Nino Schurter & Lars Forster Fined for Podium Protest at 2025 Araxá XCO World Cup

A controversial moment happened at the 2025 Araxá XCO World Cup as mountain biking icons Nino Schurter and Lars Forster were fined by the UCI following a podium protest. The action was in response to recent rule changes that ended the decades-long tradition of five-rider podiums at World Cup events.

The protest came after widespread discontent among the athletes. Ahead of the races in Araxá, more than 180 World Cup riders from both Cross-Country (XC) and Downhill disciplines signed a collective statement addressed to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports, expressing opposition to the revised podium format.

Taking things a step further, Schurter and Forster climbed onto the podium after the official prize ceremony concluded, joining the top three finishers in a symbolic stand. As a result, the UCI handed each rider a fine of CHF 800 (approximately $944 USD). In the UCI’s statement on the matter, they explained: "only the top three in the XCO events will be allowed to stand on the podium, and this rider stood on the podium without the organization's permission."

Speaking to Pinkbike , Lars Forster explained the motivation behind the demonstration: "This action was planned in advance. All the riders were behind it and we didn’t harm anyone. Warner Brothers, the rights holders of the World Cup, were the only ones who weren’t happy with it."

He continued: "I can cope with the fine. Because it was a very successful campaign that generated a lot of attention. Such a fine won’t stop us from continuing to fight for our interests." Forster also noted that the fines would be shared among the athletes, and indicated that the protests would continue until Warner Brothers takes our concerns seriously and hears our voice."

Nino Schurter has not commented publicly on the situation.

WBD Sports declined to provide additional comment, instead referring to the UCI as the governing body responsible for disciplinary action. WBD and the UCI had previously issued a joint statement addressing the initial letter signed by riders, but further backlash has since emerged.

"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.

These changes were developed through a thorough and transparent process, reflecting our commitment to aligning mountain biking with broader sporting standards and improving the sport's presentation. The updated podium protocol is a key part of our long-term strategy for the sport and is intended to remain consistent going forward."