Calpe, Spain – The 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup kicked off with a bang on Saturday, as elite mountain bikers battled it out on the challenging Costa Blanca course. The 82-kilometer race, featuring 2,700 meters of climbing, tested both endurance and technical skill, delivering a thrilling start to the marathon season. Belgium’s Wout Alleman and Switzerland’s Anna Weinbeer emerged victorious, setting an early pace in the series standings.
The opening round of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup, a six-race series, marked the first time the Costa Blanca course at Calpe-Benissa has been featured, according to UCI.org. While the distance is comparable to the season’s average, key climbs at the 40km, 50km, and 65km marks promised a demanding test for riders.
Alleman Secures Dramatic Win in Men’s Race
The men’s race initially saw a strong push from Germany’s Luke Baum, who set a fast tempo before a mechanical issue – a defective front derailleur – forced him to slow down. His compatriot, Andreas Seewald of Singer KTM Racing, capitalized on Baum’s misfortune, taking the lead after a determined chase. However, Seewald’s time at the front was short-lived. Wout Alleman, riding strategically in the slipstream, seized his opportunity when Seewald suffered a flat tire late in the race.
Alleman powered past to claim victory with a finishing time of 3:41:44. “I’m overjoyed! It’s the first World Cup race of the season and it was really important to win here,” Alleman said, as reported by heroucimarathonworldcup.com. Seewald managed to hold on for second place, while David Valero, transitioning from XCO racing, rounded out the podium in third.
Weinbeer Dominates Women’s Field
The women’s race saw a more decisive performance from Anna Weinbeer, who quickly established a commanding lead. Riding for KTM SPADA Powered by Brenta Brakes, Weinbeer broke away early and maintained her advantage throughout the race, finishing in 4:27:05. “I am extremely satisfied, I feel very happy at this stage. This year everything is new for me… I’m moving in a whole new dimension and I’m extremely happy with this first phase,” Weinbeer stated, according to heroucimarathonworldcup.com.
Natalia Fischer secured second place, followed by last year’s winner, Rosa van Doorn, completing the women’s podium.
Master Category Champions Crowned
In the master categories, Xavier Calaf Garcia and Sophie Johnson took home the daily victories. Event chairman Gerhard Vanzi expressed satisfaction with the successful season opener, noting the support from local authorities and partners, as reported by heroucimarathonworldcup.com.
The next stop on the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup calendar is the Capoliveri Legend Cup on the island of Elba on May 9, 2026. With the first leader’s jerseys awarded, the competition is sure to intensify as the series progresses. The strong performances on the Costa Blanca suggest a thrilling year of marathon mountain biking ahead.
What did you consider of the opening round of the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
