South Africa celebrates its first-ever medal in the Under-23 Women’s XCC race, as Tyler Jacobs powers to a podium finish in Switzerland.
Zermatt, Switzerland (11 September 2025) – South Africa’s Tyler Jacobs made history at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships by claiming bronze in the Under-23 Women’s Short Track (XCC) race. This marks the first-ever XCC World Championship medal for a South African female cyclist, a breakthrough moment for the sport in the country.
Set in the mountains of Matterhorn, the eight-lap final was a battle of endurance. Tyler stayed with the lead pack from the start, matching their pace.
Despite missing out on that gold and silver, Tyler was still shocked to have made the podium.
“I didn’t think it was possible to be honest, but yeah, I’m so happy.”
Tyler also admitted that she had a game plan from the start.
“I planned to start from the outside and go around everyone to the front, and it worked.”
Racing towards the finish line, Tyler was second but Germany’s Carla Hahn pushed harder to edge past the South African.
“Yeah, she had a really good kick at the end, but third is incredible.”
The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships is not just any event. This is a two-week celebration of mountain biking, bringing together nearly every discipline from Olympic cross-country, team relay cross-country, short track cross-country, marathon cross-country, E-mountain bike cross-country, downhill, enduro, E-enduro, and pump track. A total of 27 UCI World Championship titles are awarded, making it the ultimate test of skill.
Tyler’s win is a stepping stone that shines a spotlight on South Africa’s growing presence in mountain biking at international level.
With this historic finish, Tyler has opened the door for a new generation of South African cyclists to dream bigger and aim higher.
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