The (Almost) Complete Guide to 2019's UCI XC World Cup Teams
With the World Cup XC season kicking off properly in Germany in May, we've taken a closer look at who will be battling it out this year. The UCI hasn't differentiated between Elite and standard teams yet this year so we've passed our magnifying glass over the top 15 teams from last year plus any remaining Elite teams from 2018 to cover as many as possible.
BIANCHI COUNTERVAIL
Stephane Tempier, Nadir Colledani, Chiara Teocchi
Stephane Tempier couldn't quite match his second place overall finish in 2017 but still had a strong 2018, finishing 15th. Nadir Colledani, who enjoyed a top ten in his first year elite, and Chiara Teocchi will continue to ride for Bianchi in 2019. 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Marco Aurelio Fontana becomes an e-bike racer with Focus. Learn more.
Stephane Tempier, Nadir Colledani, Chiara Teocchi
Stephane Tempier couldn't quite match his second place overall finish in 2017 but still had a strong 2018, finishing 15th. Nadir Colledani, who enjoyed a top ten in his first year elite, and Chiara Teocchi will continue to ride for Bianchi in 2019. 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Marco Aurelio Fontana becomes an e-bike racer with Focus. Learn more.
CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING XC
Maxime Marotte, Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini
The Grobert sisters move on but Cannondale still fields a strong team. Henrique is the UCI's second highest ranked rider, Maxime is the fourth and Manuel Fumic is the seventh. All will have an eye towards the podium at each of the UCI World Cup races. Learn more.
Maxime Marotte, Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini
The Grobert sisters move on but Cannondale still fields a strong team. Henrique is the UCI's second highest ranked rider, Maxime is the fourth and Manuel Fumic is the seventh. All will have an eye towards the podium at each of the UCI World Cup races. Learn more.
CORENDON CIRCUS
Mathieu Van Der Poel, Loris Rouiller, Petter Fagerhaug, Ronja Eibl, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
After finishing second overall last year, Van Der Poel lines up for another season of mountain bike racing and confirms he is aiming for the Olympics in 2020. The cyclocross-focussed Corendon Circus team finished sixth in the team rankings last year and will be looking for more of the same in 2019. Learn more.
Mathieu Van Der Poel, Loris Rouiller, Petter Fagerhaug, Ronja Eibl, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
After finishing second overall last year, Van Der Poel lines up for another season of mountain bike racing and confirms he is aiming for the Olympics in 2020. The cyclocross-focussed Corendon Circus team finished sixth in the team rankings last year and will be looking for more of the same in 2019. Learn more.
CS CARABINIERI - CICLI OLYMPIA - VITTORIA
Daniele Braidot, Luca Braidot, Filippo Fontana, Nicholas Pettina
Centro Sportivo (the Italian military mountain bike team) burst onto the scene as a new team last year and ended up 14th ranked in the overall. The charge was led by the Braidot twins who were both regular faces in the top ten. They stay with the team, as does Nicholas Pettina. They are joined this year by Filippo Fontana. Learn more.
Daniele Braidot, Luca Braidot, Filippo Fontana, Nicholas Pettina
Centro Sportivo (the Italian military mountain bike team) burst onto the scene as a new team last year and ended up 14th ranked in the overall. The charge was led by the Braidot twins who were both regular faces in the top ten. They stay with the team, as does Nicholas Pettina. They are joined this year by Filippo Fontana. Learn more.
CST SANDD BAFANG MTB RACING TEAM
Yana Belomoina, Martins Blums, Sebastian Fini Carstensen, David Nordemann, Anne Tauber
2017 overall winner, Yana Belomoina, struggled a bit last year as she recovered from a concussion but will be looking to be at the sharp end again in 2019. She will have to battle Anne Tauber hard to be the fastest woman in the team though. CST slimmed down a bit this year with Dider Bats, Grant Ferguson and more moving on. Learn more.
Yana Belomoina, Martins Blums, Sebastian Fini Carstensen, David Nordemann, Anne Tauber
2017 overall winner, Yana Belomoina, struggled a bit last year as she recovered from a concussion but will be looking to be at the sharp end again in 2019. She will have to battle Anne Tauber hard to be the fastest woman in the team though. CST slimmed down a bit this year with Dider Bats, Grant Ferguson and more moving on. Learn more.
