British Cycling Gears Up for Thrilling 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

The anticipation is building as the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships prepare to kick off in Pal Arinsal, Andorra, from August 28 to September 1. British Cycling has announced a robust 39-member team representing the nation, including elite athletes, promising newcomers, and seasoned veterans who have made their mark on the international stage. Leading the charge for Great Britain is two-time Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, who steps into the spotlight following his recent Olympic gold at the Paris Games. Pidcock will compete in the highly competitive cross-country Olympic (XCO) category, joined by fellow Olympian Charlie Aldridge and national champion Cameron Orr. The trio represents a formidable presence in the elite men’s division, all eager to claim the coveted rainbow jersey. The elite women’s category promises its own excitement, with Evie Richards aiming to reclaim her title from 2021. She will line up alongside Annie Last, the current national champion and a silver medallist from the 2017 World Championships, and Isla Short, the Scottish national champion. Their participation adds depth to a competitive field, all intent on showcasing their skills on the world stage. One of the highlights of the championships will be the elite men’s downhill event, where reigning world champion Charlie Hatton will defend his title from last year’s competition in Fort William. Hot on his heels will be last year’s bronze medallist Laurie Greenland, along with previous world champions Reece Wilson and Danny Hart. Adding to the excitement, Bernard Kerr, fresh off multiple podium finishes at the Red Bull Hardline events this season, looks to assert himself among the elite. The women’s downhill event features five-time world medallist Tahnee Seagrave as a frontrunner, bolstered by Hattie Harnden, the national champion in enduro, and Louise-Anna Ferguson, who achieved a commendable fourth place in last year’s championship. Their performances in the 2024 World Cup series demonstrate their formidable capabilities, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The British squad is also represented in the under-23 and junior categories, nurturing the next generation of mountain biking talent. Notable names in the under-23 men’s division include Joseph Blackmore and Max Greensill, while the junior men’s team features Alex Hart and Innes McDonald, among others. The junior women’s squad includes Bethany-Ann Jackson and Madeline Moorhouse-Smith, key players in the future of the sport. Fans will have the opportunity to catch all the action live, as the BBC has confirmed live coverage of both the elite men’s and women’s events on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. While specific broadcast times are yet to be announced, viewers can look forward to an exhilarating weekend filled with high-stakes racing and the pursuit of glory. As the countdown to the championships continues, enthusiasm is palpable among the British cycling community. With a mix of experience, talent, and determination, the GB squad is poised to make a significant impact in Andorra, and spectators around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see who will emerge victorious in this prestigious event.