Chris Blevins wins and leads a new Specialized triple in Araxá

The second XCO elite men's test of the 2025 World Cup was held again in Araxá, Brazil, but this time with a completely renewed layout. The new, more physically demanding circuit, along with the stifling conditions of heat and humidity, marked the development of a race that was tactical, fast, and with a spectacular finish.

Chris Blevins wins and leads Specialized's triple in Araxá

The riders already knew the tropical conditions in which they had to compete, and many arrived at the grid equipped with ice vests to try to prevent overheating.

The start was clean and with 10 laps ahead, the Specialized Factory Racing once again showed its collective power with Chris Blevins, Victor Koretzky, and Martín Vidaurre positioning themselves at the front from the early stages.

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During the first laps, the front peloton was as compact as it was numerous. Up to 25 riders were riding separated by less than 25 seconds, a clear sign that no one wanted to be caught off guard in the early stages.

From lap 4, the race began to take shape. Although there were still a dozen bikers fighting to lead - Schwarzbauer, Sarrou, Boichis, Koretzky himself - and the Specialized team was demonstrating absolute control of the pace with relays between its riders to wear down the group.

By lap 6, a clear breakaway was formed: 11 riders opened up a 20-second gap over the rest, and the Spaniard Cullell remained firm in the top 10. The race, still without decisive attacks, became increasingly tense.

One of the big names of the day was Luke Moir, the young South African of only 22 years old who, without an official team and riding a private Mondraker, not only stayed with the best but even allowed himself to lead the race at some point.

But it was on lap 9 when the fireworks went off. Swiss rider Fabio Püntener launched a brave attack that momentarily put him in the lead. However, the group trusted in their ability to neutralize him and panic did not spread. Specialized took control again and placed Vidaurre, Blevins, and Boichis at the front.

With the bell of the last lap, the fireworks arrived. The Specialized trio moved to the front in a lethal move, with power and precision. And although any of the three could take the victory, it was Chris Blevins who finished the job with a perfect final sprint to take the win in Araxá.

1. Chris Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) - 1:22:42
2. Martín Vidaurre (Specialized Factory Racing) - +2s
3. Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing) - +3s
4. Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) - +17s
5. Luke Moir - +20s
6. Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) - +22s
7. Jordan Sarrou (BMC Factory Racing) - +22s
8. Fabio Püntener - +37s
9. Jofre Cullell Estapé (BH Coloma Team) - +39s
10. Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) - +48s

A tactical race, marked by heat and the absolute dominance of Specialized, which signed a historic triple and made it clear that this team is several steps ahead in this early part of the championship.