Conditions in Andorra for the final World Cup downhill of 2016 could not have been more contrasting to the 2015 World Championships held on the same course a year ago. 2015 conditions were soaked in rain and mud while today's race course showcased a massive, dust-filled rut through the incredibly steep course...until the final 15 Elite Men dropped in. Rain teased the mountainside creating a fairly stressful environment for those with the most to gain or lose at the end of the day. Ultimately, the rain was the decision maker in the Elite Men's results as it became heavy and consistent for the final six riders. The top half of the course with less tree cover became slick and damp, but the steep bottom half remained fairly dusty. The Elite Men's Top 3 snuck in a blistering times before the worst of it, but conditions for them definitely included some moisture and slick sections. Danny Hart's performance was committed and untouchable, yielding a third World Cup DH victory in a row. Aaron Gwin, hampered by the wet, "cruised" to a 55th place race finish securing his 4th UCI World Cup DH overall title. Greg Minnaar won't back down and earned 2nd place while 2015 World Champ, Loic Bruni raced to 3rd despite a shoulder injury. Props to the U.S. riders, Charlie Harrison and Eliot Jackson, in 14th and 15th respectively.
Rachel Atherton has clinched the perfect World Cup Downhill season with another convincing victory in the Elite Women's class in Vallnord, Andorra despite a bit of a struggle in qualifying the day before. Rachel bested Tracey Hannah in 2nd by over 6 seconds with Myriam Nicole returning from another injury, slotting into third place.
Gaetan Vige took a victory of Finn Iles and Elliott Heap in the Junior Men's class, but Finn's performance throughout the year helped him snag the overall title in Juniors today only 15 points ahead of Gaetan. The kids are crushing it!
#allhailpeaty
Vital MTB sheds a joyful tear as Steve Peat successfully completes his final World Cup downhill race after an incredible and results-filled career. Peaty's attitude and graciousness toward fans and fellow competitors is unparalleled and his positive impact on our sport will never be matched. Thank you for all you've done (and will continue to do) for mountain biking, Peaty!