35th WMC Cycling (MTB) - Summary News
QUESADA, JAÉN (ESP) – The 35th CISM World Military MTB Cycling Championship successfully concluded in Quesada, Spain, following several days of outstanding sporting performances, demanding mountain bike races and international camaraderie from 30 September to 4 October 2026. Hosted in the spectacular natural surroundings of the Sierra de Cazorla, the championship once again highlighted the physical endurance, technical skills and determination of military cyclists competing under the CISM motto, “Friendship through Sport.”
Organised by the Spanish Armed Forces, the championship took place across Quesada, Cazorla and La Iruela, in the province of Jaén, offering athletes challenging courses combining steep climbs, technical descents and significant elevation changes.
The Opening Ceremony, held on 1 October, was attended by Colonel (Ret.) Steven Rosso, CISM Board of Directors Member and Official CISM Representative (OCR). Addressing the participating delegations on behalf of CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, Colonel Rosso highlighted Spain's longstanding commitment to military sport and its important contribution to CISM since joining the organisation in 1951. The championship held particular significance as Spain celebrated its 75th anniversary of CISM membership.
The sporting programme began on 2 October with the demanding XCM Individual races, testing the athletes' endurance across approximately 55 kilometres and 2,200 metres of elevation gain for the men, and 45 kilometres with 1,800 metres of climbing for the women.
In the Elite Men's competition, Alex Junior Malacarne (Brazil) delivered an impressive performance to claim the CISM World Military title in 2:41:34. Italy's Gioele Bertolini secured silver, while Ukraine's Dmytro Titarenko completed the podium with bronze.
The Elite Women's race was dominated by Emeline Detilleux (Belgium), who claimed gold in 2:28:46 after an outstanding performance on the demanding mountain course. Brazil's Raiza Henrique Goulao finished second, followed by Italy's Nicole Pesse in third place.
Host nation Spain enjoyed considerable success in the Masters Men's competition, where Alberto Ponce Caballero secured the world military title ahead of compatriot Jesus Angel Diaz Mediavilla and Ecuador's Edwin Adrian Almeida Pozo. In the Masters Women's category, Wenda Zuiddam (Netherlands) claimed gold, with Spain's Gemma Raga Ruiz and Ana Ferrer Moreno completing the podium.
The final competition day, 3 October, introduced a different dimension to the championship with a Para-Cycling MTB promotional event, highlighting inclusion and providing Para athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on a specially adapted course. The initiative reinforced CISM's commitment to making military sport accessible and promoting solidarity among athletes.
Attention then turned to the spectacular Team Relay, featuring teams composed of one male competitor, one female competitor and one staff member, with each rider completing a demanding lap of approximately four kilometres.
Italy emerged victorious in the Team Relay, completing the three-lap course in 40:49 and securing the final gold medal of the championship. Belgium claimed silver in 42:33, while France completed the podium with bronze in 44:21. The fast-paced competition provided an exciting conclusion to the sporting programme, with strong support from local spectators contributing to the atmosphere.
Following the final races, athletes, officials and delegations gathered in Quesada for the Closing Ceremony, during which Colonel Rosso congratulated the participants and praised the Spanish organisers for their dedication, professionalism and hospitality.
During the ceremony, Spain received the prestigious CISM "Friendship Through Sport" Award, recognising the host nation's exemplary commitment to the values of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect. The distinction carried particular significance during Spain's 75th anniversary within the CISM family.
The Closing Ceremony also featured the traditional lowering of the CISM and national flags, followed by a symbolic handover of the CISM flag to Captain Luuk Nissen, President of the CISM Cycling Sports Committee, marking the transition towards the discipline's next major international military sporting appointment.
CISM extends its sincere appreciation to the Spanish Armed Forces, the Spanish Delegation to CISM, the Local Organising Committee, local authorities, officials and volunteers for their commitment to the successful organisation of the championship. The enthusiasm of the local population and the exceptional natural setting of the Sierra de Cazorla contributed to making this edition particularly memorable.
The championship concluded with the traditional Championship Dinner, providing an opportunity for athletes, officials and delegations to strengthen friendships beyond the competition and celebrate their achievements together.
Beyond the medals and sporting results, the 35th CISM World Military MTB Cycling Championship once again demonstrated the ability of military sport to unite nations through competition, mutual respect and international friendship.
The international military cycling community now looks ahead to the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games in Charlotte, USA, from 25 June to 4 July 2027, where military cyclists will once again gather to compete at the highest level.
The successful championship in Spain will remain a memorable celebration of sporting excellence, inclusion, military camaraderie and the CISM motto, "Friendship through Sport."
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 | Italy triumphs in Team Relay as 35th CISM World Military MTB Cycling Championship concludes in Spain |
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Spanish Delegation to CISM)
