The British rider delivered a masterclass in pacing and power. Starting further back in the pack, he picked off rivals lap after lap and crossed the line solo, 37 seconds ahead of compatriot Charlie Aldridge. It was Pidcock’s second European title, following his 2022 win in Munich.

On the women’s side, Rissveds took control early and never looked back. She gradually extended her lead to finish more than a minute ahead of Evie Richards, claiming her first European XCO title in dominant fashion.

In the U23 and Junior categories, Adrien Boichis and Valentina Corvi took gold, while Anatol Friedl and Anja Grossmann stood out among the juniors.

XCO 2025 Results

Explosive racing in the Short Track

Friday’s XCC races brought fast and furious action. In the men’s elite event, Switzerland’s Luca Schätti pulled off a surprise victory, beating Thomas Litscher and Adrien Boichis in a tight finish.

Jenny Rissveds was again in a league of her own, taking the win in the women’s elite short track with a 3-second gap. In the junior races, Friedl added another gold to his collection, while Slovenia’s Maruša Šerkezi controlled her race from start to finish.

XCC 2025 Results

Standout riders of the weekend

Jenny Rissveds was the undisputed star of the championships, winning both XCC and XCO in commanding fashion. Anatol Friedl also completed a perfect weekend, taking both junior titles with smart, tactical racing.

Adrien Boichis collected a gold and a bronze in U23 and elite races respectively, while Maruša Šerkezi and Federico Brafa each stood on the podium twice in the junior categories.

The new generation is here

Several young riders made their mark in Melgaço. Albert Withen Philipsen, just 18 years old, claimed silver in the men’s U23 XCO, pushing Boichis to the limit. Charlie Aldridge led the elite men’s race for several laps and ended up with a well-earned silver behind Pidcock.

In the women’s junior field, Anja Grossmann and Maruša Šerkezi put in mature, confident performances that hint at bright futures.

Most decorated riders of Melgaço 2025

Elite champions of recent years

Here’s a look back at the XCO elite champions of the past decade:

Youngest and fastest elite champions

• The youngest men’s XCO elite winner: Mathieu van der Poel, aged 24 in 2019.

• Youngest women’s XCO elite winner: Loana Lecomte, aged 21 in 2020.

• Fastest XCC elite women’s time: Jenny Rissveds (17:56, Melgaço 2025).

• Fastest XCC elite men’s time: Luca Schätti (18:18, Melgaço 2025).

Final thoughts

The 2025 European Championships in Melgaço proved that the balance between experience and youth in European MTB is stronger than ever. While Tom Pidcock and Jenny Rissveds reminded everyone why they’re at the top, rising stars like Friedl, Philipsen, Corvi and Šerkezi made it clear that the next generation is ready to compete at the highest level.

With thrilling races, breakout performances, and a packed podium, Melgaço delivered everything fans could ask for. At MTBDATA.com, we’ll continue to follow the numbers, the riders, and the stories behind every race.