Record participation with 450 runners from 30 countries

Maximilian Brandl wins the Shimano Super Cup Massi La Nucía 2026.

The German rider beat Sebastian Fini, Riley Amos and Ulan Galinski in a sprint finish in a closely contested race that was only decided in the final metres. In the women’s category, Rebecca Henderson led from the early stages of the race, although the victory remained uncertain until the finish line.

Maximilian Brandl wins the first race of the season

The Shimano Super Cup Massi travelled to La Nucía (Alicante) to compete in the first race of the season. The race brought together many of the best riders on the planet, who fought an exciting battle on the spectacular circuit designed by Carlos Coloma.

The riders lined up and the race started right on time. The strong gusts of wind died down and the cyclists began pedalling under a splendid sun.

A large leading group quickly formed, made up of riders such as Sebastian Fini, Riley Amos, Pierre de Froidmont, Antoine Philipp, Maximilian Brand, Jofre Cullell, Ulan Galinksi and Tom Schellekens. The group remained compact, with no one able to break away and escape.

As the kilometres passed, some of the front group began to fall behind. Even so, it remained a close contest until the final lap. Cullell dropped back on the last few ramps, while Fini, Amos, Brandl and Galinki kept up the pace. The four battled it out in a thrilling final sprint, which was won by German rider Brandl.

Henderson conquers La Nucía in a closely fought battle

The women’s race was also marked by parity among the main contenders for victory. Teocchi took the lead early on and soon after handed the baton to Gwendalyn Gibson, Kelsey Urban and Henderson herself.

The Australian maintained her lead as the kilometres passed, although she did so with a margin of only a few seconds.

Henderson was able to maintain her power output and crossed the finish line in first place to secure victory. Urban and Gibson were second and third, respectively.

Iker Pérez triumphs with an indisputable victory in Junior

The Junior category race took place on Saturday afternoon. Spanish rider Iker Pérez earned a well-deserved victory after clearly beating the rest of the participants.

Right from the start of the race, Pérez set a strong pace and the differences became apparent from the outset. The chasing pack soon fell apart and Sweden’s John Temar tried to go it alone. The chase proved fruitless; Pérez increased the gap with apparent ease and crossed the finish line to claim a well-deserved victory.

Temar took second place and Spain’s Pablo Rodríguez completed the podium.

Caroline-Mathilde Hede took victory in the Junior Women’s category.