The opening round of the 2025 Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Brazil aimed to implement a new format reducing race podiums from five riders to three. While the women's race adhered to the new protocol, the men's elite podium showcased a surprising act of rebellion. The top three finishers welcomed fourth and fifth-place riders onto the podium, igniting cheers from the audience. This decision came after over 120 riders expressed their opposition to the UCI's changes, emphasizing discontent over how swiftly it was rolled out.
"That's our podium, that's our decision," said a later instagram post by Forster and his Thömus maxon team manager Ralph Naf alongside a picture of the five on the podium.
Broadly supported rider opposition to the plan for a cut to the long-standing five-rider podium was brought to prominence in the public arena when last week more than 120 riders, including the entire top 30 of the men and women, delivered a statement firmly objecting to the change and the way it was implemented despite their clear opposition.
However, the men's elite XCO podium took a different turn... as the top three riders... soon shuffled over to make room for fourth-placed Lars Forster and fifth-placed Nino Schurter.
The official proceedings for the women's elite XCO race... went off in line with the new three-rider podium protocol as awards and the champagne sprays were televised earlier on Sunday.
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