Looking into their Crystal Ball - Prediction Time!

We asked past WT podium finishers Chris Laughren (Attack from Above) and Alex Provost (Raid Pulse / Bend Racing) - who aren't competing this year - their predictions about the race: what sections could decide the race, who they think might be on contending for podium and top 10, and any dark horse or teams to keep an eye on. Here's what they had to say:

PODIUM PREDICTIONS

Some winners from past years aren't at the 2026 WT due to other race commitments, so the podium should be an exciting race for the top spots.

Chris: Raid Pulse (14), Peninsula Mountain Bike Club (13), Mercators AR (11).

Alex: Raid Pulse (14), Peninsula Mountain Bike Club (13), and third place is more up for grabs.

TOP 10 CONTENDERS

The depth of field experience is really high at WT. There are teams with decades of AR experience and some younger / newer teams with (we suspect) springs and hidden motors in their legs who are definitely vying to top spots in 2026. Here are a few picks for top contenders on the leaderboard this year.

Chris: Dad Reckoning (5), Beowulf (3), Adrenaline Rush (1), Great Lakes AR (6), Kinetic (1), St-Lawrence AR (18), Spare Parts (17), Race Day Rush (49), Made in Poland (25), H.A.F. (8) and Rally AR (27).

Alex: Beowulf (3), Adrenaline Rush (1), Kinetic (1) are likely to stay on the leaderboard.

WHO ELSE TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Every team out there is pushing themselves to their limits - both mentally and physically - but here are a couple picks our guest guessers will be keeping an eye on and why.

Dad Reckoning - this is a youth team and they are strong! Definitely keeping an eye on their progress!

The Breakfast Club - predicted by Chris to take top female this year. They're experienced and have grit.

Reverse Orienteering - the dark horse pick from Alex. Don't know them (yet), but the name is great!