The 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup delivered a nail-biting spectacle as riders battled for the coveted elite titles in Loudenvielle. The stakes couldn’t have been higher for both Valentina Höll (YT Mob) and Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity), who stormed to overall victories in the penultimate round.
Harsh conditions, epic performances
Riders faced brutal conditions as the weather wreaked havoc on the Pyrenean slopes. High winds and heavy rain left the track treacherous, with thick fog limiting visibility at the higher sections. Semi-finals were canceled and riders got limited practice round on the track. Despite these challenges, both Höll and Bruni emerged victorious, securing their overall titles with one round to spare.
Höll secures UCI downhill World Cup victory
In the women’s Elite race, Valentina Höll put on a commanding performance to secure her second consecutive UCI Downhill World Cup overall title. Despite finishing second in Loudenvielle, the Austrian star did enough to claim the series after her closest rival, Tahnee Seagrave (Canyon CLLCTV FMD), crashed out in the final stage.
The race was an emotional rollercoaster for Höll, who had been trailing early in the day due to poor visibility. But her speed and precision improved as the race progressed. French rider Myriam Nicole (Commencal/Muc-Off) clinched the day’s win, thrilling the home crowd, but it was Höll’s second-place finish that sealed the series win.
Nina Hoffmann, Vali Holl, Myriam Nicole, Phoebe Gale and Marine Cabirou celebrate. // Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool //
Bruni claims fourth UCI downhill World Cup title
Loïc Bruni added another accolade to his illustrious career by clinching his fourth UCI downhill World Cup title. The French rider battled tough conditions but managed a fourth-place finish, which was enough to secure the overall victory. Although he missed out on a podium finish, Bruni’s consistent season and incredible skill carried him to the top.
Benoît Coulanges (Dorval AM Commencal) thrilled the home crowd by taking first place in the men’s elite race, while Reece Wilson (Trek Factory Racing Gravity) and Andreas Kolb (Continental Atherton) rounded out the podium.
Canadian favourite Finn Iles was looking strong until not one, but two crashes during his run, placed him 28th in a field of 30. This result puts Iles in fourth place overall, only seven points behind Ronan Dunne.
Loic Bruni, Reece Wilson,Benoit Coulanges, Andreas Kolb and Ronan Dunne celebrate. // Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool //
Junior riders shine
The junior races were equally dramatic. Max Alran (Commencal/Muc-Off) dominated the men’s junior event, securing victory in front of a rapturous home crowd. The French rider’s win vaulted him into the overall series lead.
Canadian Michael Delesalle placed 12th on the day.
Canadian Dane Jewett was on a burner until the absolute last second of his finals run, missing one of the last posts and having to go back around it. His mistake cost him dearly and he ended up 16th on the day.
In the women’s junior race, newly crowned UCI World Champion Erice van Leuven continued her winning streak, capturing victory and taking the lead in the overall standings.
Looking ahead to the final round
The 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup now heads to Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, for the final round. With Höll and Bruni having secured their elite titles, all eyes will be on the intense competition for the rest of the field and on the junior categories, where the overall champions are still undecided. Expect more high drama as the series wraps up in October in Mont Sainte Anne.
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