SUPERIOR XC TEAM
Felicitas Geiger, Fabian Giger, Linda Indergand, Karla Stepanova, Jan Vastl, Martin Gluth
Focus XC Team rebrands as Superior XC Team while Focus fields another French team called Focus MTB Racing. Superior lose Florian Vogel to KMC but bring in a number of fast riders. Linda Indergand will be looking for more of the form that saw her finish third overall in 2017. Learn more.
Felicitas Geiger, Fabian Giger, Linda Indergand, Karla Stepanova, Jan Vastl, Martin Gluth
Focus XC Team rebrands as Superior XC Team while Focus fields another French team called Focus MTB Racing. Superior lose Florian Vogel to KMC but bring in a number of fast riders. Linda Indergand will be looking for more of the form that saw her finish third overall in 2017. Learn more.
GHOST FACTORY RACING
Hugo Briatta, Anne Terpstra, Barbara Benko, Marika Tovo, Sina Frei, Lisa Pasteiner
This all-women's team loses Malene Degn, who picked up an Under-23 win for them last year and gains Marika Tovo, the 2x Italian Champion and World Championship bronze medallist. They also bring Maxxis on board as a tire sponsor. Learn more.
Hugo Briatta, Anne Terpstra, Barbara Benko, Marika Tovo, Sina Frei, Lisa Pasteiner
This all-women's team loses Malene Degn, who picked up an Under-23 win for them last year and gains Marika Tovo, the 2x Italian Champion and World Championship bronze medallist. They also bring Maxxis on board as a tire sponsor. Learn more.
JB BRUNEX FELT FACTORY TEAM
Ramona Forchini, Sophie von Berswordt-Wallrabe, Tamara Wiedmann, Lisi Osl, Max Foidl, Marcel Guerrini, Annika Liehner, Lara Krahemann, Fabio Puntener, Casey South
After its first year as a UCI Elite team, JB Brunex adds Fabio Puntener and Casey South. Learn more.
Ramona Forchini, Sophie von Berswordt-Wallrabe, Tamara Wiedmann, Lisi Osl, Max Foidl, Marcel Guerrini, Annika Liehner, Lara Krahemann, Fabio Puntener, Casey South
After its first year as a UCI Elite team, JB Brunex adds Fabio Puntener and Casey South. Learn more.
KMC-EKOI-ORBEA
Annie Last, Florian Vogel, Victor Koretzky, Malene Degn, Thoms Litscher, Milan Vader, Helene Clauzel
A new bike sponsor for team KMC as Orbea bring their cross country bike to the World Cup. Florian Vogel also joins the team in one of the biggest moves of the off season. Learn more.
Annie Last, Florian Vogel, Victor Koretzky, Malene Degn, Thoms Litscher, Milan Vader, Helene Clauzel
A new bike sponsor for team KMC as Orbea bring their cross country bike to the World Cup. Florian Vogel also joins the team in one of the biggest moves of the off season. Learn more.
KROSS RACING TEAM
Maja Wloszczowska, Ariane Luethi, Sergio Mantecon, Ondrej Cink
Jolanda Neff moves on but Maja Wloszczowska is another fast woman in the Kross ranks. Ariane Luethi, Sergio Mantecon and Ondrej Cink come on board for 2019. Learn more.
Maja Wloszczowska, Ariane Luethi, Sergio Mantecon, Ondrej Cink
Jolanda Neff moves on but Maja Wloszczowska is another fast woman in the Kross ranks. Ariane Luethi, Sergio Mantecon and Ondrej Cink come on board for 2019. Learn more.
MMR Factory Racing
Natalia Fischer Egusquiza, Catriel Soto, David Valero Serrano
David Valero Serrano led the charge for the Spanish team last year and ended up 13th overall. Pablo Rodriguez Guede leaves for Primaflor Mondraker while Natalia Fischer Egusquiza will race for a UCI team for the first time. Learn more.
Natalia Fischer Egusquiza, Catriel Soto, David Valero Serrano
David Valero Serrano led the charge for the Spanish team last year and ended up 13th overall. Pablo Rodriguez Guede leaves for Primaflor Mondraker while Natalia Fischer Egusquiza will race for a UCI team for the first time. Learn more.
