XCC Results from the Nove Mesto XC World Cup 2023

In the Elite Women’s race it was incredibly close for all nine laps with a big group keeping the speed high at the front. It was the last lap where Laura Stigger pulled out in front, but last year’s series winner Alessandra Keller overtook Laura into the arena before a five-rider sprint to the line. Laura kept something in the tank for the final straight and secured her first XCC Short Track win. Alessandra Keller crossed the line in 2nd with Laura’s teammate Sina Frei making it two Specialized riders in the top three.

In her post-race broadcast interview, Laura Stigger said: “It’s so hard to stay on the wheels of the fast ladies. I had to really fight for my position and during the race I was thinking I really have to close that gap always. That it’s turned out like this is incredible.”

After getting a very late entry it was a 40th place start for Tom Pidcock, but this wasn’t enough to stop him onboard the new Pinarello. While remaining hidden in the pack until the last lap a big move on the first loose corner saw him slingshot into 2nd behind Luca Schwarzbauer on the climb before a big midair overtake to lead into the arena. Despite having Luca and XCC World Champion Sam Gaze right on his rear wheel Tom Pidock managed to keep his position in the sprint to the line and kick off his 2023 season with another win.

Following the race, Tom Pidcock said in his post-race broadcast interview: “I only found out I was racing at three o’clock having already done a three-and-a-half hour training ride this morning.

“I always like racing here having been second in the short track before so it’s nice to win one finally.”

The first weekend of World Cup XC racing continues with the U23 XC and the first Marathon event tomorrow. You can check out the full results from the Short Track below.

Elite Women

Elite Men