Wilier-Vittoria: UCI MTB World Series 2026, Round 6 Pal Arinsal - Preview

Before a well-earned summer break, the riders of the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team have one final challenge ahead of them. This weekend, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series heads to Pal Arinsal, Andorra, for the sixth round of the season, a venue that has become a firm favourite on the World Cup calendar.

The defining feature of Pal Arinsal is its altitude. Racing takes place at over 2,000 metres above sea level, rewarding riders who thrive when the air gets thinner. The course features plenty of climbing and a highly technical natural rock garden, where punctures could prove decisive. As always in the Pyrenees, the weather is another factor to keep a close eye on, with conditions capable of changing dramatically in a matter of minutes.

Wilier-Vittoria arrives in Andorra riding the momentum of an outstanding weekend in La Thuile, where the team delivered strong performances across every category. The Elite squad will once again be led by XCO World silver medallist Simone Avondetto, currently sixth in the overall World Cup standings, alongside Italian champion Luca Braidot. They will be joined by Juri Zanotti, fresh off an impressive double Top 10 in the Aosta Valley.

In the women's Elite race, Sofie Heby Pedersen continues her steady progression and will be looking to build on her recent performances. In the U23 categories, Gustav Heby Pedersen and Ella MacPhee will both be aiming for another standout result, with the Canadian arriving full of confidence after claiming her maiden World Cup podium on Italian soil just a week ago.

Elian Paccagnella remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from mononucleosis.

WHERE TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP IN PAL ARINSAL?

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 July 10th

10:35 - 11:00 – UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup | Women U23 (MacPhee) 11:25 - 11:50 – UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup | Men U23 (G.Pedersen) 18:00 - 18:25 – UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup | Women Elite (S.Pedersen) 18:50 - 19:15 – UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup | Men Elite (Avondetto, Braidot, Zanotti)

Sunday July 12th 09:00 - 10:20 – UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup | Women U23 (MacPhee) 11:00 - 12:20 – UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup | Men U23 (G.Pedersen) 13:30 - 15:00 – UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup | Women Elite (S.Pedersen) 15:30 - 17:00 – UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup | Men Elite (Avondetto, Braidot, Zanotti)