The third stop of the 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup series in Leogang, Austria, provided an intense and challenging race for the elite downhill riders. The lower woods section of the course once again proved to be a formidable obstacle, testing the skills and resilience of all competitors.
Elite Women Category
Austria‘s Vali Höll delivered a spectacular performance on her home soil, dominating the race with a massive 7.1-second lead over her nearest rival. Höll’s run was characterized by her adept handling of the tricky conditions, reinforcing her reputation as a top contender.
Key results:
- Vali Höll (AUT) – 3:40.141
- Anna Newkirk (USA) – 3:47.243 (+7.102)
- Myriam Nicole (FRA) – 3:47.980 (+7.839)
- Lisa Baumann (SUI) – 3:48.087 (+7.946)
- Marine Cabirou (FRA) – 3:49.848 (+9.707)
Vali Höll’s victory was her second of the season, following her earlier win in Poland.
“Winning at home is always special, and to do it with such a margin is incredible. The conditions were tough, but I felt confident and in control throughout my run.”
After the race, she expressed her satisfaction with her performance, saying,
Elite Men Category
Loïc Bruni continued his impressive form in 2024, securing his second World Cup victory of the season. Despite a thumb injury, Bruni managed to pull ahead of his competitors, showcasing his skill and determination.
Key results:
- Loïc Bruni (FRA) – 3:05.523
- Finn Iles (CAN) – 3:07.917 (+2.394)
- Lachlan Stevens-McNab (NZL) – 3:08.638 (+3.115)
- Oisin O’Callaghan (IRE) – 3:08.757 (+3.234)
- Benoit Coulanges (FRA) – 3:08.784 (+3.261)
Bruni’s remarkable consistency has kept him at the top of the standings, having not finished outside the top two in any final this season.
“It’s been an incredible season so far. The competition is fierce, but I’ve managed to stay focused and deliver when it counts. The conditions today were tough, but that’s what makes winning even more satisfying.”
After the race, Bruni commented,
Current Standings:
Women Elite:
- Valentina Höll (AUT) – 960 points
- Tahnée Seagrave (GBR) – 670 points
- Marine Cabirou (FRA) – 647 points
- Nina Hoffmann (GER) – 580 points
- Anna Newkirk (USA) – 545 points
Men Elite:
- Loïc Bruni (FRA) – 997 points
- Luca Shaw (USA) – 677 points
- Finn Iles (CAN) – 647 points
- Troy Brosnan (AUS) – 621 points
- Ronan Dunne (IRE) – 605 points
The next rounds of the UCI Downhill World Cup will continue to challenge the world’s best riders, with anticipation building for the upcoming events.
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