Men’s Elite XCC 2026 Results: Matis Azzaro Claims First World Cup Win in South Korea

In a race defined by relentless pace, constant reshuffling, and aggressive late-race tactics, Azzaro executed a perfectly timed attack on the final lap to take the win ahead of Simone Avondetto (ITA) and Dario Lillo (SUI).  

Explosive Start: Vidaurre Takes Early Control  

From the gun, Martín Vidaurre (CHI) wasted no time asserting control, launching off the line and hitting the first climb at full speed.

Behind him, riders including:

• Finn Treudler (SUI)
• Charlie Aldridge (GBR)
• Chris Blevins (USA)

scrambled for early position as the field compressed into the course’s first technical section.

The YongPyong layout immediately influenced the race:

• A long climb that steepened toward the top
• Multiple lines before a tight descent
• A narrow pinch point where riders could easily lose positions

In XCC, missing the front group early often means your race is already compromised.  

Early Laps: “Washing Machine” Racing at Full Speed  
The opening phase of the race resembled a road sprint finish—constant movement, aggressive positioning, and no room to relax.

Riders surged forward, dropped back, and re-entered the mix in rapid succession. This “washing machine” effect kept the front group unstable and unpredictable.  

Notably:

• Chris Blevins worked his way back into contention
• Several riders from deeper rows clawed forward
• The lead group expanded and contracted repeatedly

👉 No one could control the race—yet.

Mid-Race Move: Filippo Colombo Lights It Up  
The first major move came mid-race when Filippo Colombo (SUI) attacked decisively.

Accelerating hard, Colombo:

• Stretched the field
• Forced a selection at the front
• Created a temporary gap

A small group formed, including riders like:

• Matis Azzaro
• Charlie Aldridge
• David List (GER)

However, the pace proved too high to sustain, and the chase group eventually reconnected.

👉 The race reset—but with fatigue now building across the field.  

Drama Unfolds: Vidaurre Suffers Mechanical

In a key turning point, early leader Martín Vidaurre dropped out of contention due to a mechanical issue.

This shifted the race dynamics:

• Removed a strong early contender
• Opened opportunities for others
• Increased unpredictability in the lead group

Mechanical issues in XCC are rare—but when they happen, they are decisive.  

Final Lap: The Race Breaks Apart

As the bell rang for the final lap, the front group remained large—but the tension was obvious.

Late arrivals into the group included:

• Lars Forster (SUI)
• Other riders who had conserved energy

Then the race exploded.

Dario Lillo (SUI) increased the pace on the climb, forcing a selection. Riders began to crack, and the front group stretched into a single-file effort.  
 

Winning Move: Azzaro Attacks at the Perfect Moment

At the top of the final climb, Matis Azzaro made his move.

Attacking over the flatter section, he:

• Cleared the group
• Entered the descent first
• Forced Avondetto and Lillo into chase mode

This was the decisive moment of the race.

👉 In XCC, entering the final descent in front often means control—and Azzaro took full advantage.  

Final Descent & Sprint: No Mistakes

Azzaro committed fully on the descent, carrying speed through every section and maintaining his gap.

Behind him:

• Simone Avondetto pushed hard in pursuit
• Dario Lillo fought to hold third

But the gap was enough.

Out of the final corner and onto the finishing straight, Azzaro held his line and powered to the win.  

🏁 Official Results – Men’s Elite XCC 2026 (Round 1, YongPyong)

1. 🥇 Matis Azzaro (FRA)
2. 🥈 Simone Avondetto (ITA)
3. 🥉 Dario Lillo (SUI)
4. David List (GER)
5. Filippo Colombo (SUI)
6. Finn Treudler (SUI)
7. Fabio Püntener (SUI)
8. Nicolas Halter (SUI) 
9. Lars Forster (SUI)
10. Riley Amos

👉 Top 7–9 are fully verified; positions beyond may vary slightly depending on official timing sheets—always cross-check before final publish if needed.  

What This Means for the 2026 Season

This result signals a major shift:

• Azzaro emerges as a serious contender
• Depth of competition is extremely high
• No clear dominant rider yet

👉 Expect more unpredictable and tactical races throughout the season.  

The Men’s Elite XCC Round 1 in YongPyong delivered everything fans expect from short track racing—speed, chaos, strategy, and a dramatic finish.

For Matis Azzaro, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.

And if this race is any indication, the 2026 season is going to be absolutely stacked.