Swiss XCC and XCO championships to take place in Leysin from 17 to 19 July
From 17 to 19 July 2026, Leysin will become the centre of Swiss mountain biking. As part of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup, the Swiss championship titles in Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country (XCO) will be contested in the Vaud Alps. On the technically demanding course, set against a spectacular mountain backdrop, some of the sport’s biggest names, including Dario Lillo, Alessandra Keller, Fabio Püntener and Mathias Flückiger, will battle for the national titles. A total of around 650 participants are expected to race.
July 9, 2026
The action gets underway on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with the fast-paced Short Track races. The Cross-Country titles will be decided on Sunday, while Saturday is dedicated entirely to youth racing.
Alessandra Keller starts as the favourite
Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) from Nidwalden is once again among the leading contenders for the title. The reigning Swiss Cross-Country Champion, Short Track World Champion and winner of the 2026 Cape Epic – the most prestigious stage race in mountain biking – arrives with outstanding credentials. Whenever Keller is on the start line, she is considered one of the favourites.
Her main challengers are expected to be Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing), Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Race Team) and the rising talent Ginia Caluori (NEXETIS) from Graubünden.
In the men's race, Filippo Colombo (Scott-SRAM) from Ticino could make history. A third consecutive Swiss Cross-Country Championship title would place him among an exclusive group of riders to have achieved this feat. However, he is currently sidelined by a lower-leg fracture sustained in training. Whether Colombo will be fit in time for the championships in Leysin remains uncertain.
Should Colombo be unable to start or compete at full strength, attention will increasingly turn to his Scott-SRAM teammate Fabio Püntener. The rider from Uri has delivered consistently strong performances on the international stage for months and could ensure that the coveted Swiss champion's jersey remains within the Scott-SRAM team. For Püntener, it would be the first elite Swiss championship title of his career.
Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) is also among the top contenders. The Zurich native has been one of the breakthrough riders of the season, already claiming two Short Track World Cup podium finishes and securing his first Cross-Country World Cup victory. As a result, Lillo is considered one of the leading favourites in both disciplines.
Mathias Flückiger (Thömus Maxon) should not be underestimated either. The technically demanding course in Leysin is expected to suit the experienced Olympic medallist. With his wealth of racing experience and tactical know-how, he is once again a strong candidate for a medal.
One thing is certain: anyone aiming to win a Swiss championship title in Leysin will need an almost perfect race. The demanding course and the depth of talent in the field promise exciting competition and close battles right down to the final metres.
Want to take part in Leysin?