The 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup returned to Pal Arinsal, Andorra, from July 9 to 12, 2026, following a brief storm that had swept through the Pyrenees. This event marked a significant milestone in the mountain biking calendar, drawing elite athletes from around the globe to compete in the disciplines of Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Short Track (XCC), and Downhill (DHI). (palarinsal.com)
Women’s XCC
In the women’s Short Track race, Swedish rider Jenny Rissveds delivered an impressive performance, clinching victory in just over 21 minutes. She edged out Austria’s Laura Stigger and Switzerland’s Ronja Blöchlinger, who finished in second and third place, respectively. Swiss duo Nicole Koller and Alessandra Keller secured the fourth and fifth positions. French cyclist Olivia Onesti finished 29th, while compatriot Loana Lecomte opted to skip this Andorran round. (as.com)
Men’s XCC
The men’s Short Track race saw American rider Bjorn Riley achieve his first World Cup XCC victory. After a competitive battle with France’s Adrien Boichis and Italy’s Luca Martin, Riley showcased strategic prowess in the final lap. A misstep by Charlie Aldridge of Cannondale allowed Christopher Blevins to join the leading trio. Riley’s calculated approach in the closing stages propelled him to the top of the podium, with Boichis and Blevins finishing second and third, respectively. (as.com)
U23 Men’s XCC
In the U23 Men’s Short Track event, German rider Paul Schehl secured the win, narrowly surpassing Spain’s Thibaut François in the final lap. This performance elevated François to second place in the overall standings. Swiss cyclist Nicolas Halter completed the podium, while Spanish rider Hugo Franco achieved a commendable seventh place. (as.com)
Event Highlights
The Pal Arinsal Bike Park, situated in La Massana, provided a challenging terrain for the competitors. The DHI track, located in the Cubil area, featured a 2.1 km course with a vertical drop of 500 meters, testing the riders’ technical skills and endurance. (visitandorra.com)
The 2026 edition of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Andorra not only showcased the athleticism and determination of the riders but also reaffirmed Pal Arinsal’s status as a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts worldwide.
For a comprehensive view of the 2025 UCI XCC, DHI, and XCO World Cup races in Pal Arinsal, you can watch the full race highlights below:
FULL RACE HIGHLIGHTS | 2025 UCI XCC, DHI & XCO World Cup – Round 6 Pal Arinsal – Andorra 🇦🇩