Over 120 Top XC Racers and 10 World Series Teams Demand Return of Five-Rider Podiums in 2025
Words by Beka Stephan 
The mountain biking community is rallying for the reinstatement of the five-rider podium, a tradition deeply embedded in the sport’s history. More than 120 of the world’s top cross-country (XC) racers and 10 World Series teams have issued a formal statement urging Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to reverse its recent decision and restore five-rider podiums for the 2025 season.
Why the Five-Rider Podium Matters
Unlike many other sports that recognize only three top finishers, elite XCO and downhill mountain biking have long celebrated the top five competitors. This longstanding tradition has played a crucial role in:
- Providing greater recognition and career-boosting opportunities for athletes.
- Expanding visibility for teams and sponsors.
- Strengthening the competitive landscape by supporting developing riders and smaller teams.
A major rule change announced at the end of 2024 reduced podiums to just three riders, sparking widespread backlash from athletes, teams, and fans. Critics argue that this move threatens the sport’s growth, particularly for emerging talent who rely on podium appearances for sponsorship and financial sustainability.
Athletes Speak Out Against Podium Reduction
Leading the opposition is elite XCO racer and UCI rider representative Rebecca Henderson. In an official statement addressed to WBD, Henderson and fellow athletes have highlighted the critical importance of the five-rider podium, emphasizing its role in fostering competition and ensuring media exposure.
Athletes have also voiced frustration over the lack of consultation before implementing the change. Many believe that reducing the podium size will weaken the sport’s foundation and limit opportunities for up-and-coming riders.
The Broader Impact on Mountain Biking
The five-rider podium extends beyond individual accolades—it’s a key element of mountain biking’s ecosystem. Many fear that fewer podium spots will:
- Reduce media coverage and exposure for athletes.
- Hinder sponsorship opportunities for smaller teams.
- Narrow the pathway for developing talent in the sport.
While opposition to the rule change is strong, the XC community is advocating for a constructive approach. Rather than resorting to direct action, such as last year’s high-profile rider strike at Crankworx Rotorua, athletes are prioritizing open dialogue with WBD to safeguard the integrity of the sport.
A Call to Action: Restoring Tradition for the 2025 Season
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the message from the mountain biking world is clear: the five-rider podium is not just a tradition—it’s an essential part of the sport’s identity. Athletes, teams, and fans are urging WBD to listen to the community and reinstate this historic format to preserve the future of mountain biking.
Recently fellow Downhill Mountain Bike Athletes showed support to the XC races by joining forces in supporting their statements with Miriam Nicole a others sharing the below statement:
Stay updated on the latest developments and join the conversation by following #BringBackTheFive, following Womensmtbnetwork on instagram, and engaging with the movement on social media.