The 2026 XCO/XCC UCI MTB World Cup season is already reshaping the paddock. While full rosters traditionally drop later in the winter, several major team changes, rider moves, and program shutdowns have already been confirmed.
Major XC Team Changes for 2026
Trek Factory Racing XC becomes Trek-Unbroken XC
One of the biggest structural changes for 2026 is the rebrand of Trek’s World Cup programmes.
Formerly known as Trek Factory Racing XC, the team will race in 2026 as Trek-Unbroken XC.
Ghost Factory Racing XC shuts down
After more than a decade as a World Cup staple, Ghost Factory Racing has officially closed its XC programme ahead of the 2026 season.
The team’s shutdown leaves several high-profile elite women without a confirmed destination (as of January 2026) and represents one of the biggest losses to the XC paddock in recent years.
Riders departing due to the team closure:
- Anne Terpstra
- Nicole Koller
- Caroline Bohé
- Finja Lipp
- Sara Cortinovis
All five are expected to reappear on World Cup start lines in 2026, but announcements are still pending.
KMC-Nukeproof MTB XCO Team: new title & bike sponsor
The former KMC XC program enters 2026 as the KMC-Nukeproof MTB XCO Team, with Nukeproof stepping in as a key naming and bike sponsor.
This marks Nukeproof’s return to the XC World Cup scene at elite level after recent restructuring within the brand.
Confirmed Rider Transfers & Departures
Nael Rouffiac
Nael joins the Origine Racing Division for 2026.
Nina Graf joins Trek-Unbroken XC
German elite Nina Graf moves to Trek-Unbroken XC for 2026 after leaving Lapierre Racing Unity.
Graf strengthens Trek’s women’s roster and is expected to focus on XCO and XCC World Cup racing throughout the season.
Madigan Munro leaves Trek
American rider Madigan Munro has officially departed Trek’s XC program ahead of 2026.
As of now, her next team has not yet been announced.
Gunnar Holmgren leaves Trek
Canadian elite Gunnar Holmgren also exits Trek’s XC roster before the 2026 season.
Like Munro, his next destination remains unconfirmed.
Vlad Dascălu returns to Trek for a full 2026 campaign
Romanian star Vlad Dascălu will return to Trek-Unbroken XC for a full UCI MTB World Cup season in 2026.
After an interrupted previous campaign, Trek confirmed Dascălu’s reinstatement as a key part of its men’s elite lineup.
Overall World Cup Winner Samara Maxwell to take a year off
2025 UCI MTB World Cup XC overall winner Samara Maxwell will take a year off from International MTB racing in 2026.
Alex Andre Gallis joins Decathlon-Ford Racing Team
Alez Andre Gallis joins the Decathlon-Ford MTB Racing Team for 2026.
Lucas Teste
Lucas Teste joins the Decathlon-Ford MTB Racing Team for 2026.
Thomas Griot
Thomas joins the Sunn Factory Racing Team for 2026 after his departure from the Canyon CLLCTV.
World Cup Team Rankings
Beyond rider transfers, the World Series team rankings for 2026 see noticeable shifts:
- Ghost Factory Racing drops out due to team closure
- BH Coloma falls outside the top-ranked World Series teams
- Lapierre Racing Unity and BIXS Performance Race Team move into World Series team status positions
These changes affect race presence and long-term team visibility as a UCI World Series Team.