European Mountain Bike Championship 2025 in Melgaço confirms success and projects the region into Europe

The 2025 European Mountain Bike Championships took place from July 23rd to 27th at the Melgaço Training Center, and concluded with numbers that reflect the scale and impact of the event.

For five days, the town welcomed 32 nations, 323 athletes, and more than 275 staff members, recording an estimated 4,300 overnight stays in the region.

The organizational structure involved 40 local staff, 18 members of the European Cycling Union (UEC), 60 volunteers, and 10 commissaires, supported by permanent medical teams consisting of 3 doctors, 3 nurses, 11 ambulances, and 6 firefighters per day. To meet logistical needs, 1,600 meals and 700 snacks were served, and 5,520 bottles of water were consumed.

In terms of technology, 24 cameras, 12 km of cables, and 2 km of fiber ensured television transmission, bringing images of the race to millions of viewers across Europe.

 

The atmosphere throughout the days was marked by a strong public presence, who followed the races with enthusiasm, and by an organization that responded effectively to all challenges, ensuring safety and a high-level competitive pace.

 

Manoel Batista, Mayor of Melgaço, states: “Melgaço made history in European cycling. We once again showed the world that we have all the conditions to host major international events. We are proud of our territory, our people, and our ability to welcome visitors. I thank everyone who contributed to the success of this European Mountain Bike Championship. May this experience remain in everyone’s memory and be just the first of many others.”

 

Jorge Domingues, responsible for organizing the race, states: “Ten years of passion resulted in this great European Championship. It was ten years of ambition,
of continuous improvement, and a team that never stopped striving to surpass itself. This European Championship was exemplary and reflected the effort of everyone involved.“