It took four long years for Finn Iles to win his second elite World Cup. The Canadian finally got back on the top step of the podium last weekend in Leogang. Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait nearly as long for the next one. On Saturday, Iles laid down a heater of a run in Lenzerheide to take the win just one week later.
“One of the coaches sent me a picture saying ‘1,407 days since my last world cup win’ and scratched out the one four zero,” Iles shared after the race. “And it came true!”
Iles wasn’t the only Canuck in good form. After a rough start to the year, and a Q1 that hinted at more frustration, Jackson Goldstone finished fifth in Lenzerheide. Not a result he would have loved last year but, as a sign he’s turning a corner on his rough luck, a welcome step up the standings.
Iles kicking up dust and climbing up the standings. From #99 plate to #1. Photo: Javi Zubiko / Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Finn Iles wins back-to-back World Cups
For Iles, this second win in eight days is also a moment of redemption. In 2025, Iles was the Canadian struggling through missed opportunities and injury while Goldstone soared to his record-setting season. To double down with a second win so soon, Iles was elated.
“It feels incredible. This is the kind of thing you dream of,” Iles told cameras. “I was really hoping to take momentum from last weekend. I came here and felt good from day one.”
No mater how confident you feel in practice, race day is always different. Iles admitted that he was still feeling the nerves on Friday night.
“I think I slept for three hours before finals. But once I started warming up, it was game time,” From there, the Canadian settled back into racing. “I knew I felt good when I came out of the gates, from there I just needed to focus on what I was doing.”
Despite the lack of sleep, Iles shared that he thrives on the pressure.
“I prefer dropping at the end. You’re the last one up there and it feels epic. The pressure just kind of sits on you. I think that’s a really cool feeling. It’s a privelidge to feel like that.”
What’s the difference between now and four years ago?
“I think I’m more mature. I think I have an amazing group of people around me,” Iles said, adding a nod to the new Specialized Demo 11, “And the bike is riding amazing.”
Behind Iles, Amaury Pierron took second and Frameworks Racing’s young phenom, Asa Vermette, third.
A Canadian back in the overall leader’s jersey
With the win, Iles takes over the lead in the World Cup overall points standings. It’s a jersey he’s held before.
“Last time I only had it for two races. I hope to keep it for longer this time.”
With two wins in a row, Iles admits he’s feeling pretty confident going into La Thuile, the next World Cup round. Confident, but not over-confident.
“We’re going to try not to get ahead of ourselves. Just go day-by-day and take it as it comes.”
Anna Newkirk celebrates in Switzerland. Photo: Javi Zubiko / Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Anna Newkirk gives the U.S.A. a win.
On the women’s side, Anna Newkirk (Frameworks) is the first person to steal a win from Vali Höll in 2026. The U.S. racer ended the Austrian’s win streak, with Lisa Baumann (Commencal Schwalbe Les Orres) and Gloria Scarsi (MS Racing) rounding out the podium in second and third.
“I can’t believe it. I’m lost for words. I didn’t think I had it in me in that run. I thought I was going too slow but I’m so stoked,” Newkirk said after the race.
Like Iles, Newkirk said the pressure was real.
“I was so nervous today. I have never been this nervous before a race. This morning I was riding so chaotic, I was flying, I was crashing. I was like ‘what am I doing? Just chill’,” Newkirk said, adding “Once I started warming up and got into my routine, I calmed down and focused. I really tried to focus on the process and not the result, and not predict anything.”
It’s another big result for the small but feisty Frameworks Racing-TRP squad.
“The team has been doing super good. I’m so stoked to be a part of it and there’s no team I’d rather be with.”