The beautiful fall colors in Mont-Sainte-Anne set the scene for the final World Cup of the 2024 season. While drier than many of the previous races, MSA was still not immune to the rain and colder weather during this time of year. The Canadian crowds showed up and out all throughout the week, making this race one truly to remember.
Short Track racing kicked off the festivities with Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off Road Team) taking the win in the U23 Men and Bjorn Riley (Trek Future Racing) and Luca Martin (Orbea Factory Team) behind him in second and fourth place. Lea Huber (Trek Future Racing) also got on the U23 Women’s podium in third and Rebecca Henderson (PMG Racing) on the Elite Women’s in fourth.
With rain overnight, and spotty showers during the day, the Downhill race on Saturday pushed riders and equipment to the limit to squeak out seconds on the slick course. Tyler Waite (Yeti Cycles) started things off good for Maxxis capturing third place in the Junior Men. After that, the Elite riders took to the course and it was Maxxis Tires’ time to shine.
The Elite Women’s race saw Marine Cabirou (Scott DH Factory) take her second win of the 2024 season and secure second place overall on the year. Canadian young talent Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division) also had her breakout ride with a second place in MSA. Mille Johnset (Canyon Collective) ended her 2024 campaign on a good note with the fifth spot on the podium.
Maxxis athletes weren’t done yet – Troy Brosnan (Canyon Collective) took the win in the Elite Men in incredible fashion as the last rider down the hill. Not only that, but three other Maxxis riders were just behind him on the podium: Lachie Stevens-Mcnab (UNION) in second, Laurie Greenland (Santa Cruz Syndicate) third, and Remi Thirion (Giant Factory Off Road Team) in fourth. Four out of the five riders on the podium being on Maxxis is an insane way to end the year!
The Canyon Collective also earned Team of the Day, further cementing Maxxis’ success at the 2024 edition of the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup.
Mont-Sainte-Anne was also the final World Cup race of the GOAT, Greg Minnaar. It’s not quite retirement for him as we will still see him managing his new Norco Race Division team in 2025 and beyond, but it’s been a true honor to support this legend throughout his racing career.
On Sunday, the cross-country racers took to the mountain for the XCO. Dario Lillo took the victory in U23 Men once again, with his stock soaring going into 2025. Luca Martin followed up his excellent XCC performance with another podium in second place. While Nino (Scott SRAM) didn’t have the result he desired, he announced that he will be continuing his World Cup career in 2025, building excitement to break more records next year.
MSA did not disappoint, and we had the pleasure of witnessing what might be one of the best downhill races of all time. What a way to close out the year! See you all in 2025.