Elite Mountain Biking Stars Return to Dirt at Nové Město World Cup

The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season arrived at its second round in Nové Město, Czechia, this past week, drawing massive attention as top-tier road cycling stars transitioned back to the mountain bike circuit. The event served as a high-stakes proving ground for riders balancing multi-discipline schedules.

Pieterse Dominates in Tactical Sprint

Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) made a statement in her return to mountain bike competition. After a spring season defined by road racing in the Classics, the Dutch rider navigated a challenging field to secure victory in the Short-Track (XCC) race. Pieterse, who claimed multiple World Cup victories last season, showcased her tactical acumen by moving from the back of the pack to the front by the third lap.

The race saw a dramatic turn of events on the final straight when a collision involving XCC World Champion Alessandra Keller, Jolanda Neff, and Sina Frei altered the lead group. Pieterse capitalized on the opening, successfully fending off a late charge from Nicole Koller and Laura Stigger to take the win. Reflecting on the race, Pieterse noted the intensity of the pace set by Jenny Rissveds and expressed satisfaction in maintaining control during the final sprint.

Azzaro Outduels Pidcock in Tactical Thriller

The men’s race featured a high-profile return for Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5). In a calculated move to avoid the congestion typical of the race start, Pidcock spent the initial four laps at the back of the field. He began his tactical ascent through the ranks on the fifth lap, eventually forcing the pace on the final climb.

Despite his late-race surge, Pidcock was unable to break away from the lead group. Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division) tracked the Briton closely and utilized a perfectly timed slingshot maneuver on the final straight to overtake him for the victory. Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team XC) rounded out the podium. Pidcock acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning back to mountain biking after time away, emphasizing the importance of getting the first race under his belt.

Key Takeaways from Nové Město

• Multi-Discipline Transition: Both Pieterse and Pidcock successfully returned to the dirt following significant road campaigns, highlighting the increasing crossover in modern professional cycling.
• Strategic Racing: The Nové Město course proved unforgiving, with traffic and positioning playing a decisive role in the final outcomes for both the men’s and women’s fields.
• Consistency and Form: For riders like Pieterse and Pidcock, these events serve as critical tests of fitness as they align their equipment and physical preparation for the remainder of the World Series.

Looking Ahead

Following the conclusion of the Short-Track events, both Pieterse and Pidcock are set to line up for the Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race on Sunday. For Pidcock, the goal remains clear: to maintain his competitive streak at a venue where he has previously found significant success. For the broader field, the weekend remains a vital opportunity to accumulate points in the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series standings.