Strong Season Opener
For Nicole Koller
The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season kicked off on the first weekend of April in Araxá, Brazil – a venue known for its tropical climate and 80% humidity. To prepare, the Ghost Factory Racing Team arrived early to adapt to the challenging conditions. Read now how their dedication paid off...
Short Track (XCC) on Saturday: Team Off to a Solid Start
Saturday’s XCC short track race is a 20-minute high-intensity sprint where strategy and position matter just as much as strength. From the gun, it's full throttle.
Our riders showed great effort:
Sara Cortinovis and Finja Lipp performed well in the U23 category, finishing 11th and 12th.
In the Elite race, Anne Terpstra crossed the line in 19th place.
Nicole Koller narrowly missed the podium with a strong 4th place finish!
New Podium Rule Sparks Debate
A bittersweet note: As of this season, UCI will only recognize Top 3 finishers on the podium – a departure from the long-standing tradition of honoring the Top 5. Many athletes have voiced concerns, highlighting that for smaller teams and up-and-coming riders, this visibility is crucial. An open letter is currently circulating in protest – we hope it makes an impact.
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Nicole Koller's time to shine
Sunday's XCO race brought a true highlight for the team. Despite a heavy crash during Thursday’s training, Nicole Koller fought her way to the 2nd place, showing incredible grit and determination. It's fantastic to see how her hard effort finally paid off and she was rewarded with that podium! Anne Terpstra finished 15th in the Elite category. Our double-team in the U23, Sara Cortinovis and Finja Lipp, finished 9th and 10th - a great result for both!
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What’s Next?
As mentioned earlier, Araxá hosts two World Cup races this year – and the next round is just around the corner. We're excited to see how the athletes perform next weekend!
Make sure to tune in live on the weekend and cheer for the Ghost Factory Racing Team!
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