As part of the Bike Festival in Leogang, nearly 150 children from nine countries gathered to celebrate the final stop of this year's series. The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was, as always, exuberant and friendly.

Unbelievable but true, the VPACE Kids Cup dates back to 2019. This was the sixth edition, and it's safe to say that the series is now firmly established. The level continues to rise, the races are always fully booked, and a real community has now formed among the parents. It is also noteworthy that the series is clearly producing young talents who are pursuing their racing careers in the Rookies Cup. The goal of promoting young talent in middle childhood has thus been achieved and is having an increasing impact.

It will be exciting to watch the kids' progress. The Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships currently feature some very interesting protagonists who could be seen achieving their first successes many years ago in the Rookies Cup, the former entry-level series. Now that there is also a series for even younger racers, these starting lists are likely to include names that will later cause a sensation on the big stage of downhill sport.

Leogang has been the season finale for the series for four years now, and this time it shone with perfect conditions. Sunshine and almost summery conditions guaranteed a relaxed atmosphere. The festival did the rest, as the many exhibitors and attractions ensured that it was anything but boring. Equally striking was the number of familiar faces from the scene who showed up in Leogang. Lukas Knopf also stopped by and addressed some inspiring words to the next generation. Overall, his short speech focused on the idea that everyone should just have fun on their bikes and the rest would follow naturally. Thank you very much, that's how we see it too!

The course in Leogang was certainly not too difficult, but it was once again thrilling. The kids had fun with the packed programme and once again demonstrated racing at the highest level. There were certainly a few spectators at the side of the track who would have loved to have their cycling skills. In the end, (almost) everyone was happy again, and some were even happy serial winners.

Finally, we would like to thank once again all those who supported the series, above all the title sponsor VPACE, the series sponsors MAXXIS, 3ESSEN, iXS, SR Suntour and GOBI - Gothaer Bildungsgesellschaft. We would also like to express our huge gratitude to the organising agency MTB Agency with Sabine, who could almost be considered the mother of the Kids Cup.

We are already looking forward to the next season, although one thing is clear: the level is constantly rising and the events are becoming increasingly demanding. We are working flat out on the venues and will certainly be able to deliver a race calendar that is at least as exciting as this year's. Over and out for 2025.

Racement

Results VPACE Kids Cup Leogang 2025