The Leogang XCO course has been completely redesigned for 2026 — and after watching the world's best put it through its paces in training, it's clear the organisers have raised the bar. Four kilometres of rocks, roots and high-speed woodland descents at altitude in the Austrian Alps. This is not a course that forgives mistakes.
What's New
The headline change is a brand new rock garden positioned close to the start/finish link — a punishing section that will be hit repeatedly over the course of the race, and one that is likely to cause carnage as fatigue sets in on the later laps. Alongside that, the course designers have leaned into natural trail features throughout, adding technical descents through the woods that demand full commitment at race speed.
The GoPro Lap
We rode the full circuit ahead of Sunday's Elite races. Watch it above to get a feel for exactly what the world's best will be racing on — every rock, every root, every descent, all the way around.
Race Day
With Leogang's rebuilt course throwing new variables into the mix, the form book from Nové Město may count for less than usual. Laura Stigger will be backed by a home Austrian crowd as she looks to defend her recent win, while Dario Lillo, Mathis Azzaro, Sina Frei and Jenny Rissveds will all be eyeing the podium after consistent seasons so far.