Mountain Bike World Cup kicks off in South Korea
At last, the moment has arrived: the Mountain Bike World Cup is back for the 2026 season. This year is particularly notable as Asia hosts both an XCO and an XCC event for the very first time. It is also a special edition for downhill racing, as it has been since 2000 that competition at this level has taken place on the continent. On a brand-new course, riders will battle it out from May 1 to 3 in the opening round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. KMC Nukeproof and Nukeproof Axess Racing are ready to make their mark from the very start.
Where the World Cup traditionally kicked off in April, the opening round has now shifted to May. Instead of Brazil, South Korea provides the backdrop for the first major showdown. In Mona YongPyong, a brand-new course awaits, fully meeting the demands of modern World Cup racing. Friday features the short track (XCC), Saturday is dedicated to downhill, and Sunday brings the highlight of the weekend with the Olympic cross-country (XCO).
Where the World Cup traditionally kicked off in April, the opening round has now shifted to May. Instead of Brazil, South Korea provides the backdrop for the first major showdown. In Mona YongPyong, a brand-new course awaits, fully meeting the demands of modern World Cup racing. Friday features the short track (XCC), Saturday is dedicated to downhill, and Sunday brings the highlight of the weekend with the Olympic cross-country (XCO).
Our teams
In the XCO and XCC events, the KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team will be in action, racing on the Nukeproof Hyperfly. In downhill, all eyes will be on the brand-new Nukeproof Axess Racing Team, making its debut in South Korea with a striking and distinctive team kit. They will rely on the Nukeproof Dissent to take on the world’s best.
Those who want to follow the action up close can turn to the teams’ social media channels. Through platforms such as Instagram, you can experience the action in Asia as if you were there yourself, from course previews to the weekend finals.
Those who want to follow the action up close can turn to the teams’ social media channels. Through platforms such as Instagram, you can experience the action in Asia as if you were there yourself, from course previews to the weekend finals.
