Vida Lopez de San Roman Wins Silver in U23 Women’s XCO at 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

The Elite Men and U23 Women closed out the final day of the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships with Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing) taking the silver medal.

The U23 Women were the first to hit the course this morning after overnight rain left the track slick, technical, and unforgiving. Representing Team USA were Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing), Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Bear National Team), and Bailey Cioppa (Durango, Colo.; Bear National Team), all ready to take on the challenging conditions. 

Lopez de San Roman launched into the race with a fantastic start, immediately positioning herself in the front group, which was crucial on such a demanding course. Despite a few early mistakes, she stayed composed and maintained her place among the lead group. By lap two, she was battling France’s Olivia Onesti for second with Isabella Holmgren (CAN) already creating a dominant lead. Choosing consistency over risk, Lopez de San Roman carefully picked lines that weren’t always the fastest but were the most reliable, helping her steadily extend her advantage. Her precision paid off as she secured the silver medal in her first year racing the U23 category.

Ecstatic with her podium finish, Lopez de San Roman reflected: “I can’t say that I really expected it, especially being a first year. I tried to come in without too many expectations, just to do my best and stay smooth out there, especially in the wet conditions. After a smooth start in the front, I stayed patient and calm, even with a lot of little mistakes on the first lap. Once the race spread out, I was able to get into a good rhythm, stay up front, and ride super consistent to silver.”

For Kellerman and Cioppa, it was a day of tough luck. Both were caught in a massive first-lap traffic jam that cost them valuable time. Kellerman worked through a strong comeback, making her way from 34th up to 27th at the finish. Cioppa rode consistently inside the top 30, but her race came to an early end after a crash forced her to withdraw.

1. Isabella Holmgren (CAN) – 1:17:24

2. Vida Lopez de San Roman (USA) – +2:16

3. Valentine Corvi (ITA) – +3:20

27. Makena Kellerman (USA)

DNF. Bailey Cioppa (USA)

Three Americans lined up for the Elite Men’s XCO battle: Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing), Riley Amos (Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing), and Bjorn Riley (Boulder, Colo.; SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing).

With 74 riders on the start line, positioning was crucial. Blevins nailed the start, taking the holeshot and riding in the lead group through the opening lap just behind his Specialized teammate, Short Track World Champion Victor Koretzky (FRA).

By lap two, Alan Hatherly (RSA) had moved to the front with a 15-second gap, while Blevins held strong in a powerful chase group of five. As the race unfolded, breakaway moves constantly reshuffled the fight for the podium. Midway through, Blevins slipped back to 21st, but he refused to quit, digging deep to claw his way back and ultimately finish 14th.

Amos rode with determination, attacking the climbs and staying smooth through the constant technical sections. His consistency paid off with a strong 28th-place finish in his first-year elite.

Riley also delivered a standout ride in his rookie elite season. After sitting 45th on the second lap, he steadily battled forward, finishing just outside the top 30 in one of his best performances of the season.

1. Alan Hatherly (RSA) – 1:30:30

2. Simone Avondetto (ITA) – +0:48

3. Victor Koretzky (FRA) – +0:51

14. Christopher Blevins (USA) – +3:44

28. Riley Amos (USA) – +5:25

31. Bjorn Riley (USA) – +5:49

USA Cycling’s participation in the World Championships is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. To support the USA Cycling National Team, members can donate to the USA Cycling Foundation here. Our supporting partners who have a shared mission to elevate the sport of cycling include, HOVERAir, Visit Bentonville, and Visit Arkansas.