New Zealand’s top mountain bike enduro riders are set for a crucial test this weekend as the UCI World Series heads to Val di Fassa in the Italian Dolomites.

Christchurch’s Charlie Murray leads the Kiwi charge, sitting third overall in the elite men’s standings for Specialized Gravity.

He comes into the round on the back of a strong second-place finish at Leogang, and trails second place by 120 points, with Poland’s Slawomir Lukasik firmly holding the lead.

In the junior men’s competition, Cooper Millwood of Alexandra, riding for Yeti Development NZ, remains in striking distance of the title.

After consistent podium finishes throughout the season—including second place in Pietra Ligure and Leogang—Millwood is just 100 points behind France’s Melvin Almueis, who has won three rounds so far.

Teenage sensation Winni Goldsbury, also of Christchurch and riding for Specialized Gravity, has made an immediate impact in her debut season.

She sits fifth in the elite women’s rankings after claiming podium spots in Loudenvielle and Leogang.

Val di Fassa’s dramatic landscape, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for delivering a world-class mix of technical descents and rugged alpine terrain, making it a fitting stage for one of the season’s decisive rounds.

The two-day race begins with three stages covering 5.9km of racing across 23.4km of trail and 1100m of climbing, peaking at 2090m above sea level.

Day two features four more stages across 9.4km, with a total course length of 35.7km and 2.2km of climbing, assisted by two lift transfers.

New Zealand riders confirmed to compete include elite men Regan Doig, Oliver Jenkins Jablonski, Edward Masters, Joe Millington, Charlie Murray, Lachie Ross, and Matthew Walker; junior men Sam Cameron, Cooper Millwood, and Marcus Sayers; elite women Winni Goldsbury and George Swift; and junior woman Poppy Croucher.