The cross-country racers were back at it, this time in Nove Mesto for the next round of the XC World Cup. The overall points races are starting to gain steam, and every race from here on out is crucial to success – no more mistakes if one wishes to be the overall champion. Plenty of Maxxis racers are in the running for this crowning achievement in both Elite Men and Elite Women; now, it’s just about putting it all together for the rest of the year.

Short track racing got the round underway as usual, with the fast and furious format entertaining the fans in Nove Mesto. Luca Martin (Orbea Factory Team) kicked off events with a great result in the U23 Men, placing fourth. Dario Lillo of the Giant Factory Off Road Team rode a tremendous short track, taking two spots in front of Martin in second. The Elite Women saw Maxxis athlete Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) back in the mix, slotting into fifth in the XCC. Filippo Colombo of Scott SRAM also had a strong race, taking fifth in Elite Men.

The XCO races in Nove Mesto never seem to disappoint, and 2024 was no exception. Luca Martin followed up his strong XCC performance in U23 Men with a second-place podium in the XCO. Puck Pieterse one-upped herself in the XCO, taking fourth in Elite Women. Finally, it was great to see the GOAT, Nino Schurter (Scott SRAM), back on track in Nove Mesto, contesting for the win in Elite Men and earning the silver medal after a hard-fought day on the course. The current overall points leader, Victor Koretzky, falling behind in this race bodes well for Nino’s overall title chase this year. Scott SRAM also earned the Team of the Day award – icing on the cake for a great round of racing in Nove Mesto.

Another exciting round of World Cup racing is in the books, and we can’t wait for the next one in Leogang!

Photo credits: @kikeabelleiraphoto, @michalcervenyphoto