Cole Punchard is absolutely flying into the end of the 2026 season. After a stunning third place at XCO World Championships in Val di Sole, the Ontario racer soared as the World Cup series returned to North America. Punchard flew to second place, his first elite World Cup podium, in Sunday’s elite men’s XCO.
Cole Punchard powers to Soldier Hollow World Cup podium
Punchard’s road to the podium wasn’t easy. After being caught in a late race crash in Saturday’s XCC, the Cannondale Factory Racing rider had to work his way up through the field on Sunday.
Martin Viadurre (Specialized) takes the win with Mathis Guay (KTM) taking third.
Gibson, Berta and Frei on the podium in Soldier Hollow. Photo: Michal Cerveny / Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Elite women: Berta doubles up, Gibson rolls big at home
In the elite women’s race, Martina Berta doubles up, matching her XCC win on Saturday with the XCO win on Sunday. Gwendalyn Gibson (Trek Unbroken) gives the U.S. crowd a podium, finishing second with Sina Frei (Specialized) rounding out the podium in third.
“It’s insane, I can’t believe it,” said Berta. “After yesterday, I knew I had good legs, but to do the double is amazing. There are a lot of emotions right now. I’m just so happy.”
Gibson’s podium is also the first elite World Cup XCO podium for a 32″ bike. The U.S. racer was aboard Trek’s recently unveiled prototype mega-wheeled race rig in Utah.