David Valero: The Giant Who Dominates Spanish XCO

Few figures in international MTB command as much respect as David Valero. Not just because of his 1.89 meters of height —which certainly helps—, but for his career, consistency, and his way of racing: with intelligence, strength, and a level of regularity few can match.

Born in Baza (Granada) in 1988, Valero has built a career that has taken him from the Andalusian trails to the world’s top podiums. And while many know him for his bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, his résumé is full of achievements worth telling.

From Baza to the World

Valero has been competing at the highest level for over a decade. His first major international breakthrough came in 2013, but it was in 2015 when he made it clear he wasn’t just there to participate: he won his first Spanish XCO National Championship title and hasn’t stopped winning since.

Over the years, he has ridden for teams like MMR and BH Templo Cafés, eventually becoming the undisputed leader of the current BH Coloma Team. In an era where many riders rise and vanish quickly, David has made consistency his trademark.

The Olympic Podium That Changed Everything

But if there is one image that will remain forever in the collective memory of Spanish MTB, it is Valero crossing the finish line at the Tokyo Olympics, arms raised in triumph and emotion. No one expected him to reach the podium that day—no one except himself. He waited for the right moment, read the race perfectly, and executed a legendary comeback to claim the bronze. He followed in the footsteps of Carlos Coloma, who had also claimed bronze at Rio 2016, and joined José Antonio Hermida in the elite club of Spanish Olympic XCO medalists.

Snowshoe 2022: His Big World Cup Victory

A year later, in Snowshoe (USA), Valero claimed his first-ever XCO World Cup victory. On a muddy, technical, and extremely demanding course, he set his pace, held off the attacks, and broke away solo on the final lap. He won with authority—like true champions do. That victory confirmed what many already knew: Valero wasn’t just consistent—he could also beat the best in the world.

Silver in the Marathon World and European Championships

In 2024, Valero added two major podiums in the marathon discipline (XCM) to his already impressive career.

He secured second place at the European Championships in Laissac, France, after an intense battle for the win.

Later that year, he finished third at the XCM World Championships in Snowshoe, showing once again his ability to perform in long-distance, high-demand races.

These achievements confirm that Valero is not only a top XCO specialist, but also a versatile rider capable of reaching the podium in the most prestigious MTB events across disciplines.

Ten-Time Spanish National Champion

While he collected international wins, he also dominated at home, amassing ten Spanish XCO National Championship titles. From 2015 to 2025, only in 2016 did the title slip away. Since then, he has been unbeatable. His latest victory in 2025 was especially emotional—he won in Baza, his hometown, on a course he knows like the back of his hand.

His Spanish XCO National Titles:

More Than a Champion

But beyond titles, medals, or UCI points, David Valero represents a different approach to this sport. One built on constant hard work. On never giving up. On quietly training every day—rain or shine—without needing the spotlight.

Today, at 36 years old, he remains competitive at the highest level, leads his team, inspires younger riders, and proudly represents Spain around the globe. And while many wonder how much longer he’ll continue, he answers clearly in every race: I’ve still got plenty of gas in the tank.