The world's largest urban downhill race returned to Valparaíso in Chile for the 21st time to celebrate the best mountain bike riders from around the globe. There were hair-raising feats in the steep, narrow, twisty streets as they competed in the second stop of the three-part series to determine the ultimate Red Bull Cerro Abajo winner.
Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo has forged a reputation as one of the fastest and toughest urban downhill races in the sport. Since 2010, riders have been ripping through the streets of the densely packed Chilean city in a bid to become "King of the Port" by clocking in the fastest descent through the super technical course.
The second stop of the global downhill series brings together elite riders from around the world to see who will take the throne. It follows the opening round in Genova last October, and will be followed by the third event of the 2024/25 season at Red Bull Guanajuato Cerro Abajo on March 29.
The race returns for 2025 to mark its 21st anniversary, with last year's Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo winner Lucas Borba looking to defend his title and further solidify his name in urban downhill history.
Perched high above the city, the descent from Valparaíso’s hilltops to its lower streets is nothing short of dramatic. Riders drop from steep, sky-high neighbourhoods, navigating a near-vertical maze of staircases, narrow alleys, and sheer drops as they race toward the scorching streets below. With its intense elevation changes and relentless gradients, Valparaíso delivers one of the most thrilling and technical urban downhill courses in the world.
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Race format & rules
The race is a time trial format, meaning the rider with the fastest descent wins. The course is extremely fast, chaotic and demanding, featuring stairs, wallrides, tight corners, and massive drops. The riders need razor-sharp reflexes, plenty of stamina to handle the brutal course, and an in-built confidence to navigate through the track at speeds of up to 40km/h. It's all about balancing aggression with precision – too slow, and they lose time; too reckless, and they might crash out.
Aggression meets precision - there'll be plenty of air time in Valparaíso
The Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo event includes a Qualification Round, after which the top 15 riders will advance to the Finals. Additional riders may qualify through protected status (determined based on the previous year’s rankings and UCI standings) or byes due to track incidents. Every man-made feature (wallrides, jumps, drops) are mandatory, with a 5-second penalty for incorrect execution. The Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo course is not marked with tape, making track memorisation crucial.
The official Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo line-up includes 34 riders, led by three-time champion and Red Bull athlete Tomáš Slavík (CZE), reigning series champion Juan Fernando Vélez (COL), two-time Valparaíso winner Pedro Ferreira (CHI), and the defending event champion, Lucas Borba (BRA).
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Schedule
Time (Local)
Event
Saturday, March 1st
15:00 - 16:30
Limited Practice Session (From Lyon stairs to Ferreira Jump)
Sunday, March 2nd
10:20
Practice
13:55
Qualification
15:35
Finals
16:40
Awards Ceremony
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Where can I watch Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo?
Viewers can tune in to watch all the action unfold at the second stop in Valparaíso on Red Bull TV or the Red Bull Bike YouTube channel from 18:15 UTC. All races will also be available to watch as full replays right afterwards. For local networks, please check local listings for programming times – and the race will be broadcast on local Chilean TV (TVN).
Spectators
The event has free public access – no tickets required! Spectators are invited to witness the world’s most thrilling urban downhill race in person, right in the heart of Valparaíso. Entry is completely free, offering fans the chance to see elite riders take on steep staircases, rooftop drops, and insane jumps at breathtaking speeds.
The track offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal
The race kicks off from Carlos Lyon Street and charges through the city’s twisting alleyways and staircases before reaching the finish line at Plaza Aníbal Pinto, where the energy is electric. Find your ideal vantage point along the track, with public access permitted behind fencing along the course boundary.
Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot, soak in the atmosphere, and be part of the action as Valparaíso transforms into the ultimate urban racing battleground!