Puck Pieterse returns to the XCO World Cup in Nove Mesto

The Dutch rider Puck Pieterse has just confirmed that she will kick off her XCO season next week at the event in Nové Město na Moravě, one of the most iconic venues on the international calendar.

Puck Pieterse returns to XCO in Nove Mesto, where she shone last year

Pieterse has not competed in an XCO event since September of last year in Lenzerheide and her return generates enormous anticipation after the level she has shown in recent months both on the road and in cyclocross. The former world champion in this discipline in 2024 comes after a particularly solid first block of the season, once again confirming her almost unique ability to switch disciplines and perform immediately at the highest level.

Although there is always some uncertainty when a rider returns to MTB after several months focused on the road, recent experience suggests that she will be competitive from the very first moment. In fact, in the 2025 edition of Nové Město, she already demonstrated her explosiveness by winning the Short Track, in addition to leading the XCO during the early laps before suffering a flat tire that took her out of the fight for victory.

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Pieterse herself acknowledged in the announcement of her return that she was very eager to compete again in the Czech Republic. “I am very excited to race again in Nové Město. It is one of the most iconic and exciting places on the MTB calendar, and the atmosphere with the Czech fans is always special. After focusing on the road for the past few weeks, I am excited to return to mountain biking and enjoy being back on the MTB bike,” explained the Dutch rider.

Her presence adds even more interest to an event that will bring together many of the best specialists in the world, where the Czech circuit usually offers very fast and aggressive races from the first lap.