Seven races, seven countries, and countless stories - now it’s time for the final showdown. The intercontinental downhill elite will gather in Maribor for the season finale of the iXS EDC. A 2.6-kilometer course awaits, offering a little bit of everything: high speeds, rock fields, roots, big jumps, and technical sections. And above all: the final, decisive seconds of a long season.

Maribor Practice on Friday

The final stop of the 2026 season is here - and Maribor is welcoming the European Cup with perfect weather, a superbly prepared course, a strong finish area, and a fantastic on-site team. After a long season, the venue for the final could hardly be more fitting. The Pohorje Bike Park is one of Europe’s most famous downhill locations and has hosted international races and World Cup events on multiple occasions.

Starting at around 2,600 meters, the course descends a full 450 meters in elevation from Mount Pohorje. The course offers practically everything: soft and hard surfaces, rocky and root-laden sections, steep stretches and flatter high-speed sections, tight turns, and big jumps. It’s precisely this mix that makes Maribor so special—and at the same time so challenging.

Saturday – Seeding Run

Saturday started off a bit chilly—the onset of fall was definitely noticeable in Maribor. But it soon became warm and pleasant. The track was dry, dusty, and extremely fast. With each practice run, the course became more worn down and, as a result, no easier.

In the afternoon, things got really serious for the first time. The seeding run determined the starting positions for the grand finale—and, of course, the first important points of this final race weekend.

Porta sets Fastest Time

In the Elite Women’s category, Elise Porta (FRA - Agthena Gravity) set the fastest time of 3:53.786 minutes, finishing 6.5 seconds ahead of Abigail Hogie (USA - Beyond Racing) in second place. Maxima Jaax (GER - Scott Gravity Racing) finished third. Addison Rutherfurd (NZL) from the Pro U17 category also made a strong impression with the second-fastest time among the women—just 1.5 seconds behind Porta.

Macdermid Takes the Lead

In the Elite Men’s category, James Macdermid (NZL – The Alliance) secured pole position with a time of 3:15.935 minutes. Riko Mäeüibo (EST) finished second, and Lino Neumann (GER – Scott Gravity Racing) third. However, the fastest time of the day once again went to the Pro U17 category: Quentin Gabriel Barbe (FRA – GEN-S) posted the fastest time of the day at 3:13.567 minutes—making it clear that the junior class can also compete at the very front in the final.

The Last Chapter 

The final day of the 2026 iXS European Downhill Cup season is here. The sun is shining over Maribor, the temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the atmosphere around Pohorje is electric. One last time, the riders line up at the start; one last time, they tackle the legendary 2.6-kilometer course - and one last time, a single run will decide victory, defeat, and the final points of the season.

Elise remains in the Lead

In the Elite Women’s race, Elise Porta built on her strong performance from the seeding round and secured victory in the final as well. Kerstin Sallegger (AUT - Omnibiotic Powerteam) finished second, while Abigail Hogie (USA - Beyond Racing) rounded out the podium in third place.

Riko takes the Win

In the Elite Men’s race, Riko Mäeüibo (EST) picked up right where he left off in Szczyrk and claimed victory in the grand final. James Macdermid finished second, and third place went to Denis Kohut (SVK - Kellys Factory Team). Riko thus capped off his strong weekend with a win at the season finale in Maribor.

Best Time of the Day

Once again, Quentin Gabriel Barbe (FRA - GEN-S) was the fastest rider of the day. With his strong time, the Pro U17 male rider once again set the day’s best time across all classes - another impressive highlight to cap off the season finale.

What a season!

Seven races, seven countries, countless thrilling runs, and above all, plenty of pure downhill action - the 2026 iXS European Downhill Cup was simply a damn good season. From the first starting line to the grand finale in Maribor, there were fast races, amazing venues, packed finish areas, and plenty of moments that will stick with us. That’s exactly why we love the EDC.

For now, we’d like to say: Thank you to all the riders, teams, organizers, volunteers, partners, and fans! You made this season something special. We’re already looking forward to what’s next - bring on 2027!