What I do
Sport is my passion, MTB my love
When I was younger, I was such a
pleasant child. Mom would
usually say I was like a little
angel.
You could negotiate
anything with me. A gentle child.
Sensitive to the misfortunes of
animals and humans.
The complete opposite of my
other personality trait, which is
to always try and win.
Everywhere.
And even today, you can’t mess
with me in any game.
Connect with me:
More than racing – this is my story
Born to ride, brave enough to tell.
No Room for Mistakes
I was disappointed – I lost the jersey that had been with me for the last three years. But at least I learned something: I need to listen to the people around me (especially Fati!3) who gave me clear instructions for cooling, and I ignored them because of some youthful stubbornness. A painful lesson for next time.
Fitness for Cyclists with Maruša Tereza Šerkezi
Gym training is of key importance for cyclists, as it improves performance, endurance, and — most importantly — helps prevent injuries.
Cycling requires excellent physical conditioning, and including gym workouts brings real added value.
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi, BODIFIT ambassador and leading mountain-bike rider on the international UCI ranking in the Olympic cross-country discipline, explains the importance of gym training for cyclists and demonstrates several exercises she regularly performs at the BODIFIT Kamnik gym.
NEXT GOLDEN GENERATION
THREE WORLD CHAMPIONS, ONE FUTURE
In the Junior Women’s Cross-Country, there was no stopping Maruša Tereza Šerkezi. The 18-year-old Slovenian wasn’t fazed by the pressure of being favourite. Shoulder to shoulder with Swiss rider Anja Grossmann, she fought her way around the demanding Crans-Montana circuit, before unleashing a decisive attack in the final lap. From there she powered away, opening up a lead of more than a minute by the finish.
Life on Two Tracks: Between School and Cycling
Cycling is not just a sport. It’s a way of life that requires complete dedication, takes enormous amounts of time and energy – and often much of a teenager’s carefree youth. I spend half the year on the road, at races, training camps, and workouts. And even though that is already demanding enough, I enrolled in the Sports Gymnasium Šiška. Why?
On the Chain: Maruša Tereza Šerkezi
I started in the U13 category, so at eleven years old – which by today’s standards is late. But that gave me extra freshness. In my first season, I had more DNFs than finishes – I would always crash or have technical problems. But from season to season, I progressed and, most importantly, developed a passion for the sport.
Same Vision, New Team, New Beginning
Where is that healthy balance between attraction and safety?
And are we not becoming just gladiators in the showbiz world of big corporations, only unlike Wile E. Coyote*, we only get one chance?
We’ll probably have to keep searching for the answers.
When you’re going through hell, keep going – or how I dreamed of my first world championship
I never imagined I’d one day hold a bronze medal from the World Championships in my hands and hang it around my neck. The feeling is priceless.
ride. reflect. post. repeat.
Živjo … in Slovenian means Hello
My slogan is:
“Passionate about sport. In love with MTB.”
IN mEDIA
Podcast with Kristjan Vreček
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi is a young cross-country Olympic (XCO) rider who has been achieving top results over the past few years—not just in her beloved Slovenia, but also on the world stage! She is a multiple-time European champion, multiple-time national champion, a bronze medalist at the World Championships, and currently the leader of the UCI junior women’s XCO ranking! For the 2025 season, she signed with the German team Cube Factory Racing XC, and I’m truly happy to have had her in front of the camera as the guest of the twenty-first episode of Zasliševalnica.
IN media
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi – a teenager breaking boundaries and learning from a tough challenge
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi is truly a remarkable young woman. At just 17 years old, she already boasts three European champion titles in junior categories. This year, she added a World Championship bronze to her list of achievements. But more than the results, it’s her experience battling anorexia that truly shaped her strength — a fight from which she emerged even stronger.
“Because of the illness, I started listening to myself,” she says. “I’ve become much more confident and find it easier to express my opinions, something I didn’t do before. One of the positives is that I now have people around me who suit me, and an environment that makes me feel safe.”
Alenka Teran Košir
SIOL sportal
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi with the Cube Next Generation Cross-Country Teamu
This year’s double European champion (in Olympic and Short Track Cross-Country) and World Championship bronze medalist in Olympic Cross-Country will race for the Cube Next Generation Cross-Country Team, alongside Anna Lucas from Germany, Flynn Lanter from Switzerland, and Cas Timmermans and Daan Bakelaar from the Netherlands.
Andrej Dekleva
MTB.si
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi – passionate and extraordinary, we support her rise to the top of the world
We’re proud and excited to announce that LELOSI is a proud sponsor of Maruša Tereza Šerkezi, an exceptional young mountain biker who continues to inspire us every day with her perseverance, passion, and true sportsmanship.
At LELOSI, we believe in supporting young talents who pursue their dreams with dedication and hard work – and Maruša is the perfect example of that spirit.
Nikolina Koljanin
LELOSI
FAQs
Who is Maruša Tereza Šerkezi?
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi is a top-level Slovenian mountain bike racer specializing in Olympic cross-country (XCO). She is a multiple-time European and national champion, a World Championship bronze medalist and currently 2025 MTB XCO 🌈 World Champion (SUI 🇨🇭)
How did Maruša start mountain biking?
Maruša began riding bikes as a child in the Slovenian mountains, where her love for nature and adventure quickly turned into a competitive passion. She entered her first races early and has been climbing the ranks ever since.
What team does Maruša race for?
For the 2026 season, Maruša races for CUBE Factory Racing XC, a prestigious German team competing at the highest level of international mountain biking. For the same time she is still a member of her first Slovenian professional club KD Rajd.
What are Maruša’s biggest achievements so far?
Her top achievements include:
Current UCI World Champion XCO 2025
Multiple European Championship titles
Bronze medal at the UCI World Championships
Multiple Slovenian national titles
What makes Maruša’s racing style unique?
Maruša is known for her aggressive technical riding, explosive climbs, and tactical race intelligence. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and push hard in key moments sets her apart.
Does Maruša compete only in cross-country?
While her focus is primarily on XCO (Olympic Cross-Country) and XCC (Short Track), she also participates in team relays and occasionally explores other formats like XCE (Eliminator) and XCR (Mixed Team Relay). She shares a strong passion for road cycling as well.
What are Maruša’s goals for the future?
Maruša aims to continue developing as a rider through the UCI Junior and U23 ranks, with her long-term sights set on becoming an elite World Cup and Olympic competitor.
Who is Maruša’s coach?
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi is coached by Matjaž Šerkezi, who is not only her coach but also her father. With his family he plays a key role in her athletic development, race planning, and career decisions—offering both professional guidance and personal support as she competes at the top level of international mountain biking.
Maruša Tereza Šerkezi 