The 2025 Mountain Bike World Championships are well underway, and Maxxis athletes have been battling for the prize everyone wants most, the rainbow jersey of the World Champion. Currently being held in Valais, Switzerland, the World Championships feature courses that have been described as some of the toughest and gnarliest tracks many riders have seen, putting their skills to the ultimate test.  

Kicking off World Champs week were the enduro races. The weather became a major factor during the races with rain making the course even more challenging. The technical, steep, muddy courses created drama throughout the day.  

Day 1 saw Slawomir Lukasik of Poland taking the lead by 2.5s over fellow Yeti/Fox Enduro teammate and American Richie Rude. The two continued to battle it out on Day 2; however, a crash on Stage 3 for Lukasik put him behind Rude. Rude managed to maintain his lead until the end, claiming the World Championship title with Lukasik in second place.  

Rounding out the podium was young Canadian Elliot Jamieson, of Commencal/7Mesh, making it a Maxxis podium sweep of the Men’s Elite Enduro World Championships. Some honorable mentions were 2024 World Champion Alex Rudeau (Commencal Bikes) of France, who finished fourth on the day, and Jesse Melamed (Canyon) of Canada who finished sixth, giving Maxxis five of the top six spots. 

On the Women’s side, Ella Connolly of Great Britain lined up after sitting out of racing for the past six weeks due to fatigue. Ella came in hungry for a win, and Day 1 saw her taking the lead over her competitors. Early on Day 2, however, her health issues caught up with her, and she unfortunately fell slightly behind competitor Elly Hoskin of Canada.  

Ella still managed to hold on for second overall in the World Championships, a win for Maxxis considering the battles she’s faced off the bike so far this season. Rounding out the top five, Barca Vojta (Commencal Bikes) of the Czech Republic rode a solid fifth place overall after having a baby just last year.  

Finally, on the Junior Side, the girls of Yeti/Fox Devo team did an outstanding job with Lacey Adams of Australia earning fourth overall and Chloe Bear of the US rounding out the top five.