Perfect conditions, a world-famous location with a legendary track, 300 athletes from 32 nations, and prestigious titles—all this made last weekend one of the absolute highlights for young talent in downhill sports.

20 years of youth development

Of course, the major World Cup races are in the public spotlight. But without consistent youth development, downhill racing would not be what it is today. For over 20 years, the iXS Downhill Cup and its sister series—the iXS European Downhill Cup, the PROPAIN Rookies Cup, and the VPACE Kids Cup—have provided what is arguably the most important platform for young talents on their way to the top.

Rookies Champs 2025

Around 300 young riders from 32 nations traveled to Schladming for the anniversary edition. In bright sunshine and perfect conditions, racing of the highest caliber was on display—after all, there were some very big shoes to fill.

From rookies to global stars

Previous IRC title holders include none other than the newly crowned world champions from Champéry, Jackson Goldstone (CAN) and Vali Höll (AUT), as well as junior world champions Max Alran (FRA) and Rosa Zierl (AUT). So whoever wins in Schladming can certainly dream of one day standing at the top of the World Cup podium. And actually, the winners are already little world champions – after all, the IRC is unofficially considered the world championship for all junior categories in which there is no UCI title.

A Sunday full of emotions

The final day was a real celebration: bright sunshine, a great atmosphere, and heaps of fans lining the track and at the finish line. Parents, friends, and spectators cheered for the riders as if it were a world championship—and in a way, it was. Each award ceremony crowned new unofficial world champions, and every finish line crossing was a moment of pure emotion. You could feel the mixture of pride, joy, and goosebumps – a fitting end to a race that showed just how strong the future of downhill racing is.