Every season brings new top names - sometimes the familiar favourites, sometimes real surprises. We spoke to scene insiders who closely follow the form, development and momentum of the athletes and show who has the potential to take the next step. Which of these names did you already have on your list?
Frederik Matz, Enduro
Like many enduro riders, the South Baden native from Freiburg comes from the cross-country camp. Frederik rode on thin tyres for twelve years, for a long time successfully in the Lexware mountain bike team. His training as a technical product designer robbed him of time for training - and at some point he also lost the joy of racing.
In 2023, he took part in an enduro race. He was immediately hooked. More downhill. More variety. More fun. Most recently, Frederik rode for the Cube Action Team in the World Cup. Top 30 results, 14th place in the Enduro World Championship. In 2026, the 21-year-old will be riding Zerode bikes for the S1 Racing Team.
Frederik moved to a flat share in Innsbruck for a change of scenery. "There are lots of new trails and many other strong riders here," says Frederik. He thinks it's a shame that the celebrity racers in the EDR World Cup have left. After the Departure of Christian Textor Frederik is our enduro hope in the World Cup. Go Frederik, go!
Tobey Miley, Slopestyle
The man with the US name is a German with an American father. The trained industrial mechanic from Löhne near Bielefeld is the only German competing in the FMB World Tour together with Erik Fedko.
Last year Tobey made the leap into the world elite with his placings in the Crankworx series. At just 21 years old, Tobey is ideally placed to go one better this year. Maybe even at the Red Bull District Ride in Groningen with his trick speciality: Cork 720.
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Matt Jones, Video
Matt is an old hand in the slopestyle business. At 31, he is already one of the "oldies" in this discipline. And yet he fits perfectly into this squad - and we'll tell you why.
His greatest competition successes may have been a while ago, but Matt is more motivated than ever. Instead of wearing himself out in the whirlwind of competition, the Brit now prefers to focus on creative stunt ideas and stage them in spectacular fashion. His latest prank: a jump through the loading ramps of two lorries driving towards each other - to be seen on YouTube.
Matt is also known for his so-called world firsts, i.e. tricks that no one has ever done on a mountain bike before him. And one thing is certain: Matt has big plans for 2026. We can't reveal any more (yet).
Dane Folpp, Slopestyle
The youngster is just 18 years old and is already being tipped as the next Nicholi Rogatkin among slopestyle connoisseurs. The Australian has already stood at the top of the podium at an FMB Silver event - an exclamation mark, even if not yet in the big leagues. After all, gold and diamond events attract higher-ranking celebrities to the starting field.
Nevertheless, Dane Folpp should be kept on the radar. It remains to be seen whether he will make it onto the podium in the new Slopestyle Superleague in 2026. Scene expert Tarek Rasouli predicts a great future for the young Australian.
Asa Vermette, Downhill
The young American from Durango, Colorado, is no underdog - that's for sure. He secured his Brause helmet sponsor at the age of 17, an accolade that is only bestowed on a few in action sports. But Asa is by no means resting on his laurels: As UCI DH Junior overall winner and Hardline winner he will be promoted to the elite class this season at the age of 19.
The leap to the big boys has already been the undoing of many talents. However, our scene experts agree: Asa has everything he needs to be at the forefront right from the start. He has plenty of experience - and he certainly doesn't lack self-confidence. Together with the newly promoted Alran brothers Asa could make the Downhill World Cup more exciting than ever before.
The DH World Cup entry list has never been as exciting as in 2026. This season has the makings of the fastest World Cup ever. I can hardly wait! - Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
World Cup calendar UCI 2026 XC/EDR/DH
- 01 - 03 May: Race of South Korea, South Korea (XC/DH)
- 22 - 24 May: Nové Město Na Moravě, Czech Republic (XC)
- 28 - 31 May: Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, France (DH/EDR)
- 11 - 14 June: Saalfelden-Leogang Salzburgerland, Austria (XC/DH/EDR)
- 19 - 21 June: Lenzerheide, Switzerland (XC/DH)
- 26 - 28 June: Val di Fassa - Trentino, Italy (EDR)
- 03 - 05 July: La Thuile - Valle d'Aosta, Italy (XC/DH/EDR)
- 08 - 12 July: Pal Arinsal, Andorra (XC/DH)
- 17 - 19 July: Aletsch Arena - Bellwald, Valais, Switzerland (EDR)
- 14 - 16 August: Haute-Savoie, France (EDR)
- 21 - 23 August: Haute-Savoie, France (XC/DH)
- 19 - 20 September: Soldier Hollow, Midway, Utah, USA (XC)
- 25 - 27 September: Whistler Mountain Bike Park, British Columbia, Canada (DH)
- 02 - 04 October: Lake Placid Olympic Sites, New York, USA (XC/DH)
Laurin Lehner
Editor