MOEBEL MAERKI MTB PRO TEAM
Irina Kalentyeva, Nicole Koller, Karl Markt, Gregor Raggl, Fabiene Schaus, Matthais Stirnemann
Matthias Stirnemann makes his return to Moebel Maerkl after two years at Scott with Nino Schurter. Learn more.
Irina Kalentyeva, Nicole Koller, Karl Markt, Gregor Raggl, Fabiene Schaus, Matthais Stirnemann
Matthias Stirnemann makes his return to Moebel Maerkl after two years at Scott with Nino Schurter. Learn more.
PRIMAFLOR MONDRAKER ROTOR
Anton Sintsov, Daniel and Rebecca McConnell, Githa Michiels, Pablo Rodriguez Guede, David Motos, Maria Navarrete
Francesc Arguinbau leaves the Mondraker Primflor line up but they still field a seven-rider line up including regular face in the World Cup top ten, Githa Michiels.
Learn more.
Anton Sintsov, Daniel and Rebecca McConnell, Githa Michiels, Pablo Rodriguez Guede, David Motos, Maria Navarrete
Francesc Arguinbau leaves the Mondraker Primflor line up but they still field a seven-rider line up including regular face in the World Cup top ten, Githa Michiels.
Learn more.
SCOTT CREUSE OXYGENE GUERET
Pierre Chabaud, Brice Dujardin, Raphael Gay, Maxime Loret, Isaure Medde, David Menut, Hugp Peyroux, Alex Riboulet, Jens Schuermans, Lucie Urruty
Anther huge line up of riders for Scott Creuse Oxygene Gueret but they lose Hugo Pigeon to full-time enduro racing.
Learn more.
Pierre Chabaud, Brice Dujardin, Raphael Gay, Maxime Loret, Isaure Medde, David Menut, Hugp Peyroux, Alex Riboulet, Jens Schuermans, Lucie Urruty
Anther huge line up of riders for Scott Creuse Oxygene Gueret but they lose Hugo Pigeon to full-time enduro racing.
Learn more.
SCOTT-SRAM MTB RACING
Nino Schurter, Andri Frischknecht, Lars Forster, Kate Courtney
Scott are fielding a super-strong team this year with both elite World Champions in their ranks. They also bolstered their strength in depth with Lars Forster, the European champion. Learn more.
Nino Schurter, Andri Frischknecht, Lars Forster, Kate Courtney
Scott are fielding a super-strong team this year with both elite World Champions in their ranks. They also bolstered their strength in depth with Lars Forster, the European champion. Learn more.
SPECIALIZED RACING
Annika Langvad, Simon Andreassen, Christopher Blevins, Sam Gaze, Howard Grotts, Alan Hatherly
Specialized Racing describe their line up as "some of the fastest, yet youngest talents on the world stage". Annika Langvad and Sam Gaze are both proven winners and there's plenty of other proven talent here. Kulhavy moves on to a separate supported set up, Ida Jansson leaves and South African Alan Hatherly joins.
Learn more.
Annika Langvad, Simon Andreassen, Christopher Blevins, Sam Gaze, Howard Grotts, Alan Hatherly
Specialized Racing describe their line up as "some of the fastest, yet youngest talents on the world stage". Annika Langvad and Sam Gaze are both proven winners and there's plenty of other proven talent here. Kulhavy moves on to a separate supported set up, Ida Jansson leaves and South African Alan Hatherly joins.
Learn more.
TORPADO-URSUS
Martina Berta, Gerhard Kerschbaumer, Nicola Taffarel, Juri Zanotti
Torpado Gabogas becomes Torpado Ursus for 2019, sharing the same name as a road bike team from the fifties. They line up with four Italian riders for 2019 having added Martina Berta to the fold. Gerhard Kerschbaumer will be looking to add to his first Elite win picked up in Vallnord last year. Learn more.
