The first-ever Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Downhill delivered exactly what riders and fans expect from one of mountain biking’s most demanding venues: changing conditions, aggressive lines and a finish that kept the crowd on its feet.
Mille Johnset and Tegan Cruz took gold on Saturday, with both riders producing standout performances on the legendary 2.2km Downhill track.
After Friday’s slower, wetter Seeding, the track dried out and became significantly faster. The shift opened up new lines through the technical sections, but it also increased the consequences of mistakes.
By the time the final riders reached the full-pedal stretch through the finish crowds, the racing had become a battle of precision, power and commitment.
Johnset Delivers Back-to-Back DH Titles
Mille Johnset entered the weekend looking forward to returning to Mont-Sainte-Anne. She left with another Crankworx DH Series Championship title.
The Norwegian rider topped the women’s field in 4:08.232, finishing 14.204 seconds ahead of Taylor Ostgaard. Canada’s Isla O’Connor completed the podium in third.
The victory marks Johnset’s second consecutive overall DH Series Championship, reinforcing her position as one of the most consistent performers in the Crankworx downhill scene.
The women’s race was not without its own technical challenges. With the track running faster than the previous day, riders had to adapt to a course that rewarded speed while punishing hesitation.
Johnset’s winning run showed the value of maintaining control when the terrain becomes unpredictable.
Women’s Top 3
| Rider | Time |
|---|---|
| Mille Johnset (NOR) | 4:08.232 |
| Taylor Ostgaard (USA) | 4:22.436 |
| Isla O’Connor (CAN) | 4:33.840 |
Cruz Finds Speed Where It Counts
The men’s final was a different kind of contest, with riders repeatedly changing the order at the top.
Jake Polito, still carrying the effects of a heavy crash during Friday’s practice, held the provisional lead for much of the field. Henry Sherry then moved ahead, despite being slower through the upper section of the course.
His advantage came lower down, where the track demanded stronger pedal work and greater commitment.
Nicolas Brochet also entered the podium fight, briefly holding third after a hard crash mid-run. But the decisive performance came from Tegan Cruz.
The Canadian rider put together a smooth, powerful run built around pedal strength. Rather than relying solely on speed through the technical sections, Cruz found the balance between control and acceleration that the changing track demanded.
Cruz stopped the clock at 3:26.220, taking the hot seat for good.
Men’s Top 3
| Rider | Time |
|---|---|
| Tegan Cruz (CAN) | 3:26.220 |
| Dane Jewett (CAN) | 3:26.304 |
| Tristan Lemire (CAN) | 3:29.978 |
Jewett Nearly Steals the Win
Dane Jewett came within striking distance of Cruz, finishing just 0.084 seconds behind.
His run looked almost effortless despite the mud, ruts and loose rock still present across the track. That ability to carry speed without appearing to fight the terrain was one of the defining performances of the men’s race.
Local favourite Tristan Lemire also delivered a strong run, finishing third in 3:29.978.
The narrow gap between Cruz and Jewett showed just how competitive the final stages had become. On a track that demanded full commitment, the smallest difference in pedal timing or line choice could decide the podium.
A Track That Punishes Mistakes
The most dramatic moment came from top seed Kasper Woolley.
After carrying a strong top section into the rock garden, Woolley slipped and lost his chance at the podium. He eventually finished 12th.
That single mistake underlined the central challenge of Mont-Sainte-Anne: speed alone is not enough.
The riders who succeeded were those who could read the terrain, adapt their lines and maintain control as the track changed beneath them.
The first Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Downhill was won through a combination of technical precision and raw power.
For Johnset, it was another championship statement. For Cruz, it was a breakthrough performance on a demanding new Crankworx stage.
And for the fans lining the final full-pedal stretch, it was a reminder of why Mont-Sainte-Anne remains one of downhill mountain biking’s most iconic venues.
