Today’s news spans bold new events, from Tasmanian downhill with a record prize fund to Germany’s first city-downhill, alongside inaugural Classics and cutting-edge protective and trail innovations. Rider milestones and contract moves underscore how the sport is evolving on every front.
🏁 Competitions
Red Bull Cerro Abajo Stuttgart will host Germany’s first urban downhill on September 6, sending 35 international athletes down a 1.2 km course through Stuttgart’s Weißenburgpark to Wilhelmsplatz. Entry is free and the final runs will stream live on Red Bull TV, YouTube and SWR from 14:50 CEST. Source
Altebra MuurClassic Women debuted in Geraardsbergen over 114 km and multiple ascents of the cobbled Muur van Geraardsbergen, where Linda Riedmann (Lotto-Intermarché) outgunned Xaydée Van Sinaey and Eline Jansen in a reduced seven-rider sprint on the Vesten finish. Source
Beyond Gravity, a new downhill series launching in Tasmania in February 2027, guarantees a minimum prize purse of US $190,000 and rolls out a pioneering financial model to secure sustainable payouts and local revenue-sharing. Source
Meanwhile, product innovation continues to shape gear and trail development.
🚴 Products
POC’s VPD Max MTB knee and elbow protectors, certified EN1621-1 Level 2 for enduro and DH, feature heat-mouldable VPD foam in a slim shell for mobility and top-tier impact absorption, earning high marks for fit and performance in Vojo’s recent test. Source
Dyfi Bike Park in mid-Wales has unlocked over 700 ft of new summit elevation by adding two rider-built trails accessible only via e-MTB self-shuttles, with future phases set to link sectors via climbs and purpose-designed e-bike routes. Source
On the business front, partnerships and event models are reshaping how the sport operates.
💼 Business
Event promoters are piloting a new financial blueprint for mountain biking: Beyond Gravity in Tasmania secures a £190k minimum prize pool, shares revenue with host communities and attracts top athletes through guaranteed payouts and pro commentary. Source
Dyfi Bike Park is investing in e-MTB infrastructure—introducing summit-only trails, self-shuttle access and plans for e-bike-specific courses—signalling a strategic pivot in park operations to accommodate electric riders. Source
Erica Magnaldi has renewed with UAE Team L’IMAD through 2028—likely the final two years of her road career—citing the value of continuity, a second team ‘family’ and her role supporting Elisa Longo Borghini and Paula Blasi in the mountains. Source
Cédrine Kerbaol is reported to be joining Team SD Worx-Protime in 2027, departing EF Education-Oatly to link up with Lotte Kopecky, Lorena Wiebes and Mischa Bredewold in one of the Women’s WorldTour’s most formidable rosters. Source
And beyond boardrooms, riders continue to make headlines.
👥 Riders
After a 17-year career highlighted by two Giro d’Italia stage wins and a world-championship podium, Canyon SRAM stalwart Tiffany Cromwell retired from road racing at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and will now focus on gravel targets culminating in the UCI Worlds in Nannup. Source
Vojo’s MTB-News coordinator Moritz undertook the Tour de France’s ‘hardest’ stage in reverse—185 km, 5 576 m of climbing and three HC ascents (Croix de Fer, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez)—and shares insights on the physical demands and personal misogi challenge. Source
From frontier downhill prize pools to e-MTB summit trails, today’s digest highlights the sport’s expanding horizons and the people leading the charge. Tomorrow, look for more team announcements and seasonal wrap-ups as the calendar shifts into its final quarter.