If there is one place where you can experience the future of downhill racing live, it is the iXS International Rookies Championships. Every year, the world's strongest young riders compete here – and in 2025, the ‘unofficial rookie world championship weekend’ once again offered everything that makes the sport so special: drama, pure emotion and spine-tingling moments from the U11 to the U17 categories.
Looking to the future
On the legendary World Cup course, over 300 riders from all over the world competed in an exciting race that was every bit as good as any World Cup event. The slope in Schladming proved to be as challenging as ever – technical, fast, physically demanding and mercilessly honest. Mistakes? Immediately visible. Courage? Immediately rewarded. This is exactly what makes the IRC a testing ground for future professionals. History shows that whoever wins here can finish at the top of the World Cup. Jackson Goldstone, Vali Höll, Rosa Zierl and Max Alran are just a few of the names who once won their first major titles at the Rookies Champs and the Rookies Cup.
