The XCO World Cup arrives in Lake Placid with an unusual schedule

From October 1st to 5th, Lake Placid hosts the penultimate round of the XCO World Cup, right after the stop in Lenzerheide and with all eyes on the overall standings currently led by American Chris Blevins and Kiwi Samara Maxwell.

The Olympic region of New York made its debut in 2024 with a spectacular XCO circuit at Mt Van Hoevenberg and this year returns with more anticipation than ever. The track includes rock gardens, a section that simulates the bobsleigh channel, and high-speed zones, ensuring exciting races in the final stretch of the season.

Schedule and where to follow the 2025 Lake Placid XCO World Cup

In Lake Placid (New York, USA) there is a 6-hour time difference with Europe, so here are the schedules with the time in (GMT+2).

Friday, October 3rd - Short Track (XCC)

• 22:20 - Women Elite
• 23:00 - Men Elite

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Sunday, October 5th - Cross-country Olympic (XCO)

• 19:30 - Women Elite
• 21:30 - Men Elite

All times correspond to the peninsular Spanish time (Madrid). The elite races can be followed live through Eurosport and the MAX digital platform, as well as experiencing the minute-by-minute action for free on brujulabike.com

Lake Placid, Olympic setting and innovative circuit

Located in the state of New York, at the foot of the Adirondacks, Lake Placid is known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Today, its summer focus is on mountain biking, with a cross-country route built for the World Cup that surprised in its debut in 2024 for its demanding and spectacular nature.

The circuit combines forest sections, open areas, and varied technical sectors, such as rock gardens, a dual slalom, and the passage through the replica of the Olympic bobsleigh track. All in a unique environment that demands both power and skill on the bike.

Weather in Lake Placid, key in October

Autumn in the state of New York can be unpredictable, and in Lake Placid, the circuit conditions can change in a matter of hours. Pending the final forecast, a cool and mostly stable weekend is expected, although there is a risk of isolated showers that could make the terrain more challenging.

If these forecasts are met, the races will take place on fast and compact terrain, ideal for attacks, although any last-minute variation could turn the circuit into a much more technical and slippery challenge.

Favorites after the Lenzerheide show

In the men's category, South African Alan Hatherly will be a notable absence after winning the World Championship and the last race in Lenzerheide. This leaves the list of favorites for victory wide open. Among the most prominent are Charlie Aldridge and Adrien Boichis, second and third in Switzerland, along with Victor Koretzky, who also defends the XCC-XCO double achieved in Lake Placid 2024. They are joined by the overall leaders, Christopher Blevins, competing at home, and Martin Vidaurre, both running with the extra motivation of performing in a key territory for Specialized.

In the women's category, Swiss Alessandra Keller comes from winning in Lenzerheide and surely wants to repeat in the United States. Swedish Jenny Rissveds, world champion and second in Switzerland, emerges as her main rival although in the last race she admitted to starting to feel a bit tired. On the other hand, American Savilia Blunk will seek to shine in front of her home crowd after her podium finish in the last round. The overall leader, Samara Maxwell, maintains consistency as her best asset.

How is the General Classification going

With two races to go, all eyes will be on the general classification.

In the men's classification, Christopher Blevins leads with 1,575 points and could practically seal the overall victory in Lake Placid if he wins and his rivals do not reach the podium, although Martin Vidaurre (1,285) and Luca Martin (1,240) still have a chance to tighten the fight with a great result; in the women's category, New Zealander Samara Maxwell (1,913) has a comfortable cushion of over 300 points over Jenny Rissveds (1,590), so a podium in Lake Placid would be enough for her to face the final race with peace of mind, while the Swedish and Swiss Alessandra Keller (1,520) will play a significant part of their chances to fight for the runner-up in this penultimate round.

Lake Placid 2025 is shaping up to be one of the important events of the year with a circuit that already made an impression in 2024 and a still open general classification before the grand final in Canada.