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The second round of the UCI Downhill World Cup took place in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, France, showcasing thrilling racing across elite and junior categories. Canadian riders Gracey Hemstreet and Jackson Goldstone stole the spotlight, claiming victories in the Women’s and Men’s Elite races, respectively. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time since 1999 that two North Americans won Elite titles on the same day. Hemstreet became the first Canadian woman to win a Women’s Elite UCI Downhill World Cup, while Goldstone made a triumphant return from injury to secure his third Elite career victory.
Elite Women: Hemstreet’s Fearless Run
Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division) delivered a stellar performance to clinch her maiden UCI Downhill World Cup win. Despite losing time on the top section, she dominated the technical wooded sections to finish with a winning time of 3:39.1. Her victory was particularly impressive as many top riders, including reigning UCI Downhill World Champion Valentina Höll (YT Mob), struggled with the challenging course. Höll had set a blistering pace early on, finishing second with a time of 3:42.3, taking a commanding lead through the first sector but losing ground in the technical sections. Round one winner Tahnee Seagrave (Orbea/FMD Racing) secured third place, maintaining her overall series lead.
Hemstreet’s win was a testament to her composure and skill, as she navigated the treacherous terrain with precision. She described her run as a “dream come true,” emphasizing her cautious approach in sketchy areas and full commitment elsewhere.
Elite Men: Goldstone’s Comeback Victory
Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) marked his return to competitive racing after a serious knee injury with a masterful run, finishing in 3:13.1. Goldstone, who missed the entire 2023 season due to injury, showcased his technical prowess by setting the fastest times in the final two sectors. His victory was hard-fought, with Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) finishing just one second behind in second place and Jordan Williams (Specialized Gravity) claiming third.
The course, designed for the 2023 UCI Downhill World Cup, proved challenging for many riders, with several top contenders, including Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity) and Loris Vergier (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction), struggling to match Goldstone’s pace. Bruni, last year’s overall winner, finished 15th after misjudging a ramp and losing time in the lower sections.
Goldstone expressed his disbelief and joy at securing the win, highlighting the significance of Canadian riders sweeping both Elite categories. His victory also propelled him into the spotlight as a serious contender for the overall series title.
Junior Categories: Frener and Burke Shine
The Junior races saw equally impressive performances. Lina Frener (Norco Race Division) dominated the Women’s Junior event, posting a winning time of 3:50.2, seven seconds faster than her qualifying run. Her Austrian teammate Rosa Zierl finished second, while Matilda Melton (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) of the USA rounded out the podium. Quickest qualifier Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) crashed early in her run, ending her chances of victory.
In the Men’s Junior category, Bode Burke (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) emerged victorious with a time of 3:16.6, narrowly edging out Tyler Waite (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) by just 0.05 seconds. Burke’s win was unexpected, especially after a significant crash earlier in the day. Till Alran (Commencal-Muc-off by Riding Addiction), the fastest qualifier, finished fourth, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race.
Overall Series Standings
After two rounds, Tahnee Seagrave leads the Women’s Elite overall standings with a 116-point advantage. In the Men’s Elite category, Amaury Pierron holds a slender 40-point lead over Loïc Bruni, setting the stage for an intense battle as the series progresses.
Looking Ahead
The UCI Mountain Bike World Series continues next weekend in Saalfelden Leogang, Austria, from June 6–8. With the competition heating up and riders pushing the limits, the upcoming round promises more excitement and drama.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Wins: Gracey Hemstreet and Jackson Goldstone’s victories marked a historic day for Canadian downhill racing.
- Technical Mastery: Both Elite winners demonstrated exceptional skill on the challenging Loudenvielle-Peyragudes course.
- Junior Excellence: Lina Frener and Bode Burke showcased the future of downhill racing with their commanding performances.
- Series Implications: The tight competition in both Elite categories sets the stage for an thrilling season.
The second round of the UCI Downhill World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes was a celebration of speed, skill, and resilience, with riders overcoming adversity to claim their place on the podium.
