The unexpected Periklis Ilias (Greece) wins the men’s title after having led the race right from the beginning, while Annika Langvad (Denmark) retains the women’s title.

The best long-distance mountain bike riders in the world will be on the start line in Ornans in eastern France for Sunday's races to decide the wearers of the rainbow jerseys. Swiss rider Christoph Sauser and Annika Langvad from Denmark will be defending their titles.

In keeping with tradition, riders, UCI Mountain Bike teams, media, sponsors and UCI officials voted for the best events of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano.

Christoph Sauser (SUI) and Annika Langvad (DEN) were crowned World Champions at the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships in Montello, Italy, on Sunday, 26th June.