Marine Cabirou's Bronze Victory at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

Mountain Biking Glory in Valais: Marine Cabirou Shines

The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships recently concluded in the breathtaking Valais region of Switzerland, drawing top riders from across the globe for an exhilarating two weeks of competitive racing. Among the standout performances was Monster Energy’s own Marine Cabirou, who clinched the bronze medal in the Elite Women's Downhill race at the iconic Champéry bike park.

Held from September 6-7, this championship marked a significant return to Champéry, where the challenging downhill track had not witnessed a world-class event for more than ten years. Known for its steep inclines and treacherous curves, the course presented an arduous test for all competitors. Compounding the difficulties was the inclement weather, which unleashed rain just before the event—a true challenge for even the most seasoned riders.

Cabirou, a 28-year-old from Millau, France, was already a favorite heading into the race, having recently finished second at the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets, France. Her previous season had been tumultuous due to a serious injury sustained during a World Cup qualifying event in Andorra. However, her determination to compete shone through as she prepared herself for Valais, eager to reclaim her status on the podium.

The Elite Women’s final was anything but predictable. As Cabirou navigated the tricky terrains, she initially struggled in the early sections of the course, which set her back on the timelines. However, she summoned every ounce of her competitive spirit and charged through the latter parts of the track, managing to secure a total race time of 328.227 seconds—just a mere 1.091 seconds behind the race winner.

“I’m thrilled to have placed third at the World Championships!” Cabirou expressed shortly after finishing. Reflecting on the challenging conditions, she remarked, “The weekend was quite difficult with all the rain, making the course nearly unrideable. I opted to do enough practice runs to familiarize myself with the track, and when the weather subsided, I was able to up my speed. I gave it my all and am delighted to stand proudly on that podium!”

In a bittersweet moment, fellow competitor Camille Balanche, a 35-year-old Swiss rider, completed her last race in sixth place, ending her illustrious career at the World Championships. Known for her fierce, competitive spirit, Balanche made a remarkable impact on the sport since turning professional in 2017. Her achievements included securing the 2019 European Championship title and the 2020 Downhill World Championship at Leogang. As she prepares to retire, she expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey, stating, “I feel so lucky to finish my last Worlds at home.”

The men’s final saw139 world-class competitors, with 21-year-old Jordan Williams from Great Britain narrowly missing the podium, finishing fourth. His compatriot, Loris Vergier, took fifth place, showcasing the intense competition prevalent throughout the event.

The excitement doesn’t end here, as the mountain biking season continues with the upcoming 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup at Bike Kingdom Park in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, scheduled for September 18-21. Fans of mountain biking should stay tuned for what promises to be another thrilling series of races.

For those looking to catch more action or to follow the stellar careers of athletes like Marine Cabirou, Jordan Williams, and Camille Balanche, be sure to visit Monster Energy's official site or follow them on various social media platforms for the latest updates on the 2025 mountain biking season.

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About Monster Energy: Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is not just an energy drink brand but a lifestyle that champions extreme sports and the culture surrounding them. With a commitment to authenticity and support for athletes and musicians alike, Monster Energy continues to carve its niche as a major player in the energy drink industry.