MONT-SAINTE-ANNE MTB WORLD CUP: A MEMORABLE EDITION THAT WON EVERYONE OVER!

© Jean-Baptiste Bonavant

Mont-Sainte-Anne, Beaupré, October 9, 2024 – The 29th Mont-Sainte-Anne Mountain Bike World Cup wrapped up this Sunday with resounding success. The crowd, estimated at 55,000 visitors, flocked to the mountain for a weekend of festivities, showing that this international event remains as popular and appreciated as ever. The innovations introduced in various aspects, from course design to the creation of ticketed spectator zones, as well as enhanced food services and on-site facilities, were a hit. The stage is set for the 30th edition, which will be held from October 9 to 12, 2025.

Quebec Athletes Shine

A total of 38 Quebec athletes showcased their talent across the three disciplines. One of the crowd’s favorites, Léandre Bouchard from Alma, delivered his best performance of the season on home soil, finishing 11th in the short-track cross-country (XCC) and 21st in the Olympic cross-country (XCO). He was the top-ranked North American athlete in both XCC and XCO this weekend. In downhill, junior riders Charlie Bernard and Loick Hudon secured spots in the final after excelling in qualification and semi-finals.

“We’ve once again seen this weekend that the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup is the reference for international mountain bike races, and has been for nearly 30 years,” said Marie-France Couture, associate producer for the Corporation Événements d’été de Québec, the non-profit organization overseeing the event. “Thanks to the talent of local people and the support of our many public and private partners, this major international sporting event takes place year after year, with its popularity ever-growing. In this context, hosting the World Series Finals once again in 2025 will be a great honor.”

“We are extremely proud of the 2024 edition,” said Ian Beaulieu, president of Mouvement Production Québec and event production director. “We put in a lot of effort to improve the experience for both spectators and cyclists. Hearing the cheers from the mountain, seeing the sea of people emerging from the forest during the downhill final, and receiving numerous positive comments from athletes, exhibitors, the public, and online followers—it’s safe to say: mission accomplished!”

A Weekend Packed with Festivities

The unmissable KIDOVÉLO race, presented by Desjardins, attracted mountain biking families on Sunday for a truly enjoyable competition. A total of 350 children, aged between 2 and 12, had a blast riding on a course designed just for them.

The Boréale After-Race events were once again a huge hit with both the general public and the athletes. Saturday night was packed with activities for festival-goers. A heartfelt tribute was paid to South African downhill legend Greg Minnaar, who ended his impressive career with one last run on the Mont-Sainte-Anne track. Canadian Jackson Goldstone, 2023 winner of the UCI Downhill World Cup at Mont-Sainte-Anne, took over the DJ booth for part of the evening. Earlier in the day, visitors enjoyed mountain biking film gems during the last stop of the iF3 MTN BIKE festival presented by Mouvement Mont-Sainte-Anne.

The Expo Village was buzzing with activity. Autograph signings, skills contests, and promotional giveaways: the 140 or so teams, businesses, and organizations present offered something for every visitor.

Valued and Loyal Partners

The 2024 Mont-Sainte-Anne Mountain Bike World Cup was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of public and tourism partners: the Government of Quebec, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Développement Côte-de-Beaupré, MRC Charlevoix-Côte-de-Beaupré, Mouvement Mont-Sainte-Anne, Destination Québec Cité, Quebec Mountain Biking, and the City of Beaupré. Special thanks also go to Takis®, a Bimbo Canada brand; United Rentals; Station Mont-Sainte-Anne, the event host site; Delta Hotels Marriott Mont-Sainte-Anne, the official accommodation partner; Desjardins, the sustainability and active health partner; Boréale, the festive events partner; and Velosolutions Canada, the official course designer.

MONT-SAINTE-ANNE MTB WORLD CUP: AN EXCEPTIONAL 29TH EDITION FROM OCTOBER 3 TO 6, 2024, WITH A RETURN ALREADY CONFIRMED FOR 2025

Mont Sainte-Anne, Beaupré, October 2, 2024 - Less than 24 hours before the start of the 29th edition of the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup, the Corporation Événements d'été de Québec is delighted to announce the return of this sporting event in 2025, from October 9 to 12, confirmed today by Warner Bros Discovery Sport Events (WBDSE), the organizer appointed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

“Confirming the hosting of the 2025 World Series finals at Mont-Sainte-Anne, just hours before the first competitions of the 2024 edition, is a great honor. In addition to being the only stage in Canada, the 2025 edition will mark the 30th anniversary of the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup. We are proud to make this great international sporting event a permanent fixture in the region,” said Marie-France Couture, Executive Producer for the Corporation Événements d’été de Québec.

An impressive number of athletes and teams on the starting lines

An iconic stage of the World Series since 1991, Mont-Sainte-Anne will host the finals of the short track cross-country, Olympic cross-country, and the legendary downhill event from October 3 to 6.

