The event runs May 1-3 at Mona Yongpyong in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, as the official opening round of the 2026 season under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports (WBD) framework. It is the first time the MTB World Series, long centered on Europe and North America, has been held in Asia.
The organizing committee said delegations and officials from about 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Britain and Switzerland, totaling about 1,000 people, have entered South Korea so far. Among the arrivals are U.S. cross-country (XCO) standout Christopher Blevins and Austrian downhill (DHI) contender Valentina Höll. Riders are setting up equipment in team areas and completing official training ahead of the season’s first races.
South Korea’s 14-member team has been finalized. The Korea Cycling Federation selected seven riders each for XCO and DHI through national team trials. The XCO lineup is Heo Seung-su (Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps), Cheon Seong-hun (Gyeongbuk Sports Council), Na Deok-jin (Eumseong County Office, elite), Kang Dong-hyeon (Jeonju City Hall), Hwang Ui-chan (Catholic Kwandong University), Song Myeong-gwan (Changwon National University) and Je Hwan-jun (Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corp., under-23). The DHI team includes Park Jong-yoon (Maru MTB Racing), Bae Jun-ho and Lee Jin-hyeong (both Dirt Yami, elite), along with junior riders Kang Ha-jun, Seok Min-jae, Song Yeon-ho and Ahn Seung-ha.
Organizers said the main venue courses on Mount Balwang have been readied. The 1.86-kilometer DHI course was built to international standards with steep grades and rocky terrain, with hazardous sections addressed after test rides. The XCO course, featuring climbs, technical descents and artificial obstacles, has also been finalized.
Broadcast and media preparations are in final checks. Coverage is to be carried worldwide on platforms including Eurosport, TNT Sports and HBO Max, and in South Korea on KBSN Sports. The committee said it is also conducting full rehearsals and emergency response drills ahead of an expected crowd of about 15,000.
"Everything is moving smoothly as planned, from team arrivals to venues, broadcasting, transportation and safety operations," an organizing committee official said. "We will prepare thoroughly to the very end so this Pyeongchang event can be a top stage for athletes and a memorable festival for fans."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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