2025 World Cup Downhill - Les Gets, France

The Elite standings tightened quite a bit. Jackson's lead in the standings is now only 25 points and Gracey has pulled within 59 points of 1st. 

excited for fantasy results, may have done well here. hopefully once i get back from dog park. lesgoo ronan lad

I really couldn't tell whether Vali had any mistakes in the bottom of the course, but I got the impression she was struggling after the 3rd split, as if her cardio, fatigue, or muscle stamina were slowing her down. Maybe it was just a matter of Gracey doing what she seems to be doing this year, going strong in the final sectors. Gracey's times in the final 2 sectors were impressive, especially from Split 4 to the finish.

Gracey is a lot smaller than Vali.  For her to go faster in the steeper sections of a mud race isn’t too much to look into.

I do think Vali may have underestimated her competition for this season.  Less of an issue of fitness than intentional ride time and progressing her speed.  She doesn’t seem to be slower than last year.  Just gracey has stepped up big time, tahnee is back to form at least at most races, and Nina is still capable of throwing one down when the track suits her.  And on top of that nearly the rest of the field is podium or even win capable on a good day.  

Just a lot tougher for her than past couple seasons.  Just a question of it lights a fire or if she is less interested in being the best dh racer in the world.  She did seem fairly burnt out at the end of last season.

Best podium of the new 3-step era. 

Imagine how far you would’ve been tossed by that hole APierron hit. Dude folded like some regular guy. 

more Goldstone vs Bruni, I love it!

 

These 2 title races are gonna be epic. Would love for some dramatic 'to the last race' title finishes, a la snowshoe 2019? Tho I don't think anything tops what happened that year... I suppose as long as it stays super tight that could happen again

This was posted on YT prior to the race but it's still interesting to see a little bit of the mindsets of Jackson and Loic.

FOCKING SPINE-TINGLING video... 

Make a friend watch that and turn them into a downhill racing fan. That's pure....

That was nuts, so close to numerous trees and course markers! At least he knows he's got a career ahead of him as a motivational speaker when he's done riding. 🤣

That gasp of relief after he clears the slip-n-slide section...

I asked brashAI to summarise the above video

 - Grit

 - Determination

 - No regard for personal safety

 - GIANT FOOKIN BALLS!

Anyone know what flat pedals Maes was using? 

Photo from pink bike vid

Erase, a Belgian company who make hubs/wheels and are now getting into pedals.

https://www.erasecomponents.com/

What's going on in the heads of spectators turning up with chainsaws AND ear defenders? I'll put you through this whether you like it or not, but I myself don't want to hear it? They were fun at first, but it's getting a bit old (or maybe it's just me getting a bit old).

Lovely to hear a bit of The Prodigy, I kinda knew Liam and Keith back in my raving days and it brought back some great memories.

I mean it's like a concert right? I, specifically, as a drummer would wear ear plugs. So that I could safely play, and continue to play.

While I personally wouldn't be caught dead in that Les Gets crowd, the atmosphere still looks dope and leads to great moments like all those seen in the Sleeper vid. I can appreciate their energy from a distance lol. Def ain't for me, but it's still for some.

Not an ear plug in sight! "We used to be a proper society."

Reminds me of the Rat Boy POV, when he broke his ankle. There are moments (OK, more than just moments, the whole run!) of the run, where you get real sensation of speed they are going. F**king Epic run!!!!! 

Here it is. Man, the GoPro image stabilization has come a long way!

theo stepping up his vlogs. sleeper meets wyn

So rad. Has a bit of old school Earthed and Sprung vibes all over especially the soundtracks. Love it

Thanks. Epic Run!! 

Classic conversation; RatBoy " I didn't want to brake for that jump," Minnaar "Yeah, i noticed." 😄