Race News
USA Cycling Announces World Championships Team
The 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships return to Val di Sole, Italy, from August 26-30, where the world’s best mountain bikers will compete for rainbow jerseys across five disciplines: Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Cross-Country Team Relay (XCR), Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI), and E-MTB.
USA Cycling will field teams across the Junior, Under-23, and Elite categories, with 24 cross-country athletes and 25 downhill racers competing throughout the week. The team arrives in Italy following one of the strongest World Cup seasons in recent history for the American program.
On the cross-country side, Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colorado; Specialized Factory Racing) made an impressive return after breaking his collarbone in the opening round of the season, earning a World Cup podium in just his second race weekend back. Bjorn Riley (Boulder, Colorado; SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) had a breakout campaign, claiming his first career World Cup podium before adding two more podium finishes and his first Elite World Cup victory. Savilia Blunk (Inverness, California; Decathlon Ford Racing Team) has been one of the most consistent riders in the world, collecting four World Cup podiums while regularly racing at the front of the field. All three riders also captured Elite national titles at the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships.
“Visit Bentonville and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism are key partners of our Mountain Bike program, both sharing our mission to elevate the sport of cycling.”
In the Under-23 ranks, Makena Kellerman (Escondido, California.) has emerged as one of the top talents, earning her first career Short Track World Cup victory before immediately following it up with a second consecutive win.
USA Cycling’s participation in the World Championships is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Visit Bentonville and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism are key partners of our Mountain Bike program, both sharing our mission to elevate the sport of cycling.
