The World XCO Champion kicks off the season at the Internacionales de Chelva 2026

The Internacionales de Chelva 2026 returns on February 14 and 15 as one of the major references on the international Olympic Cross Country calendar. The Valencian event maintains its UCI Hors Class (HC) status and its inclusion in the UCI XCO Junior Series, a double recognition that consolidates it as a strategic stop for teams and riders at the start of the season.

Everything ready in Chelva for a high-voltage XCO Hors Class weekend

In its thirteenth edition, Chelva will once again gather a lineup worthy of a World Cup, with a combination of established stars, young talents in progression, and teams looking to earn key UCI points from the first races of the year.

The XCO world champion debuts in Chelva

The women's race has been chosen by Swedish Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) as her first race of the 2026 season. The world champion, who already won here in 2025, finished last year at a clearly superior level to the rest and will start as the main reference of the lineup.

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Among her main rivals will be Bec Henderson (Orbea Fox Factory), who arrives on a high after her victory in La Nucía, as well as American champion Kelsey Urban (KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team) and her compatriot Gwendalyn Gibson (Trek Unbroken). This group is joined by highly prestigious names such as Olympic champion Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing) and former world champion Evie Richards (Trek Unbroken), among others, ensuring an open race with a high competitive level.

Luxury lineup also in the men's category

The men's race is no less impressive and will once again present a participant list worthy of a World Cup. One of the big names will be Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing), after a very solid 2025 that has placed him as number 7 in the UCI ranking at the start of this season.

Also very present will be two of the protagonists from La Nucía, Jofre Cullell and Ulan Bastos (BH Coloma Team), along with the strong German Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon Factory). They are joined by Vlad D?sc?lu (Trek Unbroken), who could make a comeback in Chelva after not starting in the previous race, and former XCM world champion Simon Andreassen (Orbea Fox Factory), always competitive in this type of course.

A demanding circuit from the first lap

The Chelva course maintains its identity as one of the most celebrated among professionals for its combination of speed and technique. A circuit of 4.2 km and 132 meters of positive elevation gain per lap, with technical climbs, fast descents, and key areas like the rock garden, where pace management and line choice often make the difference. An ideal setting to measure the true state of form after the preseason.

Schedule and where to follow the Internacionales Chelva 2026

Sunday, February 15, 2026

• 08:00 – Registrations and number collection
• 08:00 – 08:55 – Official XCO training (all categories)
• 09:00 – UCI International XCO Men Junior Series / National Junior Men
• 11:00 – International HC Women Elite
• 11:01 – International HC Women U23
• 13:15 – International HC Men Elite
• Awards ceremony – 10 minutes after each race

The event will not have live race broadcasting, but it can be followed through live timing, with real-time updated rankings, and constant updates through the official organization channels.