Sina Frei attacks in the rock garden and wins the Short Track of the World Cup in Leogang

The rain, the mud, and a completely renovated circuit were the main protagonists of the first day of competition in Leogang. In typically alpine conditions, the Women's XCC World Cup offered a race very different from the usual Short Track events, ending with a highly meritorious victory for Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing), who launched a decisive attack on the last lap to secure her second win of the season in this discipline.

Sina Frei conquers the mud of Leogang with a decisive attack on the last lap

The Austrian event arrived surrounded by anticipation for the debut of the new Leogang circuit, a track of just 750 meters that this year features significant modifications compared to previous editions. This was compounded by constant rain that turned the course into a true skating rink, forcing the riders to completely adapt their strategy.

The favorites were clear before the start. Local riders Laura Stigger (Specialized Factory Racing) and Mona Mitterwallner (Mondraker Factory Racing) had the support of the Austrian crowd and aimed to fight for the top positions. Facing them were some of the major references in the world of XCO, such as overall leader Sina Frei, XCC world champion Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon), Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck), and Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing).

The mud broke the race from the first lap

As soon as the race started, it became clear that the state of the terrain would dictate the development of the event. The mud caused several slips and minor entanglements on the main straight and in the first corners of the circuit, while Jenny Rissveds took on the responsibility of setting the pace from the very first meters.

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Far from improving, the conditions worsened as the minutes passed. The rain intensified, and the riders had to constantly seek the balance between maintaining speed and avoiding a fall that could ruin any chance of victory.

In the second lap, it was Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) who momentarily took the lead in the race. The increase in pace caused a significant first selection, and the main group began to break apart as the gaps behind grew rapidly.

The race was set for eight laps, and as the race progressed, a small group of favorites formed by Rissveds, Jackson, Keller, Frei, and Stigger consolidated at the front.

An elimination race until the last lap

The usual strategies of Short Track, where large groups arrive compact to the decisive laps, completely disappeared. The mud transformed the event into a race of attrition where every mistake could cost several seconds.

Alessandra Keller was one of the most active riders in the decisive moments and took charge of increasing the pace to prevent more rivals from returning to the front group. Gradually, the race was reduced to the riders who could truly fight for victory.

The bell for the last lap rang with Jenny Rissveds, Alessandra Keller, and Sina Frei at the front. Everything pointed to a conclusion among the three.

The Swede launched a first attack on the main climb, trying to definitively break the race, but she could not open up a gap. The response came just a few meters later, at one of the most technical points of the new course. Frei took advantage of the passage through the rock garden to accelerate decisively, found the gap that no one else could close, and rode off alone towards victory.

The Swiss crossed the finish line in 19:15 to secure her second win of the season in the World Cup Short Track.

Jenny Rissveds finished second, just four seconds behind the winner after leading much of the race. Alessandra Keller completed the podium in third place, seven seconds back.

The biggest loser of the day was Puck Pieterse. The Dutch rider never found her best rhythm in the mud of Leogang and finished eighth, 52 seconds behind Frei.

Top 10 - XCC World Cup Leogang 2026 (Elite Women)

1. Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) – 19:15
2. Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) – +4”
3. Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) – +7”
4. Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing) – +19”
5. Rebecca Henderson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) – +28”
6. Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) – +37”
7. Madigan Munro (Liv Factory Racing) – +37”
8. Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – +52”
9. Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) – +55”
10. Kira Böhm (Cube Factory Racing) – +55”