Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir Stuns the Field to Win the GTWS Grand Final
©GoldenTrailSeries® – Muju Trail
Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir delivered the biggest surprise of the Golden Trail World Series finale, taking a commanding victory on the demanding trails of Muju, South Korea.
The Icelandic Salomon athlete completed the 28.7-kilometre course in 3:19:56, finishing almost six minutes ahead of series leader Mădălina Florea.
Florea crossed the line in 3:25:46, while Mexico’s Miriam Morales Hernández secured the final podium position in 3:29:12. Only 42 seconds separated third place from Barbora Bukovjan in fifth.
A breakthrough on the biggest stage
©GoldenTrailSeries® – Muju Trail
Kolbeinsdóttir was not among the leading contenders for the overall GTWS title. Her only previous appearance in this year’s series came at Ledro Sky Trentino, where she finished fifth and recorded the fastest time on the downhill segment.
In Muju, however, she produced a complete performance across a course featuring more than 2,400 metres of climbing, technical descents and some of the steepest terrain of the GTWS season.
Kolbeinsdóttir reached the finish with a clear advantage, securing her first Golden Trail World Series victory on the circuit’s biggest stage.
Florea’s second place should put her in a strong position to win the overall series, although the final standings—including segment bonuses—remain to be officially confirmed.
Women’s top five
Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir (ISL) — 3:19:56
Mădălina Florea (ROU) — 3:25:46
Miriam Morales Hernández (MEX) — 3:29:12
Mădălina Amariei (ROU) — 3:29:35
Barbora Bukovjan (CZE) — 3:29:54
©GoldenTrailSeries® – Muju Trail
The men’s GTWS Grand Final will take place in Muju on Sunday, bringing the 2026 season to a close.
