Wilier-Vittoria: UCI MTB World Series - Round 1, Preview

The wait is over: the Cross-country World Cup is back, kicking off in a brand-new venue, ready to be explored and discovered. From May 1st to 3rd, the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team will head to South Korea, racing in Mona Yongpyong for the opening round of the UCI MTB World Series, which once again features ten rounds and will run through October.

MONA YongPyong in PyeongChang has established itself as one of the country's premier mountain resorts and a key destination for international outdoor sports. Widely known for hosting the alpine skiing events at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, the venue combines modern infrastructure and high organisational standards with a striking natural setting in the heart of the Taebaek Mountains. The course is expected to favour technically skilled riders, featuring steep climbs and demanding descents with multiple line choices, as well as off-camber sections.

For this Korean opener, Wilier-Vittoria has travelled across the globe with its full line-up. XCO World silver medallist Simone Avondetto and Italian champion Luca Braidot, both coming off a strong second-place finish at the Cape Epic, will lead the charge in the elite men's race. They will be joined by Italian XCC champion Juri Zanotti, while Sofie Heby Pedersen will represent the team in the elite women's field.

In the U23 categories, expectations are high for Gustav Heby Pedersen, who finished on the overall podium in 2025, and Elian Paccagnella in the men's field, while Canada's Ella MacPhee will be aiming for strong results in the women's U23 race.

WHERE TO WATCH THE SOUTH KOREA WORLD CUP?

CLICK HERE to find out which channels/platforms are broadcasting the World Cup in your country. Here are the local start times for the XCC and XCO races, so you won't miss a single pedal stroke from the Wilier-Vittoria riders!

Friday May 1st