Warner Bros. don't budge on rider podium demands

Race organizer doesn't cede to racers' request for a 5 person podium

Warner Bros. Discovery is standing by its decision to reduce the podium at mountain bike World Cup events from five riders to three. A letter signed by hundreds of World Cup racers is the latest flashpoint between the athletes and the World Cup organizer, but a statement released today by Warner Bros. and the UCI states that they will hold their ground on a three person podium.

The controversy came into public view on Wednesday ahead of the Araxá XCO World Cup race in Brazil when more than 100 cross country riders and several teams signed an open letter addressed to Warner Bros. The letter reads:

“For more than 30 years, the podium at the mountain bike World Cup has been five riders. A podium unique to mountain bike, it has provided countless riders and teams with more exposure and opportunities. It's been the breakthrough for many athletes and given life to smaller teams. Chasing a podium in our sport at the highest level has always meant a Top 5. It has added value and depth to the sport, given riders more chance to shine in the spotlight and added value to riders, teams and all of the sponsors and brands behind us who are the backbone of professional mountain bike racing…This is our sport and we won’t let conformity strip away its character! We demand the 5 rider podium in 2025!”

Credit: UCI Mountain Bike World Series

On Thursday, more than 60 downhill racers signed on in support of the letter as well. While downhillers don’t start their World Cup season until May, the gravity side of the sport has generally been more outspoken in the media about similar issues compared to XC riders.

After attention on social media and by traditional news outlets, the Warner Bros. and the UCI issued a joint statement to Pinkbike.

“Following extensive consultation with all stakeholders involved in mountain biking, including members of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission — where rider representatives are actively involved — the UCI and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports have introduced a modification to the podium protocol for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Effective from 1 January 2025, podium recognition is now limited to the top three riders, aligning this protocol with the UCI World Championships, other mountain bike UCI World Cup formats, the Olympics and other cycling disciplines. This decision was part of a series of amendments aimed at enhancing the sport's structure and was publicly announced on 17 October 2024, after being approved by the UCI Management Committee.”

The statement also said the podium changes were developed through a “a thorough and transparent process” and “is a key part of our long-term strategy for the sport.”

It’s unlikely Warner Bros. will change its podium reduction without further action from the riders such as protests on the start line, on the podium, or in finish line interviews.

With one day to go until the start of racing in Brazil on Saturday, racers are conducting course inspections, training, and sitting for media opportunities with the race organizers.

Will we see a further breakdown in rider-organizer relations? Are riders upset enough to risk race results and go on strike?

We won’t know until they toe the start line this weekend, but so far both sides appear to be entrenched it their respective positions on the matter.