Victor Koretzky wins and enlarges his legend in Banyoles

With sun and a particularly fast circuit, the 25th edition of the elite men's race took place in Banyoles, a Hors Categorie event, the highest international ranking outside of the World Cup. The starting grid once again brought together several World Champions and World Cup winners on a course that traditionally marks the beginning of the season for many XCO references.

Victor Koretzky claims his sixth victory in Banyoles after taking the lead on the final lap

The race was decided over a start loop and six complete laps of the winding Banyoles circuit. From the very first meter, the pace was very high. The German Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon) took the initiative, closely followed by local rider Jofre Cullell (BH Coloma Team). At the start of the first complete lap, Schwarzbauer maintained the lead with Victor Koretzky (Specialized) on his wheel. Behind them were Dario Lillo (Giant), Luke Moir, and Anton Cooper. The pace was very demanding, although it soon became clear that some favorites, like Koretzky—who was making his season debut—had not yet shown all their cards.

From the second lap onwards, the Frenchman began to control the race. A first group formed with Koretzky, Schwarzbauer, and Lillo, while behind them, a chase group was organized with names like Sebastian Fini Juul (Mondraker) and Paul Schehl. Jordan Sarrou (BMC) was riding slightly further back but without losing definitive contact.

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During the fifth lap and the start of the penultimate, the front group had up to nine riders. Fini took on part of the pace in several sections, keeping the race open and without clear differences.

One of the key moves came in the sixth lap when Fini attacked on the technical stone climb and opened a small gap. Koretzky reacted quickly, closed the space with a strong acceleration, and made it clear that he had more to give.

The race was decided on the final lap. Schwarzbauer tried his luck with an attack on the climb, but Koretzky responded without giving up any ground. Shortly after, on the technical stone climb—one of the most selective points of the circuit—the Frenchman launched his final offensive.

Koretzky navigated the technical section with more speed than his rivals and managed to open a gap that would prove decisive. Lillo solidified his second position, while behind, a large group battled for third place.

The Frenchman crossed the finish line in 1h22:00.17, achieving his sixth victory in Banyoles. Lillo finished second, 5 seconds behind, and Schwarzbauer completed the podium after winning the sprint for third place.

Top 5 Shimano Super Cup Massi Banyoles 2026 – Elite Men

1. Victor Koretzky (FRA) – 1h22:00.17
2. Dario Lillo (SUI) – 1h22:05.23 (+5.06)
3. Luca Schwarzbauer (GER) – 1h22:17.34 (+17.17)
4. Sebastian Fini Juul (DEN) – 1h22:17.85 (+17.68)
5. Jordan Sarrou (FRA) – 1h22:18.99 (+18.82)