
JOENSUU (Finland) 28 February 2025 – The 2025 FIM Snowcross World Championship is set to ignite this weekend in Joensuu, Finland, marking the beginning of an exhilarating three-rounds season. This opening round brings together the top snowcross athletes from across the globe to compete on the challenging snowy terrains of Joensuu.
This year’s lineup is a testament to the sport’s growing international appeal, with riders hailing from nations such as Finland, the United States, Turkiye, Sweden, Norway, France and beyond. The absence of reigning SNX World Champion Magnus Reiten and double WSNX World Champion Malene Cottew means that we will have new champions this year.
Finnish sensation Aki Pihlaja, aboard his Lynx snowmobile, stands out as a formidable contender. Despite missing the initial round in Turkiye last season, Pihlaja showcased resilience by clinching victories in the subsequent two rounds, securing a spot on the championship podium. With the enthusiastic support of his home crowd in Joensuu, he is poised to launch this season with renewed determination.
Norwegian star Elias Ishoel, representing Ski-Doo, is on a determined comeback trail following an injury-plagued previous season. A proven championship contender, Ishoel’s return adds a compelling narrative to the competition. Another Norwaygian representant, Robert Lunden, 4th in the 2024 FIM SNX Championship will be a threat on board of his Ski-Doo, and will try to step on the final podium this season. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Martin Johansson, also on a Ski-Doo, aims to improve upon his sixth-place finish from last year, bringing a blend of experience and ambition to the fray.
In the Women’s Snowcross World Championship, Sweden’s Wilma Jonsson, riding a Ski-Doo, emerges as a strong favourite. After securing the runner-up position in 2024, Jonsson is determined to ascend to the pinnacle this season. Finnish talents Emma Laamanen and Saga Forsell, both competing on Lynx snowmobiles, are eager to capitalise on their home advantage, aiming to make a significant impact in front of a supportive local audience.
The European Snowcross Championship will also kick off in Joensuu, providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their prowess. There is no doubt that the fight will be competitive.
As the FIM Snowcross World Championship solidifies its status as a premier multi-round series, it continues to draw an increasing number of riders each year. The 2025 season promises to be exciting, starting the stunning winter backdrop of Joensuu.
TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC +2)
FRIDAY: 10:00 – 11:30 Technical Verifications, 11:00 Second Circuit Control (if necessary), 12:00 Race Direction First Meeting, 13:00 Briefing with Riders and Start Procedure, 13:25 Camera On-Board Session, 13:50 EU Free Practice, 14:20 Women Free Practice, 14:50 Men Free Practice, 15:45 EU Qualifying Heat 1Group 1, 16:00 EU Qualifying Heat 1 Group 2, 16:15 Women Qualifying Heat, 16:30 Men Qualifying Heat 1 Group 1, 16:45 Men Qualifying Heat 1 Group 2, 17:25 EU Qualifying Heat 2 Group 1, 17:40 EU Qualifying Heat 2 Group 2, 17:55 Women Qualifying Heat 2, 18:10 Men Qualifying Heat 2 Group 1, 18:25 Men Qualifying Heat 2 Group 2, 19:05 EU Last Chance, 19:25 Men Last Chance, 19:45 Race Direction Second Meeting.
SATURDAY: 11:30 EU Warm-Up, 11:45 Women Warm-Up, 12:00 Men Warm-Up, 12:20 Opening Ceremony, 13:10 EU Final 1, 13:30 Women Final 1, 13:50 Men Final 1, 14:50 EU Final 2, 15:10 Women Final 2, 15:30 Men Final 2
For further information about the 2025 FIM Snowcross World Championship, stay tuned to both WorldSnowcross.com and MXGP’s social media channels including the official SNX Instagram page at @snowcross_official