Get ready for an exciting weekend of mountain bike racing as the 2026 XC World Cup series returns to the familiar grounds of Nové Město in the Czech Republic. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, offering a unique blend of technical challenges and grueling climbs that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned riders.
Nové Město has established itself as a longstanding venue for XC racing, consistently delivering races that end in heart-pounding sprint finishes. With the series returning to Europe, teams and riders will be reunited with their full support setups, adding an extra layer of strategy and preparation to the competition.
One of the highlights of this round is the presence of multi-discipline talents Puck Pieterse and Tom Pidcock on the start line. Both riders have a proven track record of success at Nové Město, and their participation will undoubtedly elevate the competition for the race win in the elite categories.
In terms of team dynamics, Specialized Factory Racing will be bolstered by the return of Adrien Boichis to off-road racing. Boichis steps in to fill the void left by injured riders Christopher Blevins and Victor Koretzky, providing much-needed depth to the elite men's squad. Additionally, Alessandra Keller, fresh from a recovery period following her impressive win at the 2026 Cape Epic, will be back in action this week, adding further intrigue to the women's elite race.
The Nové Město course is a relentless challenge, featuring constant technical descents and punchy climbs that offer little respite for the riders. Even the tarmac start/finish straight plays a crucial role, providing prime opportunities for overtaking and creating some truly brutal sprint finishes.
As we look ahead to this weekend's racing, the schedule focuses solely on XC, with a slightly different format compared to previous rounds. After a full day of training on Thursday, Friday will see the U23 racers tackle the XCC Short Track course, while the elites will have their XCC race on Saturday, followed by the U23 XCO races in the afternoon. The weekend will culminate with the long-distance XCO event on Sunday, where the elites will battle it out for glory.
The weather forecast for this week's racing is a welcome change from the muddy conditions of the first round in South Korea. Warm temperatures and very low probabilities of rain are expected throughout the race week, ensuring optimal racing conditions for the athletes. Even if wet weather does make an appearance, the Nové Město track is well-equipped to handle moisture, ensuring that the racing action remains unaffected.
In terms of predictions, Puck Pieterse is our top pick for the elite women's race. With a strong track record at Nové Město, Pieterse will be eager to make a big impact in her mountain bike season. However, she will face stiff competition from current World Champion Jenny Rissveds, who will be seeking redemption after a disappointing performance in the mud of South Korea. Alessandra Keller, fresh from her recovery, is also a rider to watch, as she looks to build on her commanding Cape Epic victory.
For the elite men's race, Tom Pidcock is the favorite to take the top step of the podium on Sunday. Despite not having raced XC since his win in Andorra last year, Pidcock's incredible talent and ability to perform with minimal practice make him a formidable opponent. Dario Lillo, who secured an XCC podium and XCO win at round one, is also a strong contender, aiming to prove that his first win was not a fluke. Finn Treudler, who suffered mechanical issues at the opening round, could also be a threat, seeking to make amends for his unfortunate result in South Korea.
So, as we gear up for this weekend's racing, the stage is set for an intense battle on the trails of Nové Město. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the 2026 XC World Cup promises to deliver thrilling action and memorable moments. Make sure to tune in and catch all the excitement as it unfolds!
Personally, I can't wait to see how the predictions play out and which riders will rise to the occasion. The XC World Cup series always delivers, and I'm excited to see who will emerge as the champions of this round.
