The first world championships took place in Durango (USA) in 1990, consisting just of cross country and downhill events. Trials riding was added in 1992. The dual slalom event was added in 2000 but replaced by four-cross in 2002. A team relay event was added in 1999. Mountain bike marathon was included on the schedule at the 2003 championships in Lugano, but established as a separate world championship discipline from 2004.