The 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole bring the world's elite together. What recreational riders can learn from the pros' setups and riding style for their own trails.
After the Olympic Games, the Mountain Bike World Championships are the most important event on the mountain bike calendar. According to reports by Cyclingnews, the World Championships will take place from 26 to 30 August in Val di Sole, Italy. There, the world's best riders will compete against each other in the Cross-Country Olympic, Cross-Country Short Circuit and Downhill disciplines. Well-known names such as Mathieu van der Poel, Tom Pidcock, Puck Pieterse, Isabella Holmgren, as well as defending champions Alan Hatherly, Valentina Hoell and Victor Koretzky will be there.
Even though the tracks in Val di Sole are extremely steep and technically demanding, the pros' approach can easily be applied to your own home trails. When it comes to line choice in downhill and cross-country, it is all about looking ahead. Pros use practice sessions intensively to test different lines and find the smoothest route. For you, this means: if in doubt, ride a section slowly first instead of charging in blindly. Pay attention to how obstacles can be bypassed or actively used as a jump to carry momentum.
The extreme conditions at a World Championship also show how important the right equipment setup is. Pros adjust their tyre pressure and suspension elements precisely to the ground conditions. Too high a tyre pressure leads to a loss of control on slippery roots or loose gravel, while suspension that is too soft bottoms out in fast compressions. For your own trail adventures, it is worth experimenting with tyre pressure and optimising your stance on the bike to remain stable in every situation.
The pros demonstrate absolute bike control on the tough tracks of Val di Sole, but are always optimally protected. When you are testing your limits with new challenges, steeper descents or your first bike park visit, you should not compromise on protective gear. A well-fitting helmet and pads give you the necessary confidence to focus fully on your technique.
Your takeaway: Watch the pros' line choice at the World Championships and try to look ahead on your home trails to choose the smoothest instead of the most direct line.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.