Ryan Gilchrist has become a world champion for the second time, winning the elite men's 2026 UCI Enduro World Championships in Liguria, Italy on Sunday (local time).
The 24-year-old from Coffs Harbour won the long opening stage before showing consistency and clinical execution on the loose terrain to defend his lead.
The racing at Finale Outdoor Region could scarcely have been closer; after six timed stages and 60 kilometres, the top four were separated by just seven seconds.
Gilchrist had to fend off challenges from Elliot Jamieson (Canada) and defending champion Richie Rude Jr (USA).
Fellow New South Welshman Luke Meier-Smith, normally focused on the downhill discipline, put in an impressive ride to finish fourth. Meier-Smith conceded 15 seconds on the opening stage, but clawed his way back, posting the fastest time on three stages.
Gilchrist racing in 2025. (Alex Whitehead / SWpix)
Today's victory caps off a standout season for Gilchrist, who won his first-ever round of the UCI Enduro World Cup in Switzerland before finishing third overall.
He said he was not surprised to pull off the victory.
"That was really, really special," Gilchrist said. "So much belief, belief from my family, my support crew, team, country, coach, mentor − Mick Hannah − everything was there, it was just execution.
"Nothing special happened today; it was all ready to happen, and it all just fell into place. I'm not surprised; I'm proud. What a day. Crazy."
Gilchrist has now earned his second rainbow jersey after he won the UCI Pump Track World Championship in 2024.
"I'm honoured to wear the rainbows again. That sort of thing, it sometimes never happens in a lifetime. So, for me to do it twice, I'm beyond grateful."
In the elite women's race, Zana Evans claimed a top-10 result in eighth place.
In the junior men's event, Harper Nelmes took fourth place, finishing just two seconds off the podium.
Results | 2026 UCI Enduro World Championships
Men Elite
🥇 Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) 36:250.262
🥈 Elliot Jamieson (CAN) +4.860
🥉 Richard Rude Jr (USA) +5.125
4. Luke Meier-Smith (AUS) +7.782
64. Andrew Hacquoil (AUS) +3:45.914
106. Thomas Locke (AUS) +12:44.129
Women Elite
🥇 Raphaela Richter 41:57.757
🥈 Isabeau Carrez Courdurier +1.575
🥉 Nadine Ellecosta +3.897
8. Zana Evans (AUS) +1:06.712
Men Junior
🥇 Hugo Marti Montessinos (FRA) 38:14.822
🥈 Jules Janniaud (FRA) +13.068
🥉 Nolan Weiss (CAN) +13.259
4. Harper Nelmes (AUS) +15.801
35. Lincoln Read (AUS) +2:44.146
Feature photo: Nicola Damonte.