An exceptional 654 athletes from 33 countries will be on the starting lines for the various competitions. In total, 105 teams will be represented at Mont-Sainte-Anne, the largest number ever recorded.

“The entire team at Mouvement Production Québec has been working for several months to make the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup an exceptional event for competitors, as well as for the tens of thousands of spectators who will come to cheer on the world’s best athletes,” says Ian Beaulieu, founder of Mouvement Production Québec and Director of Production. “Several improvements have been made to the courses, as well as to the visitor experience, to ensure everyone has an unforgettable experience at this great mountain biking festival.”

A weekend of festivities for all

In addition to the weekend’s competitions, attendees of the MTB World Cup Mont-Sainte-Anne will be able to enjoy an Exhibitor Village featuring nearly 140 merchants and industry teams, a base camp offering a diverse selection of food, a festive zone, and 3 after-race evenings.

The evening of Saturday, October 5, will offer a surprise to the festivities as the well-known Greg Minnaar, an athlete with 25 years of experience on the circuit, and Jackson Goldstone, 2023 UCI Downhill World Cup winner, will be part of the After-Race program presented by Boréale. A tribute to Minnaar’s career is scheduled for 10 PM, followed by Goldstone taking over the turntables at 10:30 PM. Bonanza will take charge of the rest of the night.

Two new zones for the ultimate experience

As tradition dictates, access to the competitions is free, and attendees will be able to follow the action along the cross-country and downhill courses. Spectators wishing to enhance their event experience can take advantage of the new paid zones, such as the Fan Chalets-Village Zone for a guaranteed spot at the finish line of the downhill finals on Saturday, October 5, and the VIP Package for an all-inclusive experience on the course terraces.

Detailed Weekend Schedule

OCTOBER 3

UCI Cross-Country Short Track World Cup (XCC)

• 4:30 PM: Race - U23 Women

• 5:05 PM: Race - U23 Men

OCTOBER 4

UCI Downhill World Cup (DHI)

• 12:00 PM: Qualification - Elite Women

• 12:30 PM: Qualification - Elite Men

• 1:30 PM: Qualification - Junior Women

• 1:45 PM: Qualification - Junior Men

• 2:30 PM: Semi-Final - Elite Women

• 3:00 PM: Semi-Final - Elite Men

UCI Cross-Country Short Track World Cup (XCC)

• 4:30 PM: Race - Elite Women

• 5:05 PM: Race - Elite Men

OCTOBER 5

UCI Downhill World Cup

• 11:30 AM: Race - Junior Women

• 12:00 PM: Race - Junior Men

• 1:15 PM: Race - Elite Women

• 2:00 PM: Race - Elite Men

OCTOBER 6

KIDOVÉLO, amateur competition for young athletes presented by Desjardins

• 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Interval start, categories ages 2 to 12

UCI Olympic Cross-Country World Cup

• 9:00 AM: Race - U23 Women

• 11:15 AM: Race - Elite Women

• 2:00 PM: Race - Elite Men

• 4:00 PM: Race - U23 Men

Government quotes

“The Quebec government is pleased to be associated with the Mont-Sainte-Anne UCI MTB World Cup, an important stage in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. This event promises to put on quite a show for fans of the sport. What a great way to kick off the fall season! 

This event at Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the many sporting events that enable local and international athletes to compete on a demanding, technical course. It helps to showcase the work of our events industry, while promoting the benefits of regular sport, recreation and outdoor activities for people of all ages.

Every year, visitors can come and cheer on the athletes on the track, while taking advantage of their stay in the Capitale-Nationale region to be charmed by its landscapes, its gastronomy and its many tourist attractions. Once again, congratulations to the entire team behind this great competition.

Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, 

Caroline Proulx

Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation and Outdoors,

Isabelle Charest

Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region,

Jonatan Julien

“From October 3 to 6, the world’s top mountain biking athletes will gather in Quebec for the MTB World Cup. Such international events are an incredible showcase for tourists and Canadian and global athletes. That is why our government is proud to support the promotion of this 29th edition of the World Cup outside Quebec with a non-repayable financial contribution of $100,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). Good luck to the competitors and enjoy the show, everyone!” highlighted the Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED.

About the Quebec Summer Events Corporation

The Quebec Summer Events Corporation (CEEQ) has over 30 years of experience organizing international competitions sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) at Mont-Sainte-Anne. As a non-profit organization, the CEEQ’s mission is to offer Canadian athletes the opportunity to compete at home in high-quality competitions while developing and maintaining world-class infrastructure for local elite athletes, developing athletes, coaches, and officials. The CEEQ is also committed to encouraging both the young and the young-at-heart to practice mountain biking. At the heart of mountain biking development in Canada, the UCI World Cup stage at Mont-Sainte-Anne has helped Quebec’s elite reach the highest levels in this sport and excel among the best in the world.

