The Red Bull Cerro Abajo series returned to Europe for its second year in 2025, solidifying its place as the most iconic and unforgettable event in the world of urban downhill. The start of the 2025/2026 season was proudly hosted in Genova, Italy.
Located in the region of Liguria, in north-west Italy, Genova was the only European stop in the world’s toughest urban downhill competition. 2025's curtain-raiser set the tone for a season of high-adrenaline stops around the globe.
The the 2.2km course route drops 279 metres from start to finish
For the world-class riders, Genova was anything but an easy launchpad into the new season. On a jaw-dropping route that took them literally from mountain to sea, the course threaded the riders through steep-set streets, tight stone alleyways, unpredictable hard surfaces and sudden elevation changes. Every sector demanded sharp reflexes and total commitment – challenging enough to punish mistakes, but with plenty of flow and technical lines for those brave enough to push the limits.
2024’s debut set the stage for an epic season, as the 2.2-kilometre route dropped 279 metres from the start line all the way down to Largo della Zecca. The riders delivered non-stop action, with features like the sharkfin launches and the huge road gap leaving over 35,000 fans roaring at trackside. Genova witnessed even more fast and bold riding in 2025, with a fresh course tweak and a field of elite riders who were ready to throw down for the first win of the year.
2025’s line-up spanned 13 nations, with standout athletes including defending Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo winner Tomas Slavik (CZE), three-time Red Bull Cerro Abajo World Series champion Juanfer Velez (COL), and three local heroes – Italy’s Lucas Vega, Samuele Petrolillo, and Franceso Colombo.
Follow all the Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo action from the Italian city’s streets on Red Bull TV right here.
Tomas Slavik found a little air time during Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo
Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo follows the World Series standard of a time-trial format, where the rider who descends the streets fastest takes the win. The track is relentlessly challenging, mixing narrow staircases, wallrides, tight switchbacks and huge drops. Riders must rely on lightning-fast reflexes, serious endurance, and the confidence to attack every section at full pace.
The event kicks off with a Qualification Round, sending the top 15 riders through to the Finals. Some competitors can earn a place via protected status, based on last season’s results and UCI rankings, or receive a bye if incidents affect the track.
Savage stairs and the need for speed: Genova is an urban rider’s dream
Every man-made element – from drops to jumps and wallrides – is compulsory, with a five-second penalty for missteps. The course has no tape markings, so memorising the lines is critical.
Riders need the perfect mix of aggression and control – hesitate and time slips away, push too hard and the streets will punish you.
The Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo event schedule will took place over three days, with the Finals scheduled on Sunday 24th August.
03
Where can I watch Red Bull Genova Cerro Abajo?
Rewatch the 2025 season opener’s Sunday final live from Genova via Red Bull TV.
For those wanting to watch the adrenaline-fuelled action live and in person, the event was completely free to attend – no tickets needed!
Zoom in for the details: spectators get epic viewpoints of the racing
Fans were invited to experience the world’s most extreme urban downhill race live in the heart of Genova, racing through its historic creuze and caruggi. Spectators caught elite riders tackling steep staircases, tight corners, massive drops, and technical wallrides at blistering speeds.
