The 2024 UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Series season is finally upon us with the first round in Fort William, Scotland. The schedule of events has been slightly adjusted compared to last season with the qualifying and semi-finals on the same day and then finals the following day. While there are many new and exciting Maxxis athletes this year, Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate), who had a breakout first pro season in 2023, would not be taking to the race track in Fort William and beyond due to an injury sustained at Red Bull Hardline. We hope to see him back later in the year!
The Junior categories got the 2024 downhill year underway on Sunday, and the kids just keep getting faster with