The Spanish Thibaut Francois claims his first victory in the World Cup in Short Track in South Korea

Thibaut Francois (Canyon XC Racing) has kicked off the 2026 World Cup in style with a victory in the Short Track at Mona YongPyong. The Spaniard took the final straight to secure the first national victory in this discipline.

Thibaut François triumphs in Mona YongPyong and gives Canyon its first win with the new Lux WC

Thibaut's trajectory continues to rise, and after finishing last season of the World Cup on the XCO podium in Lake Placid, this year he has started off by winning the Short Track in South Korea.

After staying in the group of favorites for the 11 laps that the race lasted, a powerful attack in the final meters allowed him to finish ahead of Gustav Pedersen and Paul Schehl. A victory that will surely be very encouraging for the young rider, as he himself has acknowledged that, due to his condition, he did not expect to win such an explosive discipline.

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Moreover, this victory for Thibaut is also the first for the new Canyon Lux WC, which was officially presented yesterday. After this dazzling start, we will have to keep an eye on his XCO race on Sunday.

Top 5 Under 23 World Cup XCC Mona YongPyong

1. Thibaut François Baudry (CANYON XC RACING) – 23:05
2. Gustav Pedersen Heby (WILIER-VITTORIA FACTORY TEAM) – 23:06 (+1)
3. Paul Schehl (LEXWARE MOUNTAINBIKE TEAM) – 23:07 (+2)
4. Nicolas Halter (THÖMUS MAXON) – 23:08 (+3)
5. Leon Fischer – 23:09 (+4)