Cross Country XC

Lined up on the start grid of a mountain bike marathon under the start arch with race plate #100 ready for the gun!

An elite XC racer standing out of the saddle on pedals, delivering 400 watts on a 25% rocky incline.

Sprinting through the race feed zone, grabbing a cold isotonic bottle from the team coach on the fly without stopping.

Dropping off a sheer artificial rock shelf obstacle on a modern Olympic-format cross-country race track.

Crossing the finish line with arms raised high in triumphant celebration, breaking the finish tape as champion.

Smooth, rhythmic pedaling through morning mist on a forest fire road, keeping a perfect 90 RPM cadence.

Standing proudly on the #1 top step of the podium holding a sparkling trophy with confetti falling all around.

Weighing an ultra-lightweight carbon racing bike on a digital scale in the team workshop: reading just 8.9 kg!

A cross-country racer pivoting around an ultra-tight zigzag hairpin switchback on a steep alpine downhill trail.

Racers fighting through sheets of rain and mud with splattered faces and roaring wheels in a true test of grit and determination.