Nukeproof steps into World Cup Downhill and World Cup XC

Nukeproof is taking a decisive step forward in top-level mountain bike racing. With confirmed programs in both World Cup Downhill and World Cup Cross-Country (XC), the brand strengthens its presence at the very highest level of the sport, across multiple disciplines, with a clear long-term vision. From gravity-focused racing to Olympic-level XCO, Nukeproof is once again where it belongs: between the tapes.

Back to the top: World Cup Downhill with Nukeproof Axess Racing

Nukeproof proudly returns to the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cups as title sponsor and official bike partner of the newly formed Nukeproof Axess Racing Team. The partnership is confirmed for the next three seasons and marks a major step in the brand’s renewed racing ambition.

Owned by Joe Breeden and managed by Olly Morris, Nukeproof Axess Racing will compete aboard the Nukeproof Dissent, our flagship downhill race bike — built to handle the most demanding tracks in the world.

2026 rider line-up

Elite Men

Joe Breeden

Juanfer Muñoz

Oscar Griffiths

Elite Women

Mille Johnset

Louise Ferguson

Milatul Khaqimah

Junior Men

Camden Rutherford

The partnership came together quickly — for all the right reasons.

“When I joined Nukeproof, there was already a plan to go racing in 2027,” says Clive Gosling, Global Brand Director at Nukeproof. “But after meeting Joe and Olly at the World Cup in Les Gets, it was clear there was an opportunity to move faster. Everything aligned, and here we are — racing at the very highest level with a seriously strong team for the next three years.”

Supported by the in-house wind tunnel at Belgian Cycling Factory’s headquarters, the team will work intensively on rider positioning, components and setup this winter — chasing every marginal gain that can make the difference on race day.

Axess Racing enters this new chapter with proven momentum. Over the past two seasons, the team has delivered standout performances, including historic wins at Red Bull Hardline and Red Bull Cerro Abajo.

“The progress Axess Racing has made over the past two years has been incredible,” says Joe Breeden. “Welcoming Nukeproof at the start of phase two of this journey is a huge milestone. From day one, it was clear that Nukeproof takes racing seriously. That drive for innovation and perfection runs deep within Belgian Cycling Factory — and at World Cup level, that mindset is essential.”

Expanding the vision: World Cup XC with KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team

Alongside its return to downhill, Nukeproof also steps into World Cup XCO as Bike Partner and second title sponsor of the KMC Nukeproof Mountainbike Racing Team. Together with main sponsor KMC, the team embarks on an ambitious multi-year journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

This partnership marks Nukeproof’s entry into Olympic-level cross-country racing — expanding the brand’s race footprint beyond gravity disciplines and into the heart of elite MTB performance.

Founded in 1990, long before mountain biking became an Olympic discipline, Nukeproof has its roots in a sport born in California. With the Olympic Games returning to the USA in 2028, the timing and symbolism of this step feel especially fitting.

“KMC welcomes Nukeproof and is proud to support the brand’s entry into XCO,” says Christ Bakker, Managing Director KMC Chain Europe. “Following the acquisition of the iconic Nukeproof name by Belgian Cycling Factory, we see this as a powerful statement from Belgium. Our long-standing partnership now enters a new phase — one that strengthens all stakeholders within the KMC–Nukeproof MTB XCO Team.”

“With Nukeproof fully integrated within BCF, we significantly strengthen our MTB engineering capabilities,” adds Jochim Aerts, Managing Director Belgian Cycling Factory.

“Together with our athletes and technical team, we’re excited to translate racing expertise directly into the next generation of Nukeproof products.”

One attitude. Multiple disciplines.

Traditionally associated with the tougher side of mountain biking — enduro, dirt jump and downhill — Nukeproof now brings that same innovative spirit and radical attitude to the XC race scene.

“We’re incredibly excited to step into XCO at the highest level together with KMC and Bart Brentjens,” says Clive Gosling. “We’re looking forward to bringing Nukeproof’s innovation and attitude into a new racing arena.”

Under Mission Part 5, a four-year Olympic cycle running since January 2025, racing is more than competition. It is a platform for development, innovation and performance-driven product evolution, feeding knowledge directly from the World Cup into the bikes of tomorrow.

It’s not just racing.

It’s an attitude.