World Cup XC 2026 #1: Mona YongPyong – A New Era in Mountain Biking
The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series kicks off this weekend at Mona YongPyong in South Korea, marking a historic first for the sport. This inaugural event on Asian soil promises to set the tone for an exhilarating season ahead.
A Historic Venue
Nestled in the PyeongChang region, renowned for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, Mona YongPyong introduces a fresh challenge for riders. The course seamlessly blends expansive, high-speed sections with intricate, tree-lined passages, demanding both speed and technical prowess. A notable feature is the extensive artificial rock garden, adding a unique twist to the traditional cross-country circuit. (xcomtb.com)
Race Schedule
Friday, May 1 – XCC Short Track:
- 10:35 KST (02:35 BST): XCC Women Under 23
- 11:25 KST (03:25 BST): XCC Men Under 23
- 17:15 KST (09:15 BST): XCC Women Elite
- 18:05 KST (10:05 BST): XCC Men Elite
Sunday, May 3 – XCO Olympic:
- 09:00 KST (01:00 BST): XCO Women Under 23
- 11:00 KST (03:00 BST): XCO Men Under 23
- 13:30 KST (05:30 BST): XCO Women Elite
- 15:30 KST (07:30 BST): XCO Men Elite
Elite Contenders
Women’s Field:
World Champion Jenny Rissveds enters as the frontrunner, carrying the rainbow stripes into this new chapter. Challengers include Specialized Factory Racing’s trio—Haley Batten, Sina Frei, and Laura Stigger—each with elite-level victories. Evie Richards (Trek – Unbroken XC) and Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing) are also poised to make significant impacts. (xcomtb.com)
Men’s Field:
The absence of Nino Schurter after nearly two decades opens the field. Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) is a strong contender, having secured the XCO-XCC World Cup double in 2025. Fabio Püntener (Scott-SRAM) steps into Schurter’s role as world number one. Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) and Mathias Flückiger (Thömus Maxon) are also expected to challenge for top positions. (xcomtb.com)
Broadcast Information
The event will be broadcast live across various platforms:
- UK: TNT Sports and HBO Max
- Europe: Eurosport and HBO Max
- USA: HBO Max
- Australia: Stan Sport
- Canada: FloSports
For regions not listed, MTBWS TV provides comprehensive coverage. (xcomtb.com)
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series unfolds, the Mona YongPyong event stands as a testament to the sport’s global expansion and the relentless pursuit of excellence by its athletes. This inaugural race in Asia is set to deliver thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
For more details, visit the official UCI website. (uci.org)