Boichis attacks late for debut elite World Cup win in Leogang

Adrien Boichis (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) powered away on the last climb to secure his maiden elite victory at the UCI Cross-Country Olympic World Cup in Leogang 2026. The French rider launched his race-winning attack inside the final lap, soloing to the finish line for his first elite-level win.

The day ended in drama, as a post-race disqualification for an infringement in the feed zone saw the rider who crossed the line in second place removed from the results.

This promoted Luca Martin into the runner-up spot, finishing 18 seconds behind Boichis, with Bjorn Riley completing the revised podium.

The men's elite race in Leogang took place over a start loop and six laps of a demanding circuit. Adrien Boichis was aggressive from the outset, forming part of a small lead group that established itself by the end of the start lap.

This leading group, featuring Boichis and Luca Martin, traded blows for much of the race. The intensity ratcheted up on the fourth and fifth laps, with attacks on the climbs countered by aggressive descending, as Martin used his technical skills to keep himself in contention.

The bell for the final lap saw the leaders locked together. After a series of probing accelerations, Boichis launched his decisive move on the steepest gravel climb, saw he had a gap, and committed fully to his solo effort for a memorable first win.

• Adrien Boichis's victory is a significant breakthrough, converting his U23 World Championship promise into an elite World Cup win and confirming his status as a top talent.
• The winning move was textbook tactical execution. Boichis waited for the final lap's most punishing climb to launch a single, decisive attack when his rivals were at their limit.
• The post-race disqualification of the on-the-road runner-up is a brutal reminder of the sport's strict regulations. A feed zone error completely reshuffled the podium.
• Luca Martin's ride to second place was a testament to his all-around skill. After being put in difficulty on the climbs, his superb descending was crucial in keeping him in the fight.