For the young rider, 2025 was an intense year rich in learning experiences. Marked by victories, doubts, and challenges, it represents a major step forward in the maturity of his sporting development.
Rediscovering the taste for victory
After a difficult start to the year, slowed down by a virus and a few challenging races, Arne claimed the first C1 victory of his career in Wilder Kaiser, Austria. He followed it with two more wins the same weekend, in the C3 Short Track and the Sunday race. A triple win that restored his confidence. “It’s not only the big World Cup races that matter. Winning, finding joy and confidence again, is just as important,” Arne explains. The following weeks confirmed his comeback: a podium in the C1 in Austria at the end of May and a series of strong performances on the international circuit. In Leogang, the young mountain biker ranked in the world’s Top 50.
But not everything was smooth. In Val d’Isole and Les Gets, Arne realized he had sometimes relied too much on perfection, arriving mentally exhausted at the start. A valuable lesson. In Lenzerheide, the final round of the World Cup, he chose a more relaxed approach - late arrival, lighter routine - and rediscovered both enjoyment and performance. “I raced loose, without unnecessary pressure. It was the most complete race of my season, a real achievement to wrap up the XCO.”
Between pushing limits and adventure
In September, Arne took part in the legendary Red Bull Dolomitenman in Lienz, Austria - an extreme team event combining trail running, paragliding, mountain biking, and kayaking. He set the fastest MTB time among around a hundred teams and led his team to an excellent 4th place. “It was incredible. The atmosphere, the crowd, the pride of performing in such an event. An unforgettable memory.”
The season concluded with another major event: the Gravel World Championships in Maastricht. Facing 270 riders, the young cyclist fought among the world’s elite, alongside Pidcock and Wellens, and finished 30th. “It was long and intense, but I was there, right with the best. A real source of pride to end the season.”
Growing, learning, moving forward
From this season, Arne draws an essential lesson: mental strength is just as important as physical condition. “Sometimes I was working against myself instead of for myself,” he admits. Now he is moving forward with a new coach and a clear objective: finding the right balance between XCO and Gravel, two complementary disciplines. “It’s not just about UCI points, but about joy, sharing, and progress.”
A partnership with meaning
For Arne, the support of KARL HUGO goes far beyond a simple partnership. “This collaboration is above all a human adventure. As a KARL HUGO ambassador, my role is to make the company known to young people and inspire them. When a trainee chooses KARL HUGO, I tell myself: that’s when we’ve succeeded!”
More mature and clearer about what he wants to build, Arne ends this 2025 season with a clear message: “If you’re not moving forward, you’re slipping backward. And I still want to move forward!”
