Boichis crashes late as Martin seizes Lenzerheide victory

Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) capitalised on a dramatic final-lap crash from Adrien Boichis (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) to take victory at the UCI Cross-Country Olympic World Cup in Lenzerheide 2026.

The race looked to be in Boichis's hands after a powerful attack on the final climb, but the Red Bull rider lost control on a slippery corner, allowing Martin to sweep past and claim the win.

Martin crossed the line with a 25-second advantage over a dejected Boichis. Bjorn Riley took the final podium spot, a further 33 seconds adrift.

The eight-lap race in Lenzerheide quickly developed into a two-man battle between Adrien Boichis and Luca Martin. Boichis was a protagonist from the early stages, setting a high pace that fractured the field.

The lead changed hands multiple times through the middle laps, with Martin moving to the front on lap five. Boichis responded on the seventh lap, attacking on a climb to regain the lead, only to stall moments later after hitting a stump, which allowed Martin to pass him once more.

On the final lap, Boichis launched what looked to be the winning move on the last major climb, opening a gap. But disaster struck on a slippery, technical uphill corner; his front wheel drifted, his pedal caught the ground, and he went down. Martin rode past to take a dramatic victory, and though Boichis remounted quickly, he could not close the 25-second gap.

• This was Boichis's race to lose. He was arguably the strongest rider, particularly on the climbs, but a single lapse in concentration on the treacherous surface cost him a certain victory.
• Martin played a patient and intelligent race. He kept Boichis within striking distance without taking unnecessary risks, and his decision to prioritise clean lines over raw speed paid off when his rival made the decisive error.
• The victory provides a significant boost to Martin's campaign for the overall UCI World Cup title, extending his lead in the standings at a crucial point in the season.
• The intense duel between these two riders has become the central narrative of the men's cross-country season. Their contrasting styles promise more dramatic battles in the upcoming rounds.