The 2026 French Cross-Country Cup (Coupe de France XC) kicked off in style at Pernes-les-Fontaines, marking a fresh chapter in the nation’s mountain biking calendar. This inaugural round set the tone for the season, blending anticipated performances with notable comebacks.
Women’s Elite Race
Italian rider Martina Berta showcased her prowess by clinching both the Short Track Cross-Country (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) events. Her dominance was evident as she secured a decisive victory, leaving British competitor Isla Short over two minutes behind. Short, competing independently on the World Cup circuit, delivered a commendable performance.
Belgium’s Emeline Detilleux made a remarkable return to the podium, finishing fifth. Reflecting on her performance, Detilleux shared, “Returning to the podium feels great. The journey was long, but it’s rewarding to see my efforts pay off. I felt in control throughout the race and comfortable on my bike. The season is off to a strong start, and I’m eager for what’s next.”
French riders also made their mark, with Loana Lecomte finishing sixth and Léna Gérault seventh. Lecomte, recovering from a significant training crash just days prior, expressed satisfaction with her performance under challenging circumstances.
Men’s Elite Race
In the men’s category, Jordan Sarrou demonstrated his experience and skill by securing victory in the XCO event. His performance was particularly impressive given the stiff competition from emerging talents like Mathis Guay, who finished second, just 29 seconds behind. This win underscores Sarrou’s return to form after a challenging 2025 season marred by injuries.
French riders Antoine Philipp and Thomas Griot also delivered strong performances, finishing sixth and seventh respectively. Griot, representing Sunn Factory Racing, made an impressive debut in the French Cup series.
Under-23 Categories
In the women’s Under-23 race, Tatiana Tournut claimed the top spot, followed by Electa Gallezot of Sunn Factory Racing and Lison Desprez. The men’s Under-23 event saw Naël Rouffiac, donning new team colors, take the win, with Alix André Gallis and Tom Perrin rounding out the podium.
This opening round of the 2026 French Cross-Country Cup not only highlighted the depth of talent within the French cycling community but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead.