The 2026 UCI Trials World Cup is almost upon us, with the opening round taking place from 8 to 10 May on a brand-new course in Dole, France. The competition - contested across the Men Elite 20”, Men Elite 26” and Women Elite categories - then travels to Rzeszów, Poland, for the second round (31 July - 2 August), before concluding in Claussnitz, Germany, (21 - 23 August).
The final standings will determine the three UCI World Cup overall winners ahead of the 2026 UCI Trials World Championships, which form part of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in November.
New French, German and Polish hosts
This year’s opening round will take place in the attractive town of Dole, in the Jura department of eastern France, with all three finals scheduled for Sunday 10 May. While it marks the first time Dole has hosted a UCI Trials World Cup, recent French Cup rounds in 2024 and 2025, Class1 events on the UCI Trials International Calendar, suggest a course that will provide both a significant challenge for riders and a strong spectacle for fans.
The challenging Dole course appears to be a motivation for athletes, with a record-breaking 172 competitors registered for this weekend, compared to the previous participation record of 159 in Valbirse, Switzerland, last year. The first round of the 2026 UCI Trials World Cup is organised by Velo Club Dolois, headed by Kenaël Godde, who finished 16th in the 26” category last season. Tree logs, stones and precast elements are amongst the natural materials making up the obstacles in Dole.
At the French Cup in 2025, Robin Berchiatti (FRA) claimed victory in Dole in the Men’s 20” competition on home soil, ahead of Diego Crescenzi (ITA), while Charlie Rolls (GBR) won the 26” category ahead of Daniel Barón (ESP). Spain’s Alba Riera took the Women Elite honours ahead of her compatriot Vera Barón. Whether those results offer a preview of what’s to come or set the stage for redemption remains to be seen.
The opening round will not only provide early answers, but also set the tone for the remainder of the series.
Following this, attention turns to the second stop of the series at the end of July, in Rzeszów, the largest city in south-eastern Poland, set on the banks of the Wisłok River. It is another debut venue for the UCI Trials World Cup, but with the event organised by the team behind the 2025 round in Krynica-Zdrój where Jack Carthy (GBR), Alejandro Montalvo (ESP) and Alba Riera (ESP) claimed victory, it is set to deliver plenty of thrills.
Round 3 offers German riders the chance to shine in front of home fans, with Claussnitz completing the trio of new venues that make up the 2026 calendar. The municipality has, however, previously staged a Class 1 event on the 2025 UCI Trials International Calendar. The three overall titles will be decided in the eastern state of Saxony, close to the borders with Czechia and Poland.
But who will make history in 2026?
Riders to watch
Charlie Rolls was the overall winner of the Elite Men 26” competition at the 2025 UCI Trials World Cup, but the 24-year-old Briton only secured the title from his compatriot Jack Carthy on the final section of the last round. Oliver Weightman completed an all-British top three. Momentum may sit with Rolls, but a host of hungry riders will be pushing to challenge him, including the regular Spanish finalists Julen Saenz, Daniel Barón and Martí Vayreda.
Rolls has been testing his nerve as he continues to sharpen his skills.
Alejandro Montalvo was dominant last year in the Men Elite 20” category, winning every round. The young challenger Robin Berchiatti - who came closest to matching him last season - will be aiming to bring the French flag back to the top of the podium. However, Eloi Palau and Borja Conejos ensure strong Spanish representation in the fight for the title.
There is clearly no issue with Montalvo’s head for heights - or his ambition for the coming season.
Vera Barón and Alba Riera traded first and second places across each round last year, with the slight advantage going to the older rider Barón, although the younger Spaniard came out on top in their season-long rivalry - by just 10 points - at the season-closing UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. Nina Vabre (FRA) collected two third places, while Spain’s Laia Esquis also consistently featured among the frontrunners.
The commitment of the four times (2022 to 2025) UCI Trials World Cup overall winner Vera Barón is beyond doubt. The focus now turns to how she will fare in the defence of her title.
Get back up to speed with the latest UCI Trials World Cup action, starting with the 2025 season finale in Cordon, France.
2026 UCI Trials World Cup
8-10 May: Round 1, Dole (France)
31 July - 2 August: Round 2, Rzeszów (Poland)
21-23 August: Round 3, Claussnitz (Germany).