Dramatic finals, epic comebacks, records, and retirements: we review the best moments of the XCO World Cup 2024

A few weeks ago, the UCI published a very accurate video collecting some of the best moments of the 2024 XCO/XCC World Cup, and we thought it was a great idea to remember them one by one to end the year.

The best moments of the XCO/XCC World Cup one by one

From the dramatic finish that Koretzky starred in the Araxá race to Pauline Ferrand Prevot's retirement, passing through an epic comeback by Pidcock or the new record set by Nino Schurter. Here are the best moments of the 2024 XCO/XCC World Cup.

Dramatic finish in Araxa, Brazil

One of the most dramatic race finishes of the year took place in the second race of the circuit, in Araxa, Brazil. Frenchman Victor Koretzky seemed to have the victory secured in the last lap, but an untimely chain drop forced him to stop and watch as the chasing group formed by Filipo Colombo, Simon Andreassen, and Alan Hatherly launched an aggressive attack that made them fight for victory in an endless sprint at almost 40km/h.

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Andreassen won the race with a 1" advantage over Koretzky. Here you can watch the full race.

From last to first, Pidcock's performance in Crans Montana, Switzerland

Thomas Pidcock showed off his rainbow jersey in the Short Track in Crans Montana. An accident at the start left him relegated to last place, but the British rider managed to make an epic comeback and even in such an intense and short race, he crossed the finish line first.

The Specialized Factory Team works its magic in Lake Placid

South African Candice Lill was leading the XCO World Cup in Lake Placid with authority, but she did not expect the lightning attack launched by Specialized Factory Team cyclists Laura Stigger and Sina Frei in the final meters.

Stigger took the victory, Sina Frei was second, and Lill lost the last spot on the podium to Loana Lecomte.

Nino Schurter extends his legend and achieves his 36th victory in the XCO World Cup

Nino Schurter is already considered by the vast majority as the best XCO cyclist in history, but at 38 years old, rumors of a possible retirement were looming throughout the season. Something he took care of dispelling by achieving victory number 36 in the World Cup.

With his triumph in Val di Sole, Nino Schurter has now raised the record of victories in this competition to 36 and made it clear that his form is still at the level of the best cyclists of the moment.

Candice Lill achieves her first podium in the XCO World Cup

One of the great revelations of the year has been South African Candice Lill, former member of the Brujula Bike Racing Team. Lill has been competing in 2024 with the support of Cannondale and in the Val di Sole World Cup, she achieved her first podium in the XCO World Cup.

As we have already mentioned, she was close to winning in Lake Placid, but there is no doubt that after her performances, she will be among the favorites for 2025.

Alessandra Keller's endless attack to win the Nove Mesto XCC

We are used to seeing how Short Track races are decided with an explosive attack at the end, but in Nove Mesto, we witnessed an unusual move by Alessandra Keller.

The Swiss rider launched a last agonizing attack in which she did not manage to break away completely but did not stop either in the face of her rivals' pursuit. Just watching it will leave you exhausted.

First victory for Alan Hatherly in the XCO World Cup

There is no doubt that Alan Hatherly has been one of the cyclists of the year, and it all started with his first Elite victory in the XCO World Cup in Les Gets.

From there, the South African gained the necessary confidence to win the World Championship, continue winning World Cup races, and finally secure victory in the Overall Classification.

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot's retirement

The 2024 season will always be remembered as the year Pauline Ferrand-Prevot retired. The Frenchwoman has been the best XCO cyclist of the last decade, and her name will be forever written in cycling history for being the first person to win the Road, mountain bike, cyclocross, and gravel World Championships.

In 2024, Pauline closed her mountain bike career in the best possible way by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and from now on, we can follow her in her new road team.

Undoubtedly, her retirement marks a new era for the 2025 XCO World Cup.