As winter recedes, the competitive cycling season gains momentum, with early races offering valuable insights into athletes’ form ahead of the spring’s major events. The UCI Continental Series in Melgaço, Portugal, and the XCO event in Guéret, France, have recently showcased impressive performances.
UCI Continental Series Melgaço
Men’s Elite Race
The Melgaço circuit, known for its rapid and demanding terrain, witnessed a dominant performance from the Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team. Simone Avondetto clinched victory after 1 hour, 21 minutes, and 1 second, with teammate Juri Zanotti trailing by 16 seconds. David List of Decathlon Ford Racing Team secured third place, finishing 46 seconds behind Avondetto. The competition for the top five was intense, with Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) finishing fifth, just ahead of Mathis Guay (KTM Factory MTB Team). Vlad Dascalu (Trek – Unbroken XC) made a notable return after a 17-month suspension, finishing eighth. French riders Joshua Dubau (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) and Matteo Siffredi also placed well, taking ninth and tenth positions, respectively.
Women’s Elite Race
In the women’s category, Sofie Pedersen of Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team secured the win, finishing 50 seconds ahead of Chiara Teocchi (BH Coloma Team). Giada Specia (KTM Factory MTB Team) completed the podium, 1 minute and 28 seconds behind Pedersen. Anne Tauber (KTM Factory MTB Team) and Ana Santos (Cannondale Factory Racing) narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
XCO Guéret
Men’s Race
Swiss rider Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) dominated the Guéret course, completing six laps in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 1 second. His teammate Jens Schuermans secured second place, 50 seconds behind. Thomas Griot (Sunn Factory Racing) rounded out the podium, finishing 1 minute and 14 seconds after Lillo. The battle for the top five was closely contested, with Antoine Jamin (BH-Wallonie MTB Team) and Rens Teunissen Van Manen (KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team) finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, both within two minutes of the winner. Local rider Yann Chaptal (Scott Creuse Oxygène Guéret) delivered a strong performance, finishing in the top ten.
Women’s Race
Lena Gérault (Scott Creuse Oxygène Guéret) took advantage of her home advantage to secure victory in the women’s race. Olivia Onesti (BH Coloma Team) finished just 16 seconds behind in second place, while Anaïs Moulin (Team VC Evron Coëtmieux RAR) completed the podium, 3 minutes and 50 seconds adrift. Roxanne Porlier (A.F.C Racing Team) narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, with Lauriane Duraffourg (Scott Creuse Oxygène Guéret) rounding out the top five. Scott Creuse Oxygène Guéret showcased their strength by placing three riders in the top ten.
These early-season races have provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape of the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike season, with athletes demonstrating their readiness for the challenges ahead.