The Canadian downhill pros caused a furore at the second round of the UCI Downhill World Cup in Loudenvielle - Peyragudes (France). Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division) and Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) secured the victories in the elite categories. For Hemstreet it was the first World Cup win of her career, while Goldstone celebrated a successful comeback after a serious injury. It was the first time since 1999 that North American riders had won both elite races on the same day.
Hemstreet makes history
Gracey Hemstreet put in an impressive performance on the technically demanding course in the French Pyrenees. Despite being three seconds behind in the upper section of the course, the Canadian battled back in the technical forest section and secured victory with a time of 3:39.1 minutes. This makes Hemstreet the first Canadian rider to win an elite race in the UCI Downhill World Cup. Reigning world champion Valentina Höll (YT Mob) took second place, followed by overall World Cup leader Tahnee Seagrave (Orbea/FMD Racing) in third.
The course in Loudenvielle claimed numerous victims. Many favourites such as Marine Cabirou (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team) and Nina Hoffmann (Santa Cruz Syndicate) crashed and had to bury their hopes of a podium finish. Hemstreet, on the other hand, produced a flawless ride and utilised her technical skills to the full. After her victory, the Canadian was overwhelmed: "I can't believe it. This is a dream that has finally come true. I just tried to go as fast as possible and was cautious in the difficult sections, but otherwise went full attack."
Goldstone's comeback after injury break
Jackson Goldstone celebrated an impressive comeback in the men's race. The 21-year-old Canadian had missed the entire 2024 season due to a cruciate ligament rupture and an inner ligament injury. In Loudenvielle, he showed that he has lost none of his class. Goldstone mastered the windy upper section of the course with aplomb and found new lines in the forest section that gave him a decisive advantage. With a time of 3:13.1 minutes, he was almost three seconds faster than second-placed Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction).
The French fans were hoping for a home win right to the end, but none of the four French riders in the final five starters were able to beat Goldstone's time. Reigning world champion Loris Vergier (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) had a controlled run, but only ended up in seventh place. Last year's overall World Cup winner, Loïc Bruni (Specialised Gravity), put in a strong performance in the upper section of the course, but lost time after a riding error and had to settle for 15th place.
Goldstone was overjoyed after his victory: "It feels great to be back. I can't believe I won. I really liked the track and gave it my all in the last two sectors. For some reason I wasn't nervous at all and just had fun. Amaury made me tremble with his strong drive, but the last two splits really helped me. I'm over the moon that I made it."
Junior race with surprises
There were also exciting competitions in the junior races. American Bode Burke (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) came out on top in the men's race. Burke, who had only finished in midfield in qualifying, put in an impressive performance in the final and secured victory with a time of 3:16.6 minutes. New Zealander Tyler Waite (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) came second, followed by Max Alran (Commencal-Muc-off by Riding Addiction) in third place.
Austria's Lina Frener (Norco Race Division) dominated the junior women's race. She set the fastest time in three out of four sectors and won by a margin of seven seconds. The fastest qualifier Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) crashed in the final and had to settle for fifth place. Rosa Zierl (Cube Factory Racing) completed the Austrian double success in second place, while the American Matilda Melton (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) took third place.
Elite Men Results
- 1st Jackson Goldstone (CAN): 3:13.1 minutes
- 2nd Amaury Pierron (FRA)
- 3rd Jordan Williams (GBR)
Elite Women Results
- 1st Gracey Hemstreet (CAN): 3:39.1 minutes
- 2. alentina Höll (AUT)
- 3. Tahnee Seagrave (GBR)
Junior Men Results
- 1st Bode Burke (USA): 3:16.6 minutes
- 2nd Tyler Waite (NZL)
- 3rd Max Alran (FRA)
Junior Women Results
- 1st Lina Frener (AUT): 3:50.2 minutes
- 2nd Rosa Zierl (AUT)
- 3 Matilda Melton (USA)
Outlook for the next races
After the exciting competitions in Loudenvielle, the focus is already on the next event. From 6 to 8 June, gravity and endurance specialists will meet in Saalfelden Leogang (Austria) for the next round of the Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The results from Loudenvielle have shaken up the overall rankings in all categories and promise an exciting continuation of the season.
