Balgarianovinite.com A total of 306 riders from 26 countries will arrive in Sofia for the 2026 UEC MTB Downhill European Championships, one of the most anticipated events on the mountain biking calendar.
The championships will take place from August 14 to 16, with Sofia and Vitosha Mountain as hosts. Some of the biggest names in the sport will line up on the Vitoshko Lale track.
In the Men Elite category, French rider Thibaut Daprela, known for his aggressive style and multiple World Cup victories, will be among those competing for the European title. He will be joined by Remi Thirion (France), an experienced rider with World Championship podium finishes on some of the world’s most demanding tracks. Other top contenders include fan favourite Philip Atwill (UK), renowned for his spectacular riding, and German national champion Max Hartenstern.
The women’s event is also expected to be highly competitive, with the battle for gold likely to feature Italian riders Eleonora Farina and Veronika Widmann, both regular World Cup medallists and members of the global top 10.
The home championship is a strong opportunity for Bulgaria’s national team. The squad includes established riders Stamen Markov, Stivian Gatev, Valentin Tenev, Yordan Donev and Denitsa Tosheva, as well as young talents Ivan Gavazov, Kamen Hristov and Asparuh Sokolov, who will compete against Europe’s best with the support of local fans.
The Vitoshko Lale track features a newly built final section meeting international UEC and UCI standards for top-level competitions. Dedicated spectator zones will be available along the course, allowing fans to watch the most spectacular sections of the race.
The championship is organized jointly by the Bulgarian Cycling Federation and the European Cycling Union (UEC), with Vitosha Ski AD serving as host and the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Sofia Municipality and the Sofia – European Capital of Sport Foundation.
“The scale of the event and the presence of the world elite are a great recognition for Bulgarian cycling. We have prepared excellent conditions and invite all sports and mountain enthusiasts to come to Vitosha, support the Bulgarian riders and be part of this sporting celebration,” the organizing committee said.
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