The XCO World Cup arrives in Nove Mesto in 4 days

The XCO and XCC World Cup 2026 lands next weekend (May 22-24) in Nové Město na Moravě (Czech Republic), one of the most iconic venues of modern mountain biking and also the first major European stop of the season.

The XCO/XCC World Cup returns to Nové Město, one of the most mythical and spectacular circuits on the calendar

Nové Město has been part of the World Cup since 2011 and over the years has become one of the favorite venues for both riders and fans. Its fast trails through forests, technical rock sections, explosive climbs, and above all, the atmosphere generated by tens of thousands of spectators have transformed it into one of the most special events on the calendar. The circuit is also famous for attracting big names from the road, such as Tom Pidcock and Puck Pieterse who have already been confirmed, in addition to hosting parallel events like the popular Night Race open to the public.

Korea made it clear that this season can be unpredictable

The first round held in YongPyong kicked off the season in a much more open manner than usual. In the women's race, Sina Frei took the victory in a muddy XCO, with falls and extreme conditions that completely transformed the Korean circuit. The Swiss rider managed to survive the chaos on a day when many favorites suffered mechanical issues, slips, or physical problems in the rain.

In the men's category, Dario Lillo surprised by achieving victory after a weekend that confirmed the high level of the new generation. Korea also left important signals about the form of several teams and riders, although Nové Město will be a completely different test. The Czech track tends to reward pure power, explosiveness, and the ability to withstand high rhythms surrounded by constant pressure.

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Moreover, the return to Europe should bring even stronger lineups. Nové Město is often the point in the calendar where some of the big stars absent in the early rounds appear, especially riders who combine road and MTB.

A legendary circuit and a unique fanbase

Few circuits generate an atmosphere comparable to that of Nové Město. The main climb is usually completely packed with spectators, and the technical areas leave little space between riders and fans. This closeness turns each lap into an experience almost like cyclocross, with thousands of people pushing the bikers throughout the race.

The course combines fast and physical areas with well-known technical sections, especially the rock areas and artificial drops that have historically caused decisive differences and errors. Unlike the Korean circuit, which is much more conditioned by the weather and novelty, Nové Město is a stage that all the big names know perfectly.

The event also maintains its enormous dimension outside of competition. There will be exhibitions, brand zones, activities for children, bike tests, freestyle shows, and the traditional Saturday Night Race, one of the most popular moments of the weekend.

Schedule for the Nové Město 2026 XCO/XCC World Cup 

Friday, May 22

• 17:15 – XCC Women U23
• 18:05 – XCC Men U23

Saturday, May 23

• 11:20 – XCC Women Elite
• 12:10 – XCC Men Elite
• 14:00 – XCO Women U23
• 16:00 – XCO Men U23
• 21:00 – Night Race

Sunday, May 24

• 12:00 – XCO Women Elite
• 15:00 – XCO Men Elite

Where to watch the Nové Město 2026 World Cup

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series can be followed in Spain through the usual platforms of Warner Bros. Discovery. The elite XCC and XCO races will be available on HBO Max, Eurosport, and their various associated channels and platforms, in addition to the official international coverage of the competition.

Additionally, at Brujulabike we will provide live coverage of the race. Through our website, you will be able to follow the minute-by-minute updates of the elite XCO events.

In the coming days, we will update this preview with all the important information for the weekend, including favorites, confirmed participants, circuit analysis, the form of the main riders, and all the latest news from Nové Město.