The 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships are underway in Val di Sole, Italy, with elite cross-country racing concluding the week-long event on Sunday 30 August. A national broadcaster will show live coverage of both the women's and men's elite cross-country finals, with action streamed across its digital platforms.
The championships, running from 26 to 30 August, represent a major multi-discipline gathering in off-road cycling. According to the event organisers, seventeen world titles are being contested across five formats: cross-country Olympic (XCO), cross-country short track (XCC), cross-country relay (XCR), downhill and E-MTB racing. Val di Sole is hosting the championships for the fourth time, having previously staged the event in 2008, 2016 and 2021.
Early medal action has already taken place, with France claiming victory in the mixed team relay on 26 August, finishing in 1:05:14 ahead of Italy (34 seconds behind) and Switzerland. The opening ceremony took place in Malé on 25 August, with rider registration and early training sessions for cross-country and E-MTB competitors.
Britain has fielded a strong contingent competing for the rainbow jersey. All three of the nation's leading contenders will be in action on Sunday, with the elite women's cross-country beginning at 11:50 BST and the men's event following from 14:05 BST.
Who are the British medal contenders?
Charlie Aldridge arrives in Italy in exceptional form, having completed a double at the European Championships earlier this month by winning both the short-track and cross-country titles. The 23-year-old claimed under-23 world gold in 2023 and is now targeting his first senior world championship victory. His recent success suggests he will be among the favourites for Sunday's men's elite race.
Tom Pidcock, the Olympic gold medallist and 2023 world champion, entered the championships as a late addition to the British team. His participation comes after he finished ninth in this year's Tour de France, and his presence adds significant strength to the home challenge for the men's title.
Evie Richards, a former under-23 world champion, will be competing in the women's elite cross-country. She finished fourth at last month's European Championships and will be seeking to improve on that result as she bids for a senior world title.
What is the strength of the opposition?
Richards will face a formidable field in the women's race. Jenny Rissveds, the reigning world champion, is expected to be among the main contenders, as is European champion Sina Frei. Martina Berta will also be a threat, competing on home soil in Italy and looking to capitalise on local support and familiarity with the Val di Sole terrain.
What makes Val di Sole significant?
The venue is renowned for its technical demands, particularly the infamous and highly technical "Black Snake" downhill track that will feature in the downhill finals on 29 August. The Italian location has established itself as one of the sport's premier repeat host venues, with a long association with challenging downhill racing that tests the world's best riders.
How to follow the elite cross-country racing live
Coverage of both elite events will be available on the broadcaster's service, sport website and mobile app. All times are in BST and subject to change.
Women's elite cross-country: Sunday 30 August, 11:50–13:40
Men's elite cross-country: Sunday 30 August, 14:05–16:25
What happens next in the championship schedule?
Short-track racing is scheduled for 27 August, with downhill qualifying following on 28 August and downhill finals on 29 August. The elite cross-country titles will conclude the championships on Sunday 30 August, with the women's race in the morning and the men's race in the afternoon. According to the venue's schedule, the cross-country finals represent the climax of a week that has already delivered multiple medal events across the five disciplines being contested.
