Sayu Bella Returns to Podium at MTB Asia with Gold in India
Jakarta – Indonesian female mountain biker Sayu Bella Sukma Dewi has once again demonstrated her prowess on the Asian stage by claiming a gold medal at the Asian Mountain Bike Series UCC India-1, which took place in India from 26–28 February 2026.
Sayu topped the podium in the women’s Cross Country Olympic (XCO) Elite category and was Indonesia’s sole gold medallist in the series. She recorded a time of 1 minute 32.16 seconds, defeating Malaysia’s Nur Deena Safia Nor Effandy, who clocked 1 minute 41.21 seconds, and fellow Indonesian Vara Sefti Rahmadani, who claimed bronze with a time of 1 minute 44.21 seconds.
“We are proud and extend our highest appreciation to all athletes of Indonesia’s MTB XC Squad who competed with maximum effort and full dedication at the Asia Mountain Bike Series UCC India 1,” stated the Indonesian Cycling Federation (ICF) through an Instagram post on Friday.
The ICF noted that the athletes’ fighting spirit and commitment demonstrated Indonesia’s ability to continue competing at the Asian level.
Overall, Indonesia collected one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. In addition to Sayu’s gold and Vara’s bronze, two silver medals were won by Zaenal Fanani in the men’s Cross Country Short Circuit (XCC) Elite and XCO Elite categories. Meanwhile, one bronze medal was secured by Feri Yudoyono in the men’s Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) Elite category.
The result continues Sayu’s positive trend at the start of the 2026 season. Previously, the Balinese athlete and 2023 Cambodia SEA Games gold medallist in the women’s XCO category secured her ticket to compete in the opening round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series 2026 at MONA YongPyong in South Korea from 1–3 May.
She earned the ticket through qualification via a “golden ticket” from the Asia UCI MTB Continental Series Thailand MTB Cup 2026, held on 13–14 January.
At that championship, Indonesia collected two golds, three silvers, and one bronze. Besides Sayu, athletes who advanced to South Korea include Zaenal Fanani, Ihza Muhammad, Feri Yudoyono, Achmad Dhani, and Melinda Ayu Putri.