The steep slopes of La Thuile – Valle d’Aosta, Italy, delivered dramatic action in the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup downhill, with Canadian Jackson Goldstone continuing his reign in the Men’s Elite category and Germany’s Nina Hoffmann returning to winning ways in the Women’s Elite race.
Goldstone Equals Record with Fourth Consecutive Win
Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) powered to his fourth consecutive Men’s Elite UCI Downhill World Cup victory, matching the long-standing record set by American Aaron Gwin in 2012. Despite rain-soaked, treacherous conditions on the steepest-ever World Cup downhill course—averaging a 28% gradient over 2.3km—Goldstone kept his cool after a cautious start.
French star Loris Vergier (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) looked poised to break his win drought, posting a scorching time of 3:27.7 after dominating every split. However, Goldstone, starting last, delivered a flawless, aggressive lower section to edge Vergier by 0.6 seconds with a winning time of 3:27.1.
Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity), who had been fastest in the top sections, settled for third after a few costly mistakes in the tight corners.
“It’s such a crazy feeling to do four in a row. The soft, powdery dust here makes it so hard to stay clean, but I pushed through and gave everything I had. What a day for Santa Cruz Syndicate with Nina [Hoffmann] winning too.”
Goldstone, now eyeing an unprecedented fifth straight win in Andorra next week, said:
Hoffmann Triumphs Despite Injury Comeback
Nina Hoffmann (Santa Cruz Syndicate) produced a remarkable comeback to clinch her first Women’s Elite World Cup win since 2023, following injuries sustained last month in Austria. Her composed, powerful run clocked 3:57.9, making her the only woman to dip below the four-minute mark.
Valentina Höll (YT Mob) finished second once again, 2.99 seconds back, extending her streak of runner-up finishes this season but retaining her overall series lead. Canada’s Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division) secured third after struggling to match Hoffmann’s top-section speed.
“I can’t believe it! Coming back from injury and getting this win feels amazing. I knew it would take something under four minutes, and I’m proud of my run. I finally feel like myself again.”
A visibly emotional Hoffmann reflected:
Elite Podium Results – La Thuile 2025
Men’s Elite:
- Jackson Goldstone (CAN) – 3:27.1
- Loris Vergier (FRA) – 3:27.7
- Loïc Bruni (FRA) – 3:28.1
Women’s Elite:
- Nina Hoffmann (GER) – 3:57.9
- Valentina Höll (AUT) – 4:00.9
- Gracey Hemstreet (CAN) – 4:01.1
Next Stop: Pal Arinsal, Andorra
With just five races remaining, the battle for the overall titles intensifies as the World Cup heads to Andorra’s steep slopes, where Goldstone and Höll will aim to defend their leads under mounting pressure.
Stay tuned for more UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2025 updates!