Martina Berta, Gerhard Kerschbaumer, Nicola Taffarel, Juri Zanotti
Torpado Gabogas becomes Torpado Ursus for 2019, sharing the same name as a road bike team from the fifties. They line up with four Italian riders for 2019 having added Martina Berta to the fold. Gerhard Kerschbaumer will be looking to add to his first Elite win picked up in Vallnord last year. Learn more.
THÖMUS - RN RACING TEAM
Mathias Flueckiger, Alessandra Keller, Kathrin Stirnemann, Ursin Spescha, Vital Albin
Only one Fluckliger brother lines up for Thomus RN Racing this year, the higher ranked Mathias. He will continue racing with the all-Swiss line up that includes fourth place overall from last year Alessandra Keller. Learn more.
Mathias Flueckiger, Alessandra Keller, Kathrin Stirnemann, Ursin Spescha, Vital Albin
Only one Fluckliger brother lines up for Thomus RN Racing this year, the higher ranked Mathias. He will continue racing with the all-Swiss line up that includes fourth place overall from last year Alessandra Keller. Learn more.
TREK FACTORY RACING XC
Emily Batty, Jolanda Neff, Ellen Noble, Evie Richards, Anton Cooper
Trek picks up one of the big signings of the winter, adding Jolanda Neff to its ranks. Batty, Noble, Richards, and Cooper are all retained form 2018. Learn more.
Emily Batty, Jolanda Neff, Ellen Noble, Evie Richards, Anton Cooper
Trek picks up one of the big signings of the winter, adding Jolanda Neff to its ranks. Batty, Noble, Richards, and Cooper are all retained form 2018. Learn more.
Noticeable absences from our list?
The Clif Bar Team hasn't registered this year but have mentioned Catharine Pendrel will be part of the team next year and there may be some men in the team as well. Two big hitters in Julien Absalon and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja both announced their retirements after legendary careers. Julien will continue his involvement in the sport and sponsors Jordan Sarrou through Absolute Absalon. Titouan Carod and Reto Indergand race on BMC Racing Team. Pauline Ferrand Prevot is registered as part of the Canyon Factory Downhill team but will continue to ride for Canyon // SRAM Racing in all disciplines. Jenny Rissveds, Laura Stigger and Jaroslav Kulhavy are racing on Specialized independent programs.
Here are all the other registered UCI MTB teams that will have riders on the start line throughout the World Cup season:
ABSOLUTE-ABSALON
BH TEMPLO CAFÉS UCC
BIKE WAY RACING TEAM
BIRK SPORT RACING
BMC MOUNTAINBIKE RACING TEAM
BRUJULA BIKE RACING TEAM
CANNONDALE BRASIL RACING
CESKA SPORITELNA SPECIALIZED JUNIOR MTB TEAM
CODE GTO CADENCIA.MX
CORENDON-CIRCUS
CST 7R MTB TEAM
CUBE-CSOMOR MTB TEAM
CUBE PRO FERMETURES SEFIC
DEL INCA - PIU BIKE
DINAMO - BIKEXPERT - SUPERBET
DMT RACING TEAM BY MARCONI PROJECT’S
DREAM SEEKER RACING TEAM
ELIOS CODE PRO TEAM
EXPRES CZ - TUFO TEAM KOLÍN
FISCHER - BMC
FOCUS MTB RACING TEAM
GAPP SYSTEM - CABTECH MTB RACING TEAM
GERMAN TECHNOLOGY RACING
HARD ROCX SWIX
JBG-2 CRYOSPACE
