June 17, 2008 (Val di Sole, Italy) — Team France was victorious in the XC Team Relay with a winning time of 1:24:45. The first race of the 2008 World MTB Championships took place on a slick 6.3km XC course accompanied by a constant drizzle. Defending champion, Team Switzerland, finished second in a sprint finish with Italy, over two minutes back from the wining team. Canada placed a solid sixth, just missing fifth place in a sprint finish with the Czech Republic, 3:25 down from the leaders.

Results (brief)

1. France 1:24.45
2. Switzerland at 2.22
3. Italy 2.22
4. Poland 2.48
5. Czech Republic 3.25
6. Canada 3.25