Current enduro World Champ is going back to DH

Richie Rude plans to race the UCI World Cup DH series in 2025, though he still plans to defend his Enduro World Champ title.
By Jeff Barber
   Last Updated:
Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.
Richie Rude in a bright yellow and black jersey is leaning into a turn on a dirt trail, surrounded by trees. The cyclist is wearing protective gear, including a helmet and gloves, and their bike is partially obscured by mud, indicating an intense ride. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting the action and the rugged terrain.
Photo: Dave Trumpore for Yeti Cycles

2024 UCI Enduro World Cup champion Richie Rude is moving back to the downhill race circuit this year. Rude, who is sponsored by Yeti Cycles, began his career racing downhill, and in 2013 he was the UCI Junior downhill World Champion. In recent years, he’s come to dominate the Enduro World Series, later folded into the UCI World Cup enduro series, winning back-to-back overall and World Champ titles in 2023 and 2024.

“Over the past few years my interest in racing downhill has increased, competing in select events throughout the years alongside Enduro,” Rude said in a press release. “I am thankful for the success I’ve had, and how it has shaped my career. Leading into 2025 as the current UCI Enduro World Cup Overall Champion and U.S. National Champion, with multiple titles in the Enduro discipline, I see it as a perfect opportunity to join the discipline to take on a new challenge in 2025.”

However, Rude still plans to defend his Enduro World Champ title in 2025.

“I’ll still compete in select Enduro events to prepare for the UCI Enduro World Championships. I look forward to continuing my success with the Yeti / FOX Factory Team, building and shifting our success with the DH program,” he said.

Yeti does not offer a DH bike for sale, so Rude will race on a “Yeti Special Projects DH” bike made specifically for the athlete.

 
Alan Hatherly in a white jersey with rainbow stripes and black shorts rides uphill on a mountain bike, displaying concentration and effort. The background features a green landscape, suggesting an outdoor trail.
Community
MTB World Champ Hatherly leaves Cannondale for Giant, two enduro teams are "paused"
A group of people sitting together at a table, enjoying a meal outdoors. One woman in the foreground is smiling with a piece of greenery in her mouth, while others in the background appear engaged and smiling as well. The setting features a casual, relaxed atmosphere with greenery and rustic decor.
Community
She's a DH World Champ. Now, she's giving her best at bikepacking and gravel too.
A smiling man wearing a cycling helmet and sunglasses, standing outdoors with red rock formations in the background under a clear blue sky. He is dressed in a dark hoodie and has a beard, capturing a moment of enjoyment during a biking adventure.
Community
He competed in the first Rampage, and today his bike brand is beloved by riders
A male mountain biker in a white and blue racing kit with "USA" printed on it navigates a winding forest trail. He is seen leaning into a turn, focused and determined, while a cheering crowd is visible in the background, waving flags and supporting the racers. The scene captures the excitement of the race in a lush, green setting.
Community
MTB Olympian Riley Amos says a lighter bike isn't always the faster bike