BBC Sport

The biggest names in cross-country will push for the podium in the Pyrenees. GB’s reigning world champion and Olympic gold medal winner Tom Pidcock spearheads a squad that includes XCO champion Cameron Orr and GB’s rising star Charlie Aldridge, who became the U23 World Champion last year. Olympic champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot rides to defend her title in what’s set to be her final world championships on the mountain bike, before making the switch back to road racing next season.

In downhill, Britain’s reigning world champion Charlie Hatton races to defend the title he won in Fort William last year against the likes of France’s Loïc Bruni - who is never far from the podium - with Austria’s Valentine Höll hoping to make it three wins in a row in the women’s race.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC iPlayer

The 2024 Mountain Bike World Championships are taking place in Andorra this week, where BBC Sport will be covering both the Elite downhill and Elite cross-country events from Pal Arinsal. Coverage of all the action from the Men’s and Women’s races will be shown on the 31st August & 1st September, on the Red Button, iPlayer, BBC Sport App and website.

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

How do I start?

Just hop on a bike and you're good to go British Cycling,, externalScottish Cycling,, externalWelsh Cycling,, external and Cycle NI, external have information about clubs and racing tracks, and the Breeze,, external programme for women cyclists offers a range of safe and sociable cycle routes for all abilities. If you don't have access to a bike there are hundreds of bike rental facilities across the UK.

What is cycling?

Road cycling, the most common form of cycling, is simply riding a bike outside for exercise, sport or to get from A to B. Track cycling adds a competitive element and sees riders race around a specialist track at high speeds.

Is it for me?

From young children on stabilisers, through to adults going for long countryside rides, cycling is for everyone. Sick of being stuck in traffic? Cycling to work is also one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine. There are also a number of cycling clubs around the UK, where coffee and cake stops are as important as the route you ride!

What to expect when I start?

• An hour-long road race can burn up to 844 calories and an hour on the track can burn up to 782 calories.
• To ensure you're riding safely you should wear a helmet, reflective clothing and equip your bike with lights in winter.
• Regardless of how and where you cycle, you'll be increasing muscle strength and stamina whilst decreasing your body-fat levels.
• There are cycling clubs across the UK so it's an excellent way to make friends and develop communication skills.
• Paracycling, external takes a number of forms including Handcycling, where competitors power the bike with their hands and arms and tandem bikes for blind or visually impaired athletes and their assistants.
• It's a low-impact type of exercise, so it's easier on your joints than running or other similar activities.
• Go Ride, external introduces young riders to the sport and improves their bike handling skills. Go Ride Racing is a competition programme which offers entry level competitions for young riders.