Racing in extreme conditions at a brand new venue in Mona Yongpyong, Lillo powered to a dominant solo victory on a course transformed by heavy rain into a muddy, highly technical test. Riding his Anthem Advanced SL bike with a Giant XCR WheelSystem, the Swiss rider attacked early and never looked back. He built a decisive gap as rivals struggled to match his pace on the saturated climbs and treacherous descents.
The win marks Lillo’s first Elite XCO World Cup victory and continues his rapid rise through the sport’s top ranks.
“I have never felt anything like this in my life,” said Lillo. "When it started raining in the night and I woke up in the morning it was like, 'OK today is the day' and I was so nervous before the start. During the race, until the last lap it was like I didn't really have any emotions in me, it was just executing and I crossed the finish line."
Lillo’s victory capped a standout opening weekend. Two days earlier, he raced to third place in the Elite men’s XCC short track event, delivering a fast, tactical ride against a stacked field. The podium result set the tone for his XCO performance and signaled the form he would carry into Sunday’s main event.
The race conditions added a dramatic layer to the XCO opener, with persistent rain turning large sections of the course into deep mud and forcing riders off their bikes. Lillo handled the chaos with composure, riding clean lines and maintaining momentum while others faltered. By the midway point, he had established a commanding lead, controlling the race through the final laps to secure the win and the first leader’s jersey of the season.
Lillo wore the new Giant Rev Pro helmet and made a number of setup adjustments for the muddy conditions. He opted for Maxxis Beaver tires to maximize grip and shed mud, and simplifed his drivetrain by removing the chain guide for easier access during the race. He ran a 34-tooth chainring paired with a 10-51 cassette to handle steep, slippery climbs. He also added grip tape to the lockout and dropper levers to ensure control in the slimy conditions. And, anticipating extended run sections, he also equipped his Shimano S-Phyre 903 shoes with toe spikes for added traction off the bike.
For the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, the result delivers a powerful start to the 2026 campaign and reinforces the strength of its cross-country program on the world stage.
The series now heads to Europe for round two in Nové Město, Czech Republic, May 22-24, where Lillo and his teammates will look to build on their early-season momentum.
