Veronika Widmann advanced to the final. © Boris Beyer

Widmann is convinced: the mountain biking season is open.

The new Mountain Bike World Cup season opened on Friday in Mona Yongpyong, South Korea. The athletes were venturing into uncharted territory.

01 May 2026

From: leo

The Downhill World Cup returns to South Korea this weekend after 25 years. Cross-country riders, however, are making their debut in Mona Yongpyong. The winter sports resort, located about 200 kilometers east of the capital Seoul, also hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, as it was here that the technical skiing disciplines were held. On Friday, however, the main stage belonged to the mountain bikers.

The women kicked things off with the short track race, which was won by Switzerland's Sina Frei. She prevailed in the final sprint ahead of Great Britain's Evie Richards and Italy's Martina Berta, who climbed onto the short track podium for the first time. Greta Seiwald, who missed large parts of last season due to injury, did not compete. She is focusing on the Olympic cross-country race, which will take place on Sunday. Italy also secured a podium finish in the U23 category – Valentina Corvi finished second behind Makena Kellerman (USA).

Widmann in the final

Elian Paccagnella had an unfortunate season debut, having to abandon the U23 men's race after just four laps. Victory went to Spaniard Thibaut Francois Baudry. In the elite category, however, Frenchman Mathis Azzaro was unbeatable. He outsprinted Italian Simone Avondetto and Swiss rider Dario Lillo for second and third place, respectively.

Meanwhile, Veronika Widmann delivered a phenomenal performance in the downhill women's competition. The 33-year-old finished tenth in the first qualifying round, securing her place in the final on her first attempt. The fastest qualifier was Great Britain's Harriet Harnden, who beat Widmann by ten seconds. Gloria Scarsi, who qualified third, is another Italian rider who will also be in the final.