Troy Brosnan (Canyon CLLCTV Factory) claimed an emotional victory in the final UCI Downhill World Cup round of 2024 at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec, while Marine Cabirou (Scott Downhill Factory) also triumphed in the women’s elite race, securing second place in the overall standings. However, the day was just as much about celebrating the farewell of downhill legend Greg Minnaar, who bowed out of the sport with a stellar performance that left a lasting impression on fans and riders alike.
Brosnan’s victory, his first since 2021, was especially poignant as he almost didn’t attend the event due to the recent birth of his daughter. Despite the challenges, the Australian rider put in a stellar run through challenging conditions on a mist-covered, rain-soaked course. Meanwhile, Minnaar, a towering figure in the sport, gave a memorable final run, warmly cheered on by the crowd. The South African has become synonymous with the sport, boasting a career that includes multiple UCI World Cup victories and world championships, making his departure truly the end of an era.
Minnaar, riding for Norco Factory Racing, enjoyed a relatively smooth run in his last UCI World Cup appearance, despite some minor stumbles. He reflected on the emotional support he received from the fans, who cheered him on despite the worsening conditions.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the crowd coming out today, it’s not the best weather, but they supported me the whole way down,”.
Minnaar said post-race
His legacy in the sport was clear as his name echoed throughout the course, with each section marked by applause and admiration for his contribution to downhill mountain biking over the years.
Laurie Greenland set an early benchmark, but the slippery course saw many top riders slide out of contention, including Rémi Thirion and Benoît Coulanges. However, Lachlan Stevens-McNab put together a composed run, taking the hotseat before Brosnan delivered a phenomenal finish to clinch victory by just 0.062 seconds. Brosnan was overwhelmed by his win, especially after being informed he had secured second place in the overall standings, a feat he didn’t think possible.
Cabirou, on the women’s side, saved her best for the season’s finale, overcoming difficult conditions to take the win and secure second place overall, ahead of a resilient Tahnée Seagrave. Cabirou’s run was marked by small mistakes, but her strength and technical prowess shone through, allowing her to edge out the competition.
As the 2024 season concludes, the excitement is already building for 2025, with Bruni and Höll set to defend their titles across 10 thrilling rounds. But as the sport looks to the future, the legacy of Greg Minnaar will continue to inspire both current and future generations of riders. His farewell ride in Mont-Sainte-Anne will be remembered as a fitting end to a legendary career.
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