'I didn't have a plan, just tried to survive' - Danish rider scores first-ever victory at Mountain Bike XCC World Series as veterans struggle in treacherous rain and mud

Danish rider Simon Andreassen claimed his first-ever victory in a UCI Mountain Bike World Cup cross-country short track (XCC) race at the third round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI MTB World Series in Saalfelden-Leogang, Austria. Battling through treacherous rain and mud, Andreassen overcame a difficult start to the season to secure a memorable win for his new team, Orbea Fox Factory. Meanwhile, Swiss rider Sina Frei continued her strong form with a second XCC win of the year, extending her lead in the women’s World Series standings. The race unfolded on a newly designed, technically demanding course featuring rock gardens and slippery conditions that challenged even the most experienced riders. In the men’s event, a large lead group formed early on, with Frenchman Luca Martin initially taking the lead before slips and crashes reshuffled the front runners. Andreassen made a decisive move on the penultimate lap, maintaining his advantage despite poor visibility caused by mud-covered glasses. Filippo Colombo and Martin battled for the remaining podium spots, with Colombo ultimately finishing second and Martin third after a late crash. On the women’s side, the race was dominated by a tight contest between World Champion Jenny Rissveds, European Champion Alessandra Keller, and series leader Sina Frei. The muddy conditions made visibility and technical riding increasingly difficult, but Frei timed her final attack perfectly, pulling clear on the last lap to claim victory by four seconds. Rissveds acknowledged Frei’s tactical strength, admitting she might have underestimated her rival’s move. Keller completed the podium, while other favourites like Puck Pieterse struggled to keep pace in the challenging conditions. Andreassen reflected on his breakthrough win with a sense of relief and pride, describing the race as a survival effort rather than a calculated plan. Frei also expressed exhaustion but satisfaction at maintaining her lead in the series, highlighting the physical and mental demands of racing in such adverse weather. The event marked the first of two consecutive World Cup weekends at Saalfelden-Leogang, showcasing a range of disciplines including downhill and enduro, and setting the stage for an intense remainder of the season. Looking ahead, Andreassen’s victory may signal a shift in the men’s XCC competition, while Frei’s consistency positions her as the rider to beat in the women’s category. The challenging conditions and new course layout have underscored the importance of adaptability and technical skill in mountain bike racing, promising exciting developments as the World Series progresses. Riders and teams will now prepare for the next rounds with a clear understanding of the demands posed by wet and muddy terrain.