Updated – XCO World Series Gallery and Report: Frei and Lillo conquer chaos in South Korea World Cup opener

Piper Albrecht

The mountain bike World Series got underway in Mona Yongpyong, South Korea, this weekend. As a completely new venue, very little was known about the course ahead of the riders arriving and putting their wheels on the dirt. While in practice the course looked fast and dusty, heavy rain ahead of the XCO races wreaked havoc on the course, with the athletes having to contend with slick mud and descents that became treacherous.

In the women's race, Sina Frei doubled up on her XCC win from Friday, stomping her authority on the season at round one, after reeling in and passing Jenny Rissveds, who looked set to pick up where she ended her 2025 season.

Following the women's race, there was a surprise winner in the men's XCO with Dario Lillo taking his debut win, having led the race from the first corner. Behind, the gaps were huge, with riders struggling to get on terms in the muddy conditions.

Brief Results

Elite Women

1. Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) 1:27:03
2. Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) +0:26
3. Madigan Munro (Liv Factory Racing) +0:28
4. Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) +0:35
5. Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) +1:18

Elite Men

1. Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team XC) 1:24:36
2. Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) +1:46
3. Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) +2:39
4. Jordan Sarrou (BMC Factory Racing) +2:59
5. Joshua Dubau (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) +3:03

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