Get ready for an exciting weekend of mountain bike racing as the 2026 XC World Cup series returns to the familiar and challenging terrain of Nové Město in the Czech Republic. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, offering a unique blend of technical prowess and intense competition.
The Venue: A Technical Challenge
Nové Město has established itself as a longstanding favorite on the World Cup circuit, renowned for its demanding course that tests riders' skills to the limit. With constant technical descents and steep climbs, there's no room for error, and the races often culminate in heart-stopping sprint finishes. Even the start/finish straight on tarmac can be a game-changer, providing opportunities for strategic overtaking.
Racing Preview: A Star-Studded Lineup
The Nové Město round is set to feature some of the sport's biggest names, including the multi-talented Puck Pieterse and Tom Pidcock. Both riders have a proven track record at Nové Město, and their presence will undoubtedly elevate the competition in the elite races. However, Mathieu van der Poel, who was initially listed on the entry list, will not be participating this week, choosing to save his MTB return for a later date.
Teams and Strategies: Adapting to the Familiar
With the series returning to familiar territory, teams and riders will have the advantage of their full pit setups, a welcome change from the simpler approach used in the first round in Korea. This shift in logistics will allow for more strategic racing and could influence the outcomes of the elite races.
Specialized Factory Racing: Navigating Injuries and Recoveries
Specialized Factory Racing faces some challenges with injuries to Christopher Blevins and Victor Koretzky, but they welcome the return of Adrien Boichis to fill the void in the elite men's races. Additionally, Alessandra Keller, fresh from her recovery following a dominant performance at the 2026 Cape Epic, is back in action this week, adding to the team's strength.
Course and Conditions: A Welcome Change
After the muddy conditions of the first round in South Korea, riders can look forward to a more favorable track in Nové Město. The weather forecast predicts warm temperatures and minimal rain, ensuring optimal racing conditions. The course, known for its ability to handle moisture, will provide a true test of XC racing skills.
Racing Schedule: A Focus on XC
This week's World Cup racing will be dedicated solely to XC, with a slightly different schedule. After a 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. The weekend will culminate with the long-distance XCO event on Sunday.
Pinkbike's Predictions: A Weekend of Upsets?
Pinkbike's crystal ball predicts some exciting outcomes for this weekend's elite races. Puck Pieterse, a strong performer at Nové Město, is favored to take the top spot in the women's race, closely followed by current World Champion Jenny Rissveds, who will be seeking redemption after a disappointing finish in Korea. Alessandra Keller, fresh from her recovery, is also a rider to watch.
In the men's race, Tom Pidcock, with an unbeaten XCO win record at Nové Město, is the favorite for the top step of the podium. However, Dario Lillo, who started his first elite season strongly with an XCC podium and XCO win at round one, could be a real threat. Finn Treudler, who suffered mechanical issues in South Korea, is also predicted to be a contender for the win.
Conclusion: A Weekend of High Stakes
As the 2026 XC World Cup series continues, Nové Město promises to deliver an intense and captivating weekend of racing. With a star-studded lineup, challenging conditions, and high stakes, this event is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned to Pinkbike for daily coverage, results, and analysis, and don't miss the official race broadcast to witness the drama unfold.
Personally, I think this weekend's racing will be a true test of the riders' skills and strategies. With the course offering such a unique challenge, it will be fascinating to see how the favorites perform and if any dark horses emerge. The return of Alessandra Keller and the presence of Tom Pidcock add an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting lineup. From my perspective, this World Cup round has all the ingredients for an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
