From September 19 to 21, 2025, the Planai will once again become the meeting point for the international downhill youth scene: the iXS International Rookies Championships will celebrate their fourth edition in Schladming – and at the same time mark a very special anniversary. Ten years ago, this format was created to give young riders the stage they deserve. As the unofficial World Championships for all age groups without official UCI titles, it has long since become the highlight of the mountain bike youth calendar.

In this anniversary year, an important change awaits: the Championships will no longer be part of the Rookies Cup but will be held as a standalone event. This puts the full spotlight on the prestigious titles at stake – and gives the kids and young riders an even bigger stage to shine.

Schladming – The Perfect Stage for the Rookies

With the Planai as the venue, there could hardly be a better stage. Schladming is not only a regular host of World Cups, European Cups, and youth races, but also one of the most popular bike parks in Europe. The legendary World Cup downhill track, with its drops, jumps, and root sections, is considered a true test of skill, courage, and endurance.

The race will be held on a shortened version of the World Cup track: about 1.5 kilometers in length and 354 meters of vertical drop challenge the rookies all the way down into the finish stadium. The final section over the famous finish slope makes the event especially exciting for spectators – roughly one third of the course can be viewed from there, creating a real race-day atmosphere.

Who’s at the Start?

The best young downhill riders in the world will travel to compete in the age categories from U11 to U17. More than 300 riders from over 25 nations are expected – all bringing their talent, passion, and plenty of action to the Ennstal.

For families, the event offers not only thrilling races but also the perfect setting: with its wide range of accommodations, leisure activities, and bike-friendly infrastructure, Schladming-Dachstein is the ideal destination for an end-of-season trip.

Fazit: Ein Pflichttermin für den Downhill-Nachwuchs

Die iXS International Rookies Championships 2025 sind mehr als nur ein Rennen – sie sind ein Sprungbrett für Talente und ein würdiger Saisonabschluss für die gesamte Downhill-Community. Wer die Zukunft des Sports hautnah erleben möchte, sollte sich das Wochenende in Schladming-Dachstein auf keinen Fall entgehen lassen.

We are excited to once again welcome the world’s best rookies together with BIKE SCHOOL PEKOLL and the Bike Club Schladming-Dachstein .

Partner & Sponsors

With partners and sponsors such as Bikepark Schladming, Region Schladming-Dachstein, Gemeinde Schladming, Energie Steiermark, Brauerei Schladming as well as the hotels Sporthotel Royer, Tui Blue, Die Barbara and Falkensteiner valuable regional institutions have once again been brought on board for the event.

Registration & Participation

👉 Online registration: July 22, 2025 (5:00 p.m.) until September 18, 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
👉 Entry fee: €65 plus fees

Important: At all Austrian races, participants without a UCI license must purchase insurance on site through the Austrian Cycling Federation. This is valid for a full year and costs €49 for Austrian residents. Riders whose main residence is in another European country and who are guests in Austria can obtain the Cycling Austria Member Card Guest, which costs €65 per year. Participants from non-European countries are required to hold a valid UCI license.

👉 Cycling Austria Member Card – for all with main residence in Austria
👉 Cycling Austria Member Card Guest – for all with main residence in another European country

In addition, all riders under the age of 18 without a valid UCI license must present a signed parental consent form when collecting their race number.

Race Program 2025

📆 Friday, September 19 – Track Walk, Free Training
📆 Saturday, September 20 – Official Training & Seeding Runs
📆 Sunday, September 21 – Free Training, International Rookie Championships

👉 Detailed Schedule

The race starts at the well-known Step Up jump below the main road and follows the World Cup Downhill track (black trail) all the way down into the Planai finish stadium.

Good to know

👉 All participants must complete two mandatory training runs from start to finish on Saturday.

The trails in Bikepark Schladming are considered among the most demanding and exciting downhill courses worldwide, promising a thrilling challenge for all athletes. For more information about the International Mountain Bike Downhill Race in Bikepark Schladming, please visit the official website: https://www.ixsdownhillcup.com/rennen/ixs-irc-schladming-dachstein-2

For general questions, information, and more, contact:

📧 👉 info@bikeschoolpekoll.com
☎ 👉 +43 664 165 8171

Foto-Credits © Racement – Sebastian Gruber

We look forward to seeing you there.

Let the good times roll – Your BIKE SCHOOL PEKOLL