Seagrave Secures Thrilling UCI MTB Downhill World Series Win in Lenzerheide
British downhill star Tahnée Seagrave delivered a stunning performance to claim victory at the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. Despite a shaky qualifying run, the Orbea/FMD Racing rider turned her weekend around with a blistering finals performance that earned her a narrow but decisive win—her third victory of the season.
On a demanding track in the Swiss Alps, Seagrave set the early benchmark, crossing the line 8.6 seconds clear of Gloria Scarsi’s time. Canadian talent Gracey Hemstreet looked strong but ultimately trailed Seagrave by 3.6 seconds, while Germany’s Nina Hoffmann came heartbreakingly close, missing victory by just 0.061 seconds.
Reigning world champion Vali Höll—seeking her first World Cup win of the campaign—was the last rider to challenge Seagrave. Despite a fast top section, the Austrian lost speed in the final sector and settled for third. The result marked her seventh podium of the season, keeping her atop the overall standings with a 127-point lead over Hemstreet, while Seagrave remains in third overall, 173 points further back.
Speaking after her win, Seagrave admitted the result came as a surprise:
“I really didn’t expect to win today. I just wanted to be kind to myself and make myself feel better. The run didn’t feel very good, so when I saw my time, I was shocked. It was stressful going through Q2, but in the end, maybe that extra run helped me reset.”
Pierron Bounces Back in Men’s Elite
In the men’s elite finals, Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction) produced a dominant run to secure victory in 2:44.699, marking his 13th career World Cup win and equalling Australian legend Sam Hill on the all-time list.
The Frenchman, who recently returned from a collarbone injury, edged out Henri Kiefer (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team) by just four tenths of a second, with Lachlan Stevens-McNab (Trek Factory Racing DH) rounding out the podium in third.
Ireland’s Rónán Dunne narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth, while five-time world champion Loïc Bruni finished fifth, extending his overall series lead after rival Jackson Goldstone crashed and slipped to 25th. Bruni now holds a 100-point advantage over Goldstone, with Loris Vergier a distant third.
Reflecting on his comeback win, Pierron said:
“I really didn’t expect that one. It was quite a nightmare weekend with mechanical problems. I had no expectations and just gave everything I had—it was enough today.”
Looking Ahead
With only two rounds remaining—beginning at Lake Placid Olympic Region, New York (October 3–5)—the battle for the overall titles remains fierce. Höll continues to lead the women’s standings, while Bruni holds the advantage in the men’s series. Both, however, will face renewed pressure as Seagrave and Pierron gain momentum at a crucial stage of the season.