'Crazy conditions' – New South Korean leg of Mountain Bike XCO World Series 'turns into a running competition' as Sina Frei and Dario Lillo master the mud

Sina Frei and Dario Lillo claimed their first elite cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup victories at the opening round of the 2026 Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series, held for the first time in South Korea at MONA YongPyong. The event was marked by exceptionally challenging conditions, with heavy rain and mud transforming the course into a test of both cycling and running endurance. Riders often found themselves dismounted, pushing their bikes through slippery, technical sections, turning what is typically a race dominated by riding skill into something resembling a cyclocross-style competition. The women's race was fiercely contested, with World Champion Jenny Rissveds initially taking the lead before Sina Frei, leveraging her cyclocross experience, managed to overtake her during a steep uphill section where both were off their bikes. The muddy terrain led to frequent equipment issues, including punctures and chain drops, which further complicated the race. Despite a crash and a poor start, Evie Richards battled back but ultimately fell out of podium contention. In the final laps, Frei’s patience and steady pace allowed her to surge ahead and secure victory, with Rissveds and American rider Madigan Munro completing the podium. Frei reflected on the race as a unique challenge, praising her bike’s performance and the support from spectators amid the "crazy conditions." Meanwhile, Rissveds expressed frustration with the organisation, suggesting that the extreme mud and running sections detracted from the racing experience. The course’s muddy nature required riders to adapt their equipment, opting for narrower tyres and spiked shoes to maintain traction, highlighting the significant impact of the weather and terrain on race strategy and execution. In the men’s race, Dario Lillo capitalised on early clear air to build a commanding lead, steadily increasing his advantage despite the slippery conditions. Mechanical issues plagued several competitors, notably Finn Treudler, whose repeated chain problems forced him to run and lose ground. Luca Martin also faced challenges but managed to stay competitive. Lillo’s consistent pace and ability to navigate the difficult course without major setbacks ensured his comfortable victory, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in such adverse conditions. The South Korean round of the Mountain Bike World Series showcased the unpredictable nature of outdoor racing, where weather and terrain can dramatically alter the dynamics of competition. The muddy course tested riders’ technical skills, physical endurance, and mental toughness, signalling that future events in similar conditions may require even more specialised preparation. Organisers and athletes alike may need to reconsider equipment choices and race strategies as the series continues to expand into new and challenging venues.