Top Young Athletes to Challenge for the UCI Downhill World Cup Title in 2025.
- Joseph Organ
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 23
As the 2025 UCI Downhill World Cup season approaches, a new generation of talent is gearing up to leave its mark on the sport. These young riders have shown exceptional promise, combining raw skill with fierce determination. Among them, Ronan Dunne, Lachlan Stevens-McNab, Finn Iles, Oisin O’Callaghan, and Jackson Goldstone stand out as top contenders for the coveted title.
Ronan Dunne
From Wicklow, Ireland, Ronan Dunne has emerged
as one of the most exciting riders to watch and has quickly become one of the most talked-about riders in downhill racing. Known for his wild and aggressive riding style and fearless approach to technical sections, Dunne consistently pushes the limits of what’s possible on the bike. In 2024, he claimed victories at the Red Bull Hardline events in both Tasmania and Wales, further cementing his reputation as a top contender.
His performances showcased both speed and precision, earning him podium finishes and the admiration of fans and fellow competitors alike. With his relentless drive and growing experience, Dunne is positioned to be a serious threat to the established stars in 2025. Known for his aggressive riding style and fearless approach to technical sections, Dunne consistently pushes the limits of what’s possible on the bike. His performances in the 2024 season showcased both speed and precision, earning him podium finishes and the admiration of fans and fellow competitors alike. With his relentless drive and growing experience, Dunne is positioned to be a serious threat to the established stars in 2025.
Ronan races for the Mondraker Factory Racing team.
Lachlan Stevens-McNab
Hailing from Rotorua, New Zealand, Lachlan Stevens-McNab brings a unique flair to downhill racing. Growing up in a region renowned for its world-class trails and thriving mountain biking community, Stevens-McNab was exposed to challenging terrains and competitive racing from a young age. This environment played a crucial role in shaping his technical skills and mental toughness, enabling him to break through the senior rankings at an impressive pace. His natural talent for reading and adapting to challenging terrain has set him apart as a versatile and dependable rider. Stevens-McNab’s 2024 season saw him make significant strides, consistently improving his results and demonstrating a knack for performing under pressure. As he continues to refine his skills and gain confidence, he is expected to challenge the top ranks of the sport this season. Stevens-McNab’s 2024 season saw him make significant strides, consistently improving his results and demonstrating a knack for performing under pressure. As he continues to refine his skills and gain confidence, he is expected to challenge the top ranks of the sport this season.
Lachlan races for Trek Factory Racing
Finn Iles
Hailing from Whistler, British Columbia, Finn Iles has been a name to watch since his junior years, and he continues to live up to the hype. Growing up in one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations, Iles honed his skills on Whistler’s challenging trails, which have undoubtedly shaped his ability to tackle the toughest courses with confidence and style. Known for his smooth yet aggressive riding style, he effortlessly combines power and finesse, making him a threat on any track. In 2024, Iles secured multiple World Cup podium finishes, including a stunning second place at Mont-Sainte-Anne and a hard-fought third place in Lenzerheide. After a strong showing in 2024, Iles is hungry for his first overall title and has all the tools needed to achieve it in 2025. With multiple World Cup podiums already under his belt, Iles has proven he has the speed and consistency to compete with the best. His ability to seamlessly blend power and finesse on the bike makes him a formidable competitor on any track. After a strong showing in 2024, Iles is hungry for his first overall title and has all the tools needed to achieve it in 2025.
Finn races for the Specialized Gravity team.
Oisin O’Callaghan
Ireland’s Oisin O’Callaghan burst onto the scene as a junior World Champion and has since established himself as a rising star in the elite category. Growing up riding at the Ballyhoura Mountains in County Cork, O’Callaghan developed his skills on a variety of technical and demanding trails that prepared him for the challenges of World Cup racing. Known for his calmness under pressure and laser-focused approach to racing, O’Callaghan has consistently demonstrated he can handle the intensity of competing against seasoned pros. His steady progression through the ranks signals that he’s ready to make a big leap in 2025 and contend for the top spot. Known for his composed demeanor and laser-focused approach to racing, O’Callaghan has shown he can handle the pressure of competing against seasoned pros. His steady progression through the ranks signals that he’s ready to make a big leap in 2025 and contend for the top spot.
Oisin races for the YT Mob team.
Jackson Goldstone
Few riders have made as big an impact as Jackson Goldstone in such a short time. Hailing from Squamish, British Columbia, Goldstone’s upbringing in the heart of Canadian mountain biking has given him access to some of the most challenging trails in the world, shaping his immense speed and agility.
His 2024 season was marked by both triumph and adversity; despite suffering an injury that sidelined him for part of the year, Goldstone made a stunning return, showcasing his resilience and determination. Known for his unparalleled bike handling skills and fearless attitude, Goldstone’s ability to navigate technical sections with precision and attack descents with raw power sets him apart.
After a breakout year in 2023, he’s entering 2025 with momentum and the confidence to take on the sport’s biggest names. The young Canadian’s meteoric rise has been fueled by his unparalleled bike handling skills and fearless attitude. Goldstone’s ability to perform on the world stage, combined with his charismatic personality, has made him a fan favorite. After a breakout year in 2024, he’s entering 2025 with momentum and the confidence to take on the sport’s biggest names.
Jackson races for the Santa Cruz Syndicate.
As these young athletes gear up for the 2025 season, the competition promises to be fiercer than ever. Each rider brings their own unique strengths and style to the table, ensuring an electrifying battle for the UCI Downhill World Cup title. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they chase glory and redefine the future of downhill racing.
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