Kickoff Ghost BIKE Cross Country Youth Camp 2025: Four days dedicated to young people

This youth camp is a cult event: BIKE is organising the 22nd edition of the talent factory together with Ghost. 55 young talents between the ages of ten and 18 train with the Ghost Factory Racing Team and gain insights into riding technique, training theory and racing. The world's only all-female team in the Cross Country World Cup offers workshops and joint rides with the youngsters. Young racers have the opportunity to learn directly from World Cup professionals and improve their skills. The BayerWaldAktivZentrum (BWAZ) Lunaris will once again serve as the base camp for the four-day event.

Ghost Factory Racing meets young talent

The Ghost Factory Racing Team forms the centrepiece of the Youth Camp 2025 and is the only cross-country World Cup team in the world with exclusively female riders, bringing professional athletes to Sankt Englmar. Cape Epic winner Anne Terpstra leads the team and will be leading various workshops together with her team colleagues. The original Ghost World Cup truck rolls into the BWAZ with all its equipment. Team manager Thomas Wickles is coordinating the programme and will be available as a direct contact for all questions relating to racing. The original mechanics and riding technique trainers from the World Cup team will pass on their knowledge directly to the young people.

>> Here we reveal 7 tips for more fun on a tour with children.

Professional training set-up in the Bavarian Forest

The BayerWaldAktivZentrum offers ideal conditions for XC youth training. The surrounding forests and mountains provide various trails, descents and climbs that are suitable for all age groups. A technical course and pump track expand the training opportunities for specific skills. Erik Becker, former professional cyclist and Bavarian state coach for mountain bikes, will provide educational support for the participants.

BIKE editor Jan Timmermann provides insights into how the magazine is created and explains important aspects of product tests. For the first time this year, there will also be a BIKE reader test at the Ghost BIKE Cross Country Youth Camp, where participants can test the latest youth mountain bikes under professional guidance. Also on site: World Cup photographer Thomas Weschta, who will be capturing the youngsters' action in pictures this year.

>> We have compiled everything you need to know about mountain biking and children in this article.

Ghost Junior Team strengthens junior power

The bike manufacturer Ghost's own junior team complements the professional line-up in Sankt Englmar. The junior aces create a lower inhibition threshold for questions and discussions due to the small age difference. German cross country mountain bike champions are available for direct dialogue. Full board at the BWAZ ensures that the young athletes are well catered for. Each day starts with early morning sports directly behind the group accommodation on the sports field. The programme covers all relevant areas, from riding and bike technique to training theory and career paths in racing. The final race on Sunday is the highlight, where the youngsters present their newly learnt skills.

>> You won't find any e-bikes at the youth camp. But for those who are still interested: Here we have tested the new children's e-bike from Woom.

The 22nd Ghost BIKE Cross Country Youth Camp in detail

Event dates:

• Date: 23 to 26 October 2025
• Location: BayerWaldAktivZentrum (BWAZ) Lunaris, Sankt Englmar
• Participants: 55 young talents
• Age group: 10 to 18 years
• Duration: 4 days with full board

Training programme:

• Riding technique training with World Cup coaches
• Workshops with Ghost Factory Racing Team
• Technical course and pump track
• Trails of various levels of difficulty
• Final race on Sunday

>> Here we take a look at how ambitious young racers can juggle their MTB career and school.