Pidcock, Aldridge and Richards to lead British contingent at Mountain Bike Worlds

The 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships are being held this week in Val di Sole, Italy, culminating in the notoriously technical downhill course known as the "Black Snake." Sunday's elite cross-country races for both men and women will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, as well as the BBC Sport website and app.

A strong British contingent is heading into the event. Much attention is on in-form Charlie Aldridge, who recently completed a double victory in the short-track and cross-country disciplines at this month's European Championships. He won under-23 world gold in 2023 and will now be chasing his first senior World Championship title in Italy.

Also competing is Olympic champion and 2023 world champion Tom Pidcock, who entered at the last minute after finishing ninth at this year's Tour de France.

In the women's event, former under-23 world champion Evie Richards will aim to improve on her fourth-place finish at last month's European Championships. She faces stiff competition, including reigning world champion Jenny Rissveds, European champion Sina Frei, and home favourite Martina Berta, who will be hoping to win on Italian soil.

The women's elite cross-country race takes place on Sunday, 30 August, from 11:50 to 13:40 BST, followed by the men's race from 14:05 to 16:25 BST. Both events will be shown live on BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC Sport website and app.