About Mouvement Production Québec

Mouvement Production Québec is an organization dedicated to promoting and developing mountain biking. For many years, it has worked on organizing internationally renowned competitions and sporting events. It is now commissioned by the CEEQ to produce the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

THE WHOOP UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD SERIES IS BACK FULL FORCE, WITH A NEW AND ENRICHED EXPERIENCE!

Mont-Sainte-Anne, July 9 2024 - From October 3 to 6, 2024, Mont-Sainte-Anne will be welcoming the world’s best mountain bikers for the finals of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Once again this year, the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup will crown the overall champions in Downhill (DHI), Olympic Cross-Country (XCO) and Short Track Cross-country (XCC) disciplines. 

What’s New in 2024 

A Friday not to be missed! 

The DHI World Cup is the highlight of the event, attracting tens of thousands of spectators each year. An exciting new change has been made to the schedule for 2024: DHI competitions will be held over the course of two days. Qualifying rounds and semi-finals will take place on Friday afternoon, right before the thrilling XCC World Cup elite race. As for DHI, finals will be held on Saturday. See the competition schedule here: event website. 

A greater experience for fans 

The event's producer, Mouvement Production Québec, has planned a number of new additions for this 29th edition of the World Cup to enhance the experience of the 55,000 mountain bike fans who will be in attendance. Based on the results of a visitor survey conducted last fall, these changes include: 

• A new starting point for the DHI race, moved closer to the "Îlots" to allow a larger number of spectators to attend the race;

• Easier access to mountainous areas along the course, allowing spectators to follow the race over a longer portion of the track; 

• Added sanitary facilities;

• Improved food options;

• New bar stations, along the DH track, selling refreshments and snacks;

• Improved signage.

Two zones created for the ultimate experience! 

New for the 2024 Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup: as with most international sporting events, two new zones have been created to meet the needs of spectators who want to enhance their experience. 

The VIP Terraces, located at the finish line of the DHI and XCC/XCO courses, are designed for those looking for an exclusive, all-inclusive experience. The three-day VIP package includes guaranteed access to a covered and heated terrace, unlimited bar service and snacks, a daily meal, pedestrian access to the gondola and the option of VIP parking at the competition site. Rates: $750 to $870 (plus taxes and fees). To buy tickets: event website.

On Saturday, October 5, the Chalets-Village Fan Zone offers guaranteed seating close to the DHI finish line, with its own toilets and a paid bar service. Spectators will be able to follow the athletes' entire run on a giant screen, and experience the final seconds of each race up close. Price: $25 (includes taxes and fees), free for children under 6. For reservations: visit event website.

On-site activities, day and night

• The Base Camp will be the center of all activities, located next to the resort's main chalet. It will feature a climbing wall, food trucks, a bar and a giant screen for live race coverage and film screenings.

• The final stop on the iF3 Festival 2024 Quebec Mountain Bike Film Tour on Saturday, October 5, will be presented by Mouvement Mont-Sainte-Anne.

• The Boréale After-races are back with a larger 100% outdoor space at the foot of the school slope. Details of the program will be announced in August. 

• The Teams and Exhibitors Village: It’s worth a walk! You can meet the athletes as they prepare their bikes, and even get their autographs on the fly. It's also where many companies set up shop to showcase their products and services - demonstrations, tastings and contests.

Kidovélo returns: for future champions

Registration is open for the 2024 edition of the popular Kidovélo, presented by Desjardins and organized in collaboration with the Club cycliste du Mont-Sainte-Anne. This friendly competition, open to athletes aged between 2 and 12, attracts some 350 participants and 700 accompanying adults to the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne each year, to encourage the next generation of local cyclists. Registration is now open on the website.

Pop-up campground: Book your spot now!

Visitors can book their campsite at the Event Campground on the Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup website. Ideally located close to the mountain, this campsite allows fans to stay in the heart of the action all weekend long.

The Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup in numbers:

• 3 sporting disciplines: Downhill, Olympic Cross-country and Short Track Cross-country;

• 55,000 visitors;

• 600 passionate volunteers;

• $7 million in tourism spending in the region;

• Over 150 local, regional and international journalists;

• National and international television broadcasting.

About the organization

The Corporation d'événements d'été de Québec is a non-profit organization (NPO) that has been supervising the organization of the UCI mountain bike events at Mont-Sainte-Anne since its first edition, in 1991. Our goal is to provide Canadian athletes with the opportunity to compete at the highest level and to develop and maintain world-class facilities for local elite, developing athletes, coaches, and officials. We also strive to promote mountain biking among a diverse range of people through our involvement in organizing UCI World Cups and Championships.

For the second year in a row, the CEEQ has entrusted the production of the event to Mouvement Production Québec, led by Ian Beaulieu. The Mouvement Production Québec team is known for its experience and expertise in organizing international sporting competitions. Vélosolutions Canada, a Côte-de-Beaupré company, is the official course designer for the World Cup.