Sina Frei delivered a statement performance to open the 2026 WHOOP UCI MTB World Cup season, taking victory in the XCC Elite Women at Mona Yongpyong, South Korea.
Photo: ©️ WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series / Michal Cerveny
The Specialized Factory Racing rider crossed the line in 23:20, just one second ahead of Britain's Evie Richards in second and Italy's Martina Berta in third.
Richards, racing for Trek - Unbroken XC, was right in the mix throughout and pushed Frei hard to the line, with Berta of Origine Racing Division completing a tight podium just a second back.
World Champion Jenny Rissveds had to settle for fifth, crossing the line six seconds down alongside Gwendalyn Gibson in a sprint for the position.
The XCC Elite Men race follows at 18:05 KST (10:05 BST). Full XCO results Sunday.