Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada – Mountain biker Sammie Maxwell has cemented her place in New Zealand sporting history, clinching the UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Series title after a phenomenal and consistent season that culminated in the final round in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec.

The 23-year-old from Taupō, riding for the Decathlon Ford team, finished the final race of the 10-round series in a strong second place. This podium finish was more than enough to secure the coveted overall crown, making her the first New Zealander to ever win a UCI World Series title in the discipline.

A Season of Dominance

Maxwell’s title win was built on remarkable consistency and powerful performances throughout the 2025 season. Her record includes:

• Five race victories across the World Series circuit.
• Standing on the podium in nine out of ten rounds.

Despite a late-season charge from reigning World Champion Jenny Rissveds of Sweden—who won the final race—Maxwell maintained her composure and a substantial points lead. She finished the season 91 points clear of Rissveds and a commanding 451 points ahead of third-placed Alessandra Keller of Switzerland.

“It’s been an incredible season,” Maxwell said after the race. “Every race you are only as good as your last race… I was just in one of those zones today. After the first lap I thought this is me, I am going solo and see if I can hold it . Just sitting on that limit the whole time.”

A Triumph of Resilience

Maxwell’s historic victory is made even more poignant by the personal battles she has openly shared. The title stands as a powerful testament to her resilience, particularly in overcoming struggles with an eating disorder that have affected her career.

The World Series title, which rewards consistency and sustainable performance over a long season. A major marker of her commitment to health and wellbeing alongside athletic excellence. This commitment saw her secure a hard-fought selection to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished an impressive eighth. Marking the best finish of her senior career at the time.

Her team manager, Stephane Tempier, was full of praise: “Sammie was very strong throughout the season. We started the season looking for podiums and then she was in the lead. Today she was very strong and smart and focused.”

Having previously made history as the U23 Cross-Country World Champion in 2023, and becoming the first Kiwi woman to win an Elite World Cup event earlier this year in Brazil, Sammie Maxwell has now completed her ascent to the top of elite mountain biking. Her victory not only celebrates her personal achievement but also ignites excitement for the next generation of New Zealand cyclists.