UCI cancels eMTB XC World Cup after discipline fails to meet 'growth objectives'

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced the cancellation of the eMTB Cross-Country World Cup series, effective immediately. Citing a failure to meet "growth objectives," the governing body has pulled the plug on the discipline, which has been part of the World Cup calendar since its inception in 2019. This decision marks a definitive end to the UCI's formal backing of competitive electric mountain biking at its highest level, leaving riders and teams without a dedicated international series.

This abrupt cessation highlights the persistent struggle of eMTB racing to gain traction within the professional cycling landscape. Despite initial enthusiasm and the undeniable rise of e-bikes in the recreational market, the competitive format never truly captured the imagination of fans, sponsors, or traditional mountain bike athletes. Its inclusion often felt like an experimental appendage rather than an integrated discipline, a perception reinforced by its limited appeal and the relatively small start lists compared to conventional XC.

Ultimately, the UCI's "growth objectives" likely translated to a lack of commercial viability and spectator engagement. One might say the plug was pulled before the battery could truly charge.