Goodbye to the "old school": the new generation leads in the XCO World Cup with 3 races remaining

The XCO World Cup 2026 enters its decisive phase with a situation that few would have predicted at the beginning of the season. Luca Martin leads the overall standings ahead of Adrien Boichis, Bjorn Riley, Dario Lillo, and Mathis Azzaro, in a year marked by the definitive emergence of a new generation that has displaced many of the usual big names from the top positions.

Luca Martin arrives as leader, with some doubts, to the decisive part of the year

After six races held, with three still to go, Martin tops the overall with 1,419 points, while Boichis has 1,289. The difference between them is 130 points, so the fight for the title remains completely open.

Further back is Bjorn Riley with 983 points, followed by Dario Lillo with 880 and Mathis Azzaro with 876. Between third and fifth place, there are only 107 points, another indication of how tight this season is proving to be.

At just 24 years old, Luca Martin has become the main reference of the XCO World Cup 2026. The Frenchman from Cannondale Factory Racing has built his lead on enormous consistency and arrives at the final stretch with a significant advantage, although still insufficient to manage the standings comfortably. Moreover, in Andorra, he suffered a dip that has raised some doubts.

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Martin has 1,419 points compared to Boichis's 1,289 and has the opportunity to close out an extraordinary season. In addition to the XCO title, he is still in a position to fight for the overall Short Track title and for the rainbow jersey at the upcoming World Championship in Val di Sole.

However, Martin himself acknowledges that during the summer break, his preparation has not been solely focused on the World Cup.

"It has been difficult to find the balance because whether you do altitude training or follow a more traditional preparation, you have to set a priority. At this point in the season, my preparation has been very focused on the World Championship", he explains.

His current position also helps to understand his calmness. Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, Martin believes that 2026 has already represented a huge step forward in his career.

"I am already very happy with this season. For me, this year is already a great success. I just need to keep doing the same things, trust the process, and continue building on what has worked so far".

Adrien Boichis is the main threat to Martin

If there is one rider capable of directly challenging Martin for the title, it is Adrien Boichis. The Frenchman from Specialized Factory Racing is only 130 points behind the leader and is having a season in which he has fully confirmed everything he hinted at in lower categories.

At 23 years old, Boichis has achieved in 2026 his first elite victory in an XCO World Cup, obtained in Saalfelden Leogang, and also debuted his palmarès in the XCC World Cup with his victory in Lenzerheide.

Moreover, he arrives at this part of the season after winning the last XCO race held in Pal Arinsal. During the World Cup break, he even temporarily switched from mountain biking to road cycling to compete in the Tour of Poland before returning to MTB.

Boichis believes that the current differences between the best are minimal.

"Between being tenth and first, the difference is actually not that big. It can depend on small details, confidence, or just having a bit of luck on your side," he asserts.

For the Frenchman, regularly being in a position to win already represents a significant change: "Being at the front in a race and fighting for victory is one of the best feelings in sports".

Bjorn Riley consolidates among the best in the world

A bit further back from the two Frenchmen is Bjorn Riley, third with 983 points. The American from Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team is also having a confirmation season in the elite.

Riley achieved in Pal Arinsal his first victory in the XCC World Cup, a win that, as he explains, has especially changed his approach to racing.

"My mentality has changed. Now I feel that the podium is possible every time I compete. I know what process I need to follow to put myself in a position to finish in the top three. Winning still represents another step," explains Riley.

His victory in Andorra was important to overcome one of the barriers he himself identified in racing.

"I normally overthink every move I make. In Andorra, I didn't think, I just went for it. It was a big step forward from a mental standpoint and taught me what it takes to win".

Although his 436 points behind Martin make the fight for the overall much more complicated, there are still enough points at stake for the American to maintain mathematical options and, above all, to consolidate his position on the final podium.

Dario Lillo and Mathis Azzaro complete a very tight Top 5

After Riley, we find one of the tightest battles in the standings. Dario Lillo is fourth with 880 points and Mathis Azzaro fifth with 876, separated by only four points.

Azzaro started the season particularly strong, although several falls and a penalty caused him to lose some of the ground gained during the early races.

Despite this, the Origine Racing Division rider maintains his confidence intact.

"I am very happy with what I achieved during the first part of the season and I am looking forward to facing the next block of races," assures the Frenchman, who summarizes his aspirations with a clear phrase: "My moment will come".

At 26 years old, Azzaro has shown enough speed to fight for victories, although he still needs to translate that performance into results more consistently.

A World Cup that confirms the generational change

The standings reflect better than anything else what is happening this season. Martin is 24 years old, Boichis and Riley are 23, and Azzaro is 26, and all of them have regularly established themselves among the riders capable of contesting victories.

It is no longer just about occasional appearances. Martin and Boichis occupy the top two positions in the overall, Riley is third, and Azzaro is fighting for fourth place with Lillo.

There are three races left in the XCO World Cup 2026 and, in between, the World Championship in Val di Sole will arrive. A decisive block in which managing form and recovery will be especially important.

Martin starts with a 130-point lead, but Boichis arrives fired up after his victory in Pal Arinsal. Behind, Riley, Lillo, and Azzaro keep the battle for the podium open.

With three rounds to go, here is the Top 5 of the overall standings of the elite men's XCO World Cup 2026:

1. Luca Martin (FRA) – 1,419 points
2. Adrien Boichis (FRA) – 1,289 points
3. Bjorn Riley (USA) – 983 points
4. Dario Lillo (SUI) – 880 points
5. Mathis Azzaro (FRA) – 876 points