FINAL RESULTS: UCI MTB World Championships Elite Downhill

Finals day dawned in Fort William to reveal a bit of moisture in the air and on the track, which would add a bit of extra spiciness to a track that's tough to ride on the best of days. The elite women were first out the gates, with all eyes on fastest qualifier Vali Höll. Marine Cabirou laid down a fast time to take over the hot seat with 3 to go, but she had to give it up moments later to Camille Balanche who came down the hill with trademark flow and precision to scrub 0.3 seconds off Marine's time. Nina Hoffmann had a blistering top section and went fastest at the first split of all the women today, but she went down after landing the road gap which put an end to her challenge. Last woman to leave the start hut, Vali Höll charged the track the whole way down to win by 2 seconds, despite getting a bit bogged down in the woods for a bit. Back to back rainbow stripes for the Austrian who also looks to be in full control of the 2023 season now.

As the men got underway, it wouldn't be long before the weather moved in again to shake things up. Angel Suarez made the best of it, coming down with the rain to book himself a long stay in the hot (or cold and wet) seat. As the rain got heavier and the woods transformed into a muddy bog, we thought the race might be over - but that was before Charlie Hatton went green by 2 seconds! As the top ten readied themselves for the biggest race of the year, the rain seemed to be letting up somewhat, leaving us with the hope of a proper battle for the rainbow stripes. Bernard Kerr had a good go, but he went down in the mud sitting 3 seconds back at the time. Daprela in touch - but an OTB in the woods put paid to his efforts. Finn Iles had a puncture, but Laurie Greenland hit the finish line in 2nd place at the time, 1.2 seconds back. Andreas Kolb next up with a great ride, goes 0.5 seconds back on his team mate Hatton! Atherton Bikes looking good at this point! Troy Brosnan in touch, just a second or two off the pace as he's been so many times before. A clean ride into 4th at the line for the ever-consistent Aussie. Only two fast Frenchies left in the start hut now! Loic Bruni next to drop in, looking smooth and fast but losing a bit of time at each split. 4th at the line and we'll have to get used to not seeing Loic in the rainbow stripes at the next race. Loris Vergier went green at split one, but dropped 1.5 at split two. Hatton, Kolb, and all the Athertons were holding their breath...and they've done it, Loris goes 6th! The 1-2 Atherton Bikes double at their home World Champs, it's a dream ending for one of the heaviest teams on the circuit. 

2023 UCI MTB World Championships - Elite Women Final Results (full results)

2023 UCI MTB World Championships - Elite Men Final Results (full results)