Jackson Goldstone of the Santa Cruz Syndicate embarked on a remarkable journey to claim his third consecutive victory in the Mountain Bike Men Elite UCI Downhill World Cup at the picturesque Val di Sole in Trentino, Italy. Emphasizing his dominance in the sport, the 21-year-old rider also surpassed rival Loic Bruni of Specialized Gravity, taking the overall series lead. This victory serves as a significant milestone in Goldstone’s burgeoning career, placing him squarely in spotlight as he continues to erase records and expectations alike.
The competition was fierce over the weekend, and the stakes were palpable as Amaury Pierron of Commencal/Muc-Off by Riding Addiction suffered a severe setback after breaking his collarbone during practice, which subsequently compromised his ability to remain competitive in the overall standings. With several riders vying for top positions, the Men’s Elite category Finals witnessed a flurry of changing times as Oliver Zwar from Orbea/FMD Racing initially clocked an impressive 3:44.29, pushing Jordan Williams of Specialized Gravity down the ranks.
British riders Matt Walker (Trek Factory Racing DH) and Joe Breeden (Axess Intense Factory Racing) encountered unfortunate crashes, alongside local favorites Christian Hauser (Trek Factory Racing DH) and Davide Palazzari (Rogue Racing-SR Suntour). Demonstrating resilience under pressure, Antoine Pierron of Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres, who had been the fastest qualifier the previous day, managed to maintain his composure on a challenging course. However, a flat tire in the concluding section ended his hopes for a podium finish. Meanwhile, Thibaut Daprela, the French national champion, faced a chain mishap but still rendered a commendable third place run with a time of 3:42.22.
Dylan Maples from Commencal/Muc-Off By Riding Addiction added to the excitement as he surged through the course, ultimately finishing in a respectable fourth place. UCI Downhill Cup world champion Loris Vergier also faced challenges and, despite a strong final performance, concluded with a fifth-place finish, which saw him trailing behind Bruni, who landed in sixth place. Following closely was Troy Brosnan of Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team, who clocked an impressive 3:41.28 before Goldstone took the spotlight.
Goldstone’s final run was nothing short of spectacular. He harnessed the momentum built from his previous two victories, and his timing of 3:38.86 offered a significant lead of 2.42 seconds over Brosnan, marking a historic achievement as the first rider to win three consecutive Men Elite UCI Downhill World Cup rounds since Danny Hart in 2016. The Canadian champion expressed his elation, attributing his success to a combination of self-confidence and strategic practice, declaring that he felt completely in control throughout the race.
In the women’s category, Marine Cabirou of Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team added a formidable ninth UCI World Cup victory to her accolades, having started the weekend without a win this season. The technical Black Snake course proved challenging for many, including Anna Newkirk of Frameworks Racing who broke her hand during practice and was unable to compete. Tahnee Seagrave, a former winner at Val di Sole – Trentino, stumbled through the course, causing an early exit from her competition hopes.
Cabirou showcased her expertise by beating the longstanding course record set by Jess Blewitt and, despite earlier setbacks this season, proved her mettle by claiming the top position. Her fast-paced finish, alongside strong performances from fellow riders like Valentina Holl who took second, illustrated the high level of competition. The race not only solidified Cabirou’s status but also allowed her to claim valuable points toward the overall series standings.
In the junior category, the Alran brothers made waves as Till Alran claimed his first Men Junior UCI World Cup victory, narrowly edging past his twin brother Max. This was a moment of triumph not just for Till but also for the siblings as they stood proudly on the podium together. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Junior division, Rosa Zierl continued her winning streak, reinforcing her leadership in the overall standings through impeccable technique and determination.
As this thrilling event unfolded at Val di Sole, it became evident that the elite competition was far from over. The anticipation heightened for the upcoming UCI Cross-country Olympic World Cup races scheduled for Sunday, where endurance and strategy would take center stage. All eyes were set to witness further exhilarating action as both experienced riders and newcomers alike strove to establish their marks in the mountain biking landscape. For those unable to attend, the chance to catch the heart-pounding competition live and on-demand was made available via TNT Sports and discovery+.