RESULTS: Loudenvielle Downhill World Cup Elite Qualifying 1

If South Korea was the appetizer, Loudenvielle marks the start of a 3-course meal of classic European downhill dishes to consume over the coming 4 weeks as the season of racing kicks into high gear. So far, the Pyrenees have put their best foot forward when it comes to the weather, but that never makes racing bicycles down a mountain any easier, just ask Loic Bruni. Sadly, the deep dust got the better of Loic and a crash in practice has left him unable to continue here in France this week. Mille Johnset also took a dramatic tumble in training, but she was at least able to line up in the start gate for today's qualifying effort, even though she was probably far from 100%.

Time to place your Vital Fantasy Bets!

Qualifying Session #1

With 10 finals slots on the line for the elite women, Q1 is no place to be taking your foot off the proverbial gas. Valentina Höll certainly seems to be finding her pace with her new team as she dominated her qualifying session today, letting the other women know that her winning margin in South Korea is something she intends to keep improving on now. Myriam Nicole made the French fans proud with a solid performance in second place, although she will be going back to the drawing board to find 4 seconds for finals tomorrow. Unfortunately, Gloria Scarsi and Jenna Hastings joined Tahnee Seagrave on the DNS list, while Anna Newkirk had a DNF and would need to have another go in Q2.

In the elite men's category, Q1 was not without its share of drama as a stacked field of riders made their bid for one of the 20 finals slots up for grabs. Jordan Williams stepped up to cover for injured team mate Loic, nabbing a first place finish with Finn Iles sitting pretty in 5th. Jackson Goldstone failed to capitalize on the absence of Loic however, recording a DSQ in Q1 thus missing out on any qualifying points as well as the quickest road to the finals (he would go on to take the start in Q2 though). Amaury held it down for the old guard, just 0.8 seconds behind Jordan, but there were plenty of young guns in the top-20 where just 4 seconds were the difference between first and last place qualifier. Team #USDH put three riders in the top ten, but both Dak and Asa would have to rerack for Q2 after less than ideal runs at the first time of asking. Jordan did leave time on the track, as evidenced by the large number of green splits from those who eventually ended up below him at the finish line, so we knew there would be fireworks from the Q2 crew later in the afternoon.

Qualifying Session #2

The women got the Q2 action underway, with Hattie Harnden and Phoebe Gale both finding a crucial couple of seconds to ensure their seat at the big table tomorrow, while Anna Newkirk came back from her Q1 DNF to join the party as well. Funnily enough, Lais Bonnaure and Jess Blewitt both went slower than they did in Q1, but still ended up in the Q2 top-5 to make their way into the finals in a slightly unorthodox fashion.

The elite men's Q2 session always feels like a "small final", closing out qualifying day with the start order re-racked to send the fastest riders from Q1 down the hill last, and everybody fighting for the 10 remaining spots in tomorrow's big show. With our eyes glued to the timing screens, we reveled in the virtual drama playing out in a few black and white pixels before our eyes while pontificating on just what a suitable TV product it would make - oh what was and what could never be. Speaking of missed opportunities, Jackson Goldstone's season is not getting off to the start we expected, as the reigning World Cup overall champion and World Champion looking to bounce back after his 26th place finish in South Korea failed to lay down a competitive run in Q2 (the results would show DSQ again, likely for something related to a course marker). Asa Vermette didn't flinch though, coming through with a solid 3:31 to ensure his spot in the finals. Richie Rude made #USDH extra proud as he was hot on the heels of Asa, just 0.48 seconds back, with fellow enduro transplant Martin Maes taking 6th. Congrats to Angel Suarez, we all know he's not had the best of luck when it comes to injuries so he'll be pleased with his Q2 performance in a very competitive field of racers.

Tune in tomorrow for more after finals!

2026 Loudenvielle UCI MTB Downhill World Cup Qualifying Round 1 Results - Elite Women

2026 Loudenvielle UCI MTB Downhill World Cup Qualifying Round 1 Results - Elite Men

2026 Loudenvielle UCI MTB Downhill World Cup Qualifying Round 2 Results - Elite Women

2026 Loudenvielle UCI MTB Downhill World Cup Qualifying Round 2 Results - Elite Men