Blevins breaks collarbone in training ahead of MTB World Series opener

Christopher Blevins, the reigning XCO series champion from Specialized, will miss the opening round of the 2026 Mountain Bike World Series in Mona YongPyong, South Korea. Blevins sustained a broken collarbone during training, an unfortunate incident that sidelines him from a race where he was considered a top favourite. This injury prevents him from defending his 2025 title from the outset of the new season.

This setback is particularly significant given Blevins' recent dominance, having secured the XCO series championship just last year. His absence not only deprives the opening round of one of its biggest stars but also immediately puts him on the back foot in the overall standings. For a rider of his calibre, missing early points can be a considerable hurdle, forcing a difficult chase for the remainder of the season against a competitive field eager to capitalise.

Another year, another pre-season injury to a top contender. The pursuit of marginal gains clearly extends to the fragility of human bone, a factor often overlooked in the quest for speed.