An independent report published by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), compiled by the professional services firm EY, has quantified the substantial positive impact of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships on the host region of Valais, Switzerland.
Held from 30 August to 14 September, the event was a landmark occasion, uniting nearly all major mountain bike disciplines into a single, two-week festival of cycling. The championships saw 1,135 elite athletes from 60 nations compete for 27 coveted UCI World Champion titles.
Substantial Economic Impact
The EY analysis confirms the event was a powerful economic driver for the canton:
Economic Activity: Generated CHF 19.3 million in economic activity for Valais.
Employment: Supported the equivalent of 228 full-time jobs.
Visitor Spending: Spectators spent an estimated CHF 6 million directly with local businesses, providing a significant boost to the regional economy.
The event attracted a total attendance of 110,000, drawing 48,500 unique spectators to the eight competition venues. This influx included 31,000 visitors from outside Valais, comprising 23,000 from other Swiss regions and 8,000 international visitors.
Global Media Reach and High Visitor Satisfaction
The 2025 Championships achieved exceptional visibility and reception:
Global Broadcast: Reached a cumulative television audience of 57.3 million across 38 countries, with 1,617 hours of broadcast time.
Digital Engagement: Garnered 83.1 million social media impressions and 104 million video views across various platforms.
Visitor Approval: 86% of spectators reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their experience.
Destination Marketing: The event powerfully enhanced Valais’s profile as a premier holiday destination, with 76% of international visitors and 79% of national visitors stating they would recommend the canton for a vacation.
Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusion
The event was designed and executed with a strong emphasis on environmental and social responsibility:
Renewable Energy: 90% of energy consumed was sourced from the local grid and renewable sources, with innovative battery systems piloted in three destinations.
Waste Management: 99% of tableware used was reusable and biodegradable, and 100% of competition sites were cleaned and restored post-event.
Accessible Transport: 59% of spectators utilized sustainable transport, including public transport (43%) and bicycles (16%).
Inclusive Access: 100% of competition finish zones were accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Community Access: 75% of the competitions were offered free to the public.
A Lasting Sporting Legacy
The championships have cemented a long-term sporting legacy in Valais, building on initiatives such as the Valais Cycling Academy. This foundation has already supported 52 athletes since its creation in 2023. The region has also witnessed a remarkable 45% increase in women’s participation in cycling activities and a 130% surge in youth membership within local cycling clubs over the past five years.
The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships successfully combined world-class sport with tangible economic benefits, environmental stewardship, and a profound positive legacy for the community of Valais.