How to watch the XCO World Cup in Mairipora 2024

The XCC and XCO World Cup uncorks the 2024 season in the Brazilian town of Mairipora. The first big challenge of the year will bring together the best riders in the world, some of them still in the midst of the battle to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics. The time difference will mean that the races will take place in the afternoon in Europe time.

Schedules and how to watch the 2024 Mairipora XCO World Cup

The schedules change drastically compared to races held in European soil: the season kicks off on the other side of the pond and the competition will take place in the afternoon in British time. In addition, the XCC will now be held on Saturday. The events can be followed on Eurosport or Discovery+.

Saturday, April 13

• 16:00 Women's XCC
• 16:35 Men's XCC

Sunday, April 14

• 16:15 Women's XCO
• 18:30 Men's XCO

How the 2023 season ended and how the 2024 season is shaping up

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The 2023 XCO World Cup ended its journey in the Canadian race of Mont Sainte Anne. A spectacular race to close the season that was won by Tom Pidcock, although the focus was on the duel between the Swiss riders Nino Schurter and Mathias Fluckiger for the overall title. Both Schurter and Jordan Sarrou struggled at the beginning, losing many positions and giving Fluckiger a chance to dream.

Despite Fluckiger's good chances, Nino claimed the title -for the ninth time in his career-. The Swiss rider is a legend in this sport and every year he manages to be among the best and continue to build an impressive resume. With Tom Pidcock now focused on road racing, Schurter will be the center of attention this season. 2023 was also the year Schurter surpassed 33 victories.

Jordan Sarrou and Mathias Fluckiger were also key figures last year and are expected to be so in 2024. Both riders showed consistency and performance that allowed them to step onto the podium several times. Another standout name was Luca Schwarzbauer, whose unapologetic and aggressive style thrilled all fans, although at times his ambitions got the best of him.

Other top spots were taken by Thomas Griot, Joshua Dubau, Lars Forster, Alan Hatherly, Victor Koretzky, and Vlad Dascalu.

On the women's side, in summary, Puck Pieterse dominated the category, with great performances in both XCC and XCO. Beyond Pieterse -who won the overall title at just 21 years old-, other riders stood out: Loana Lecomte, Mona Mitterwallner, and Laura Stigger -who achieved the first victory in the XCO World Cup in Snowshoe-.

Special mention to Pauline Ferrand-Prevod, an absolute reference in the category, whose experience has kept her in great shape so far. Despite a shaky end to the season due to minor health issues, she arrives in great form.

Other riders who played a significant role last year were Alessandra Keller, Martina Berta, Jenny Rissveds, Anne Terpstra -who recently won the Cape Epic alongside Nicole Koller- and Jolanda Neff.

The Mairipora Circuit

The XCO World Cup makes its first stop in Brazilian territory; specifically in the town of Mairipora, located about 40 kilometers north of Sao Paulo. This is Mairipora's debut in the top competition, after several years of building a reputation on the continent.

Riders will face tough weather conditions: moderate-temperate temperatures, but with 90% humidity and a chance of light rain throughout Saturday; the sun might come out on Sunday, but the track could still be wet.

The Mairipora circuit has a length of 4.46 kilometers and a positive elevation gain of 231 meters, while the start loop is 3.5 km with 182 meters of positive elevation gain.

Last weekend, a dress rehearsal took place for some of the top riders, who had the opportunity to race on the same circuit where this Sunday the first XCO World Cup race will be held. Joshua Dubau and Savilia Blunk emerged as winners, sending a warning about their great form.

Koretzky, Schurter and company meet for first battle

Most top-level riders have a date this weekend in Mairipora. The season is long, but there are more than enough reasons to believe that everyone will give their all, ready to strike the first blow. The overall classification is far away, it may not even be visible on the horizon, but now is the time to accumulate the points that are always needed at the end of the year.

Tom Pidcock is the only notable absence for the day. All the other bogeymen will be present. The first main course of the season makes it impossible to make a prediction; without knowing the form in which they arrive, the range of possibilities is enormous and even the protagonists themselves will only know where they stand when the real fire starts.

Still, there are names that are set to shine. Victor Koretzky counts for victories the races contested this season -he made his debut in Banyoles- and should be in the pomada. The same goes for Nino Schurter and the rest of the cast of usual favorites: Jordan Sarrou, Mathias Fluckiger, Joshua Dubau or Luca Schwarzbauer, without ruling out the good role that Dascalu, Boichis, Forsters, Valero or Griot, among others, can play.

Furthermore, all of this is part of the silent battle for Olympic spots -the qualification remains open until May 26-. Following the rule change, there will now only be a maximum of two spots available per federation, making Olympic participation more competitive than ever.

Spain perfectly exemplifies one of these cases: Jofre Cullell (898 points) and David Campos (756 points) are in a tight race to accompany David Valero in Paris.

Ferrand-Prevot, Blunk, Mitterwallner and Henderson as headliners

In the women's category, the only regret is the well-known absence of Puck Pieterse. Apart from the Dutchwoman, the best female riders in the world will be in Mairipora ready to strike the first blow. Without references to hold on to, it is not easy to make a betting pool but, as in the men's race, there are some names that should be ahead.

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, Savilia Blunk and Mona Mitterwallner have earned the right to be among the favorites. It is quite likely that they will play a decisive role on both Saturday and Sunday and the battle for victory could have their surnames inscribed on it. The case of Bec Henderson is different; despite the gallons, it is unknown if the injury she suffered a few weeks ago will diminish her chances.

Other riders who could have a good performance are Lecomte, Stigger, Richards, Berta, Neff, Keller or Rissveds, among others.