Nukeproof arrives at the XCO World Cup and is developing a 32-inch bike

The KMC–Ridley project of the legendary Bart Brentjens takes an important turn for the 2026 season and will now be known as KMC–Nukeproof MTB XCO Team. This move marks the definitive entry of Nukeproof into top-level XCO, a discipline in which the Northern Irish brand had not competed consistently until now, contrasting with its history linked to gravity, with recognizable names like Sam Hill.

Nukeproof makes the leap to XCO and becomes the main sponsor of Bart Brentjens' KMC team

The transition is also consistent at the industrial level, as both Nukeproof and Ridley are part of the same group, the Belgian Cycling Factory, which has facilitated a quick and smooth transition for the World Cup team.

The team will kick off the 2026 campaign with the Nukeproof Hyperfly, a model based on the previous Ridley Raft but arriving with specific adjustments. According to information provided by the brand, the Hyperfly will incorporate a redesigned swingarm that will lighten the weight compared to the current production model. Therefore, it will be a short-term continuity solution while the true XC project of the house is completed.

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This project is called Megafly. As confirmed by Clive Gosling, the global director of the brand, Nukeproof has been working for two years on a new XC/Downcountry frame that will replace the Hyperfly when it goes into production.

Although the Megafly was born around 29” wheels, Nukeproof does not rule out redesigning it for 32-inch wheels. Some media, such as Pinkbike, report that Brentjens and several team riders have recently tested an XC bike with this diameter in Mont-Sainte-Anne, with very positive feelings, which has reopened the internal debate.

From KMC and Belgian Cycling Factory, it is emphasized that the agreement is strategic and looks several years ahead. The 2026 season will be key on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and the goal is to directly transfer competition knowledge to the development of future Nukeproof bikes.

Brentjens himself has emphasized that starting to ride with Nukeproof already in 2026 represents a significant advantage in building that “perfect unit” among riders, mechanics, sponsors, and suppliers for the great Olympic goal.

The roster of the KMC–Nukeproof MTB XCO Team for the 2026 season will consist of elite men Julian Schelb, Tom Schellekens, and Sasha Hudyma, awaiting a fourth rider who will be officially announced later; in elite women, Kelsey Urban and Lia Schrievers will compete, while in the Sub-23 categories, the team will have Rens Teunissen van Manen in men and Carla Hahn in women.