Men’s results - Round 1 - UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup Dushanbe (TJK)
1. Jakob Klemenčič (SLO)
2. Edvin Lindh (SWE)
3. Simon Gegenheimer (GER)
4. Ede-Karoly Molnar (ROU)
5. Theo Hauser (AUT)
Sukhopalova & Klemenčič shine in a spectacular season opener in Dushanbe
History was made in Dushanbe as the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup kicked off in Tajikistan, marking the nation’s first time hosting a world-class cycling event. It wasn’t just the start of a new season; it was the arrival of Tajikistan on the global stage. With the 43-meter-high Ismail Samani Monument as an impressive backdrop, the fast and technical course delivered an action-packed showdown that pushed the world’s best Eliminator riders to their limits and set the tone for the season ahead.
Mariia Sukhopalova surprises with early season success
The qualifying time trials gave the enthusiastic crowd in Dushanbe a true first impression of the Eliminator discipline, with their energy adding an extra layer of excitement and creating an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators. It was German champion Marion Fromberger who clocked the fastest time and impressed throughout the heats, making her the clear favourite heading into the big final.
But then Ukraine’s Mariia Sukhopalova made a stunning statement. After securing the second-fastest time, she powered through each heat and overtook Fromberger in the second lap with a decisive move. She kept pushing and went on to take her first-ever UCI World Cup win in what turned into an exciting battle with Fromberger, who couldn’t keep up with Sukhopalova’s pace in the final sprint. France’s Madison Boissiere put in a powerful ride to take a solid third place, and just behind her, Pan-American champion Iara Caetano Leite slipped out of the last corner to finish fourth. Dutch champion Didi de Vries won the small final and completed the top five.
Jakob Klemenčič claims his maiden UCI World Cup victory
In the men’s qualifying time trials, last year’s UCI World Cup winner Edvin Lindh impressed with the fastest time, marking a brilliant start to the season opener, and he was clearly the man to beat for the finals. Going into the finals, Edvin Lindh was leading the entire heat, and it looked like he was about to take the win. But the Slovenian champion Jakob Klemenčič was right on his wheel and pushed himself to the limit in an action-packed sprint towards the finish line. Germany’s Simon Gegenheimer, one of the most experienced riders in the field, secured third with a strong ride. Fourth place went to Ede-Karoly Molnar, who couldn’t make it back-to-back after winning last year’s season opener in Paris, while European Champion Theo Hauser won the small final and claimed fifth.
Finish line quotes
“I can’t believe I won today – I didn’t expect it. It’s a big surprise for me. I usually race XCO, but now I think I’ll focus even more on XCE. I’m looking forward to defending my jersey at the next round in Leuven.” – Mariia Sukhopalova
“The race was really tough. All the guys were super strong, especially Edvin Lindh. He was pushing hard at the front the whole time. But in the end, I had just a bit more power, and I managed to pass him in the sprint to take the win. I’m really happy. It would be amazing to win the overall someday, but my biggest goal this season is the UCI World Championships – I really want that rainbow jersey. I had a great time in Dushanbe. The nature is incredible, with so many mountains, the city is beautiful, and the people are very welcoming.” – Jakob Klemenčič
With a short break before the next round of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup in Leuven, Belgium, riders now turn their focus to another fast and technical course, where the standings could shift once again in what’s shaping up to be an intense season.
Women’s results - Round 1 - UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup Dushanbe (TJK)
1. Mariia Sukhopalova (UKR)
2. Marion Fromberger (GER)
3. Madison Boissiere (FRA)
4. Iara Caetano Leite (BRA)
5. Didi de Vries (NED)
Men’s standings UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup after Dushanbe
1. Jakob Klemenčič (SLO) – 102 points
2. Edvin Lindh (SWE) – 100 points
3. Simon Gegenheimer (GER) – 75 points
4. Ede-Karoly Molnar (ROU) – 60 points
5. Theo Hauser (AUT) – 55 points
Women’s standings UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup after Dushanbe
1. Mariia Sukhopalova (UKR) – 110 points
2. Marion Fromberger (GER) – 100 points
3. Madison Boissiere (FRA) – 75 points
4. Iara Caetano Leite (BRA) – 62 points
5. Didi de Vries (NED) – 48 points
