The Championships had initially been scheduled to take place at Graz in Austria during May, but the event was among the sporting postponements caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The UEC has confirmed Monte Tamaro, located in the town of Monteceneri, has stepped in to play host instead.

Competition is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 18.

The event is planned to include elite, under-23 and junior cross-country races, a team relay and two eliminator titles.

More than 400 riders from around 35 countries are expected to participate in the four-day event.

"The awarding of the 2020 Mountain Bike European Championships to Switzerland is another step forward for the UEC, during a particularly difficult season due to the COVID-19 health crisis," said Rocco Cattaneo, UEC President.

"During the stoppage of the season and with the cancellation of the Championships initially planned last May in Graz, we worked in close co-operation with the International Cycling Union (UCI) to reschedule the event on the international calendar and we also initiated contacts to ensure a high level of organisation for these Championships.

"Thanks to the events planned in the off-road sector, in particular the Tamaro Trophy, a class one race that since 2013 riders and specialists regard as one of the most prestigious on the international calendar, the Velo Club Monte Tamaro has gained great experience over the years and this experience will be reinforced by the valuable support from Swiss Cycling.

"The great spectacle of off-road disciplines, the circuit and the stunning backdrop of Monte Tamaro will make this edition of the Mountain Bike European Championships truly unique.

"We would like to thank the Velo Club Monte Tamaro, its President Marzio Cattani, Swiss Olympic, Swiss Cycling and its team as well as the Swiss Army for its fantastic support.

"They are all already working diligently and with great passion to prepare this important event, ready to showcase to the whole world from October 15 to 18 the results of their hard work, which will make us proud to have them as members of the great European cycling family."

Monte Tamaro previously hosted the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2013.

The UEC has claimed the event will attract many fans with extensive television coverage provided by Eurovision.