Today's Cross-Country races in Huskvarna (Sweden) marked the end of the 2024 edition of MTB Youth European Championships (Under 15 and Under 17), in which 766 girls and boys from 28 countries took part.
Switzerland topped the medals table with 5 gold medals (out of the 14 at stake), 3 silver and 1 bronze, ahead of France (3 gold and 2 bronze) and Czechia (2, 4 e 2).
France has thus confirmed its position as a benchmark for Off-Road racing, including at youth level, with some particularly interesting individuals such as Noa Filippi, winner of the Short Track Under 15-17, the Cross-Country 16 and the Team Relay with his own team. Switzerland's Anja Grossmann, who had already won two titles last year, won the Cross-Country 16 and the Short Track Under 15-16, as well as the silver medal in the Team Relay.
The performance of the very young Danish Mejdal Esther Haaning who, in her first year in the category, won the Short Track 13-14 and Cross-Country 13 events, also attracted attention.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: "This event is one of the highlights of our calendar, a real celebration of cycling for young people and their families.
The atmosphere during the five days of intense competition perfectly reflected the essence of youth sport, interpreted as a fun activity focused on human and physical development. The large number of participants confirms that the initiative to propose a Championships for the Under 17s may have been visionary a few years ago, but today it is proving to be exactly right.
This event not only helps to promote cycling among young people but also reinforces our sport’s fundamental values. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the organisers, led by Tobias Andresson whose professionalism and passion made this competition a success, as well as the Swedish Cycling Federation and its President, Stefhan Klang, who has played a very important role in the preparation and management of the event.
In a year's time, we'll be back in Huskvarna - Jönköping, at the Arena Hallby, and we are already looking forward to coming back.
The next edition of the MTB Youth European Championships will take place in Huskvarna - Jönköping, at Arena Hallby from 5 to 9 August 2025.