KTM PROTEK DAMA
MASSI
MEGAMO FACTORY TEAM
MERIDA-WALLONIE MTB TEAM
MITAS MERCEDES - BENZ PRAHA TREK
MMR FACTORY RACING TEAM
MOEBEL MAERKI MTB PRO TEAM
BH TEMPLO CAFÉS UCC
BIKE WAY RACING TEAM
BIRK SPORT RACING
BMC MOUNTAINBIKE RACING TEAM
BRUJULA BIKE RACING TEAM
CANNONDALE BRASIL RACING
CESKA SPORITELNA SPECIALIZED JUNIOR MTB TEAM
CODE GTO CADENCIA.MX
CORENDON-CIRCUS
CST 7R MTB TEAM
CUBE-CSOMOR MTB TEAM
CUBE PRO FERMETURES SEFIC
DEL INCA - PIU BIKE
DINAMO - BIKEXPERT - SUPERBET
DMT RACING TEAM BY MARCONI PROJECT’S
DREAM SEEKER RACING TEAM
ELIOS CODE PRO TEAM
EXPRES CZ - TUFO TEAM KOLÍN
FISCHER - BMC
FOCUS MTB RACING TEAM
GAPP SYSTEM - CABTECH MTB RACING TEAM
GERMAN TECHNOLOGY RACING
HARD ROCX SWIX
JBG-2 CRYOSPACE
KTM PROTEK DAMA
MASSI
MEGAMO FACTORY TEAM
MERIDA-WALLONIE MTB TEAM
MITAS MERCEDES - BENZ PRAHA TREK
MMR FACTORY RACING TEAM
MOEBEL MAERKI MTB PRO TEAM
MOUNTAINBIKE RACINGTEAM
NORCO FACTORY TEAM
PIVOT CYCLES - OTE
RDR ITALIA FACTORY TEAM
SANTA CRUZ FSA MTB PRO TEAM
SCOTT - GOLDSTAR SPORTS RACING TEAM
SCOTT CREUSE OXYGENE GUERET
SENSE FACTORY RACING
SERNEKE ALLEBIKE MTB TEAM
SNV - RACING
STRÜBY-BIXS TEAM
SUNN - BEAUMES DE VENISE
SUNN FACTORY RACING
SUPERIOR XC TEAM
SWISS MTB PRO TEAM POWERED BY STOLL
TEAM AHLSELL CUBE
TEAM BRIDGESTONE CYCLING
TEAM BULLS
TEAM MILSLUKERN
TEAM SØRENSEN RACING
TEAM VOSGES VTT
TEAMISGAV-GIANT
THE SUFFERFEST AFRICAN DREAM TEAM
TORPADO URSUS
VALLERBIKE
VELOROC BMC
VOLKSWAGEN SAMOCHODY UZYTKOWE MTB TEAM
VTT VCA ANJOS
ZZK
NORCO FACTORY TEAM
PIVOT CYCLES - OTE
RDR ITALIA FACTORY TEAM
SANTA CRUZ FSA MTB PRO TEAM
SCOTT - GOLDSTAR SPORTS RACING TEAM
SCOTT CREUSE OXYGENE GUERET
SENSE FACTORY RACING
SERNEKE ALLEBIKE MTB TEAM
SNV - RACING
STRÜBY-BIXS TEAM
SUNN - BEAUMES DE VENISE
SUNN FACTORY RACING
SUPERIOR XC TEAM
SWISS MTB PRO TEAM POWERED BY STOLL
TEAM AHLSELL CUBE
TEAM BRIDGESTONE CYCLING
TEAM BULLS
TEAM MILSLUKERN
TEAM SØRENSEN RACING
TEAM VOSGES VTT
TEAMISGAV-GIANT
THE SUFFERFEST AFRICAN DREAM TEAM
TORPADO URSUS
VALLERBIKE
VELOROC BMC
VOLKSWAGEN SAMOCHODY UZYTKOWE MTB TEAM
VTT VCA ANJOS
ZZK
For a full list of teams and riders, visit www.uci.ch/mountain-bike/teams.
MENTIONS: @Cannondale / @CLIF / @FocusBikes / @GHOST-Bikes / @KrossBikes / @SCOTT-Sports / @Specialized / @thoemus / @trek
Author Info:
Member since Nov 14, 2018
Must Read This Week
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42001 views
42001 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
Same advertising firm behind Atherton bikes?
But will anybody be able to beat Nino this year?
"CST SANDD BAFANG"
"CS CARABINIERI - CICLI OLYMPIA - VITTORIA"
"MOEBEL MAERKI"
"CST Sand Bag"
"CS Carabiner Olympic Victoria"
"Meagen Markle"
Easy...
In Italy sadly yes. There's an e-enduro championship ????
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Cooper#/media/File:Anton_Cooper_Oct_2012.jpg
Ahhh,I see that now. Thank you.
m.pinkbike.com/news/cross-country-world-cups-were-viewed-by-more-people-than-downhill-for-the-first-time-in-2018.html