IMG 0142 Viktor Barnabas LR

Theo Hauser and Gaia Tormena claim European XCE titles in Gibraltar

Under sunny skies and set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, the 2024 UEC Mountain Bike Eliminator European Championships unfolded in action-packed racing with fierce competition.

IMG 0124 Viktor Barnabas LR

Theo Hauser and Gaia Tormena claim European XCE titles in Gibraltar

The historical significance of the location, at the very edge of Europe, turned up the heat in the competition, creating a windy yet unforgettable atmosphere for the European Championships. Dominating the challenging course, Theo Hauser and Gaia Tormena powered to victory, claiming the titles of European Champions.

IMG 0156 Viktor Barnabas LR

Theo Hauser makes history for Austria

The men’s qualifying time trials were fiercely contested, with Sweden’s Edvin Lindh clocking the fastest time and setting the bar high for the rest of the field. However, it was the Austrian champion Theo Hauser who ultimately stole the spotlight in the finals, beating two former European champions to claim his first-ever UEC European Championship title.

The men’s final was a tense and action-packed contest, with last year’s European champion Ede Molnár of Romania, and Slovenian rider Jakob Klemencic, both chasing another title. Hauser, in excellent form, after a stellar season that included his first UCI World Cup win in Leuven and a 6th place finish at the UCI World Championships, powered through the final lap to secure a historic victory for Austria. Klemencic finished just behind Hauser to take silver, while Molnár settled for bronze. Despite a strong start to the day, Sweden’s Edvin Lindh had to settle for fourth place after exhausting his reserves in the semi-finals.

The German champion Louis Krauss won the small finals after an intense battle with Simon Gegenheimer to take fifth place and complete the top five.

IMG 0086 Viktor Barnabas LR

Gaia Tormena dominates for sixth consecutive title

In the women’s competition, Gaia Tormena once again proved why she is the queen of eliminator racing. Tormena set the fastest time in the qualifying time trials and continued to dominate throughout the heats, ultimately delivering another outstanding performance in the finals. The Italian superstar soloed to her sixth consecutive European title.

Denmark’s Line Mygdam fought hard to secure the silver medal, holding off a strong challenge from Constantina Georgiou of Cyprus, who claimed bronze. France’s Madison Boissiere finished in fourth place, while Dutch champion Didi de Vries, who performed well in the semi-finals, rounded out the top five.

IMG 0094 Viktor Barnabas LR

Finish line quotes

“This is an unbelievable moment for me. To win here at such an iconic location, and against so many talented riders, is something I’ll never forget. This season has been fantastic for me, and taking the European title is the perfect way to wrap it up. I’m proud to fly the flag for Austria and can’t wait to wear this jersey next season!” – Theo Hauser

“I’m thrilled to take my sixth title. Every win feels special, and this one means a lot. The Rock of Gibraltar was an amazing place to race, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the season. After such a demanding year, I think it’s time for a well-deserved break!” – Gaia Tormena

Full results

Women’s results - UEC Mountain Bike Eliminator European Championships - Gibraltar

1. Gaia Tormena (ITA)
2. Line Mygdam (DEN)
3. Constantina Georgiou (CYP)
4. Madison Boissiere (FRA)
5. Didi de Vries (NED)

Men’s results - UEC Mountain Bike Eliminator European Championships - Gibraltar

1. Theo Hauser (AUT)
2. Jakob Klemencic (SLO)
3. Ede Molnar (ROU)
4. Edvin Lindh (SWE)
5. Louis Krauss (GER)

Don't miss out on the action!

Sign up for our newsletter.

We care about your data. Read our privacy policy.

Official partners