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#DownhillWorldCup #LaThuile2023 #MountainBikeRacing #EliteRiders #SantaCruzSyndicate #JacksonGoldstone #NinaHoffmann #ValentinaHöll #LoicBruni #LorisVergier #MountainBikeHighlights #GravitySports #BikeRacing #UCIWorldCup #PalArinsal
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The fifth round of the UCI Downhill (DH) World Cup took place in La Thuile, Italy, featuring thrilling races across various categories, with standout performances from Jackson Goldstone and Nina Hoffmann in the Elite Men’s and Women’s events. This marked a historic day for Santa Cruz Syndicate, as both riders secured victories on the challenging La Thuile – Valle d’Aosta course, which is the steepest in World Cup history, boasting a 28% average gradient over a 2.3-kilometre track with a 641-metre elevation drop.
Elite Men’s Race: Goldstone Makes History
Jackson Goldstone, the 21-year-old Canadian sensation from Santa Cruz Syndicate, continued his dominance in the Elite Men’s category by securing his fourth consecutive World Cup victory. This achievement ties the record set by Aaron Gwin in 2012. Goldstone’s flawless run in demanding conditions, including rain and wind, saw him finish in 3:27.134, just 0.6 seconds ahead of second-placed Loris Vergier (Commencal/Muc-Off By Riding Addiction). Vergier, the reigning UCI Downhill World Champion, remains winless in over 1,000 days, despite a strong performance. Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity) rounded out the podium in third, 1.039 seconds behind Goldstone.
Goldstone’s consistency and composure were key to his success. Despite the challenging track and weather conditions, he maintained momentum and took calculated risks, particularly in the technical sections. His victory sets the stage for an opportunity to break Gwin’s record at the next round in Pal Arinsal, Andorra. Goldstone expressed his disbelief and joy at his achievement, crediting his team and teammate Hoffmann for their support.
Elite Women’s Race: Hoffmann Conquers La Thuile
Nina Hoffmann (Santa Cruz Syndicate) claimed her first Elite Women’s World Cup win of the season, overcoming injuries sustained in a previous crash in Saalfelden Leogang. Her winning time of 3:57.934 was the only sub-four-minute run in the category, showcasing her power and precision. Valentina Höll (YT Mob), the reigning Women’s World Champion, finished second, 2.994 seconds behind, while Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division) took third place, 3.196 seconds off the pace.
Hoffmann’s controlled aggression and smooth execution on the steep and technical course were instrumental in her victory. She outpaced her competitors in the early sections and maintained her lead despite pressure from Höll and Hemstreet. Hoffmann’s win marks her fourth career World Cup victory and highlights her resilience after a difficult start to the season.
Junior Categories: Alran and Ostgaard Shine
In the Men’s Junior category, Till Alran (Commencal/Muc-Off By Riding Addiction) secured his second consecutive World Cup win, further solidifying his status as a rising star. Alran’s winning time of 3:28.2 was the fastest of the weekend in the Junior category, and his performance also earned him the overall series lead. Women’s Junior rider Aletha Ostgaard (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team) clinched her first World Cup victory, overcoming previous podium finishes. Ostgaard’s strength and speed on the tough course saw her finish in 4:08.15, edging out overall series leader Rosa Zierl.
Race Highlights and Challenges
The La Thuile course proved to be a formidable challenge for all riders, with its steep gradients, technical sections, and unpredictable weather conditions. Rain during the Men’s Elite race added to the drama, causing crashes and delays. Several top riders, including Max Hartenstern and Aaron Gwin, struggled to adapt to the conditions. However, the technical nature of the track also provided opportunities for riders to showcase their skills and creativity.
Overall Standings
Heading into the next round, Jackson Goldstone leads the Elite Men’s standings with 1,174 points, followed by Loïc Bruni and Loris Vergier. In the Elite Women’s category, Valentina Höll maintains the overall lead with 1,109 points, closely followed by Gracey Hemstreet and Tahnee Seagrave.
What’s Next?
The UCI Mountain Bike World Series continues in Pal Arinsal, Andorra, from 9-13 July, with the Downhill finals scheduled for Saturday. Goldstone will aim to break Aaron Gwin’s record with a fifth consecutive win, while Hoffmann will look to build on her momentum. The Junior categories will also feature intense competition as Alran and Ostgaard seek to extend their leads.
The La Thuile event showcased the skill, determination, and resilience of the world’s best downhill riders, offering fans an exhilarating display of mountain biking at its finest. With just a few rounds remaining, the battle for the overall titles is heating up, promising more excitement in the weeks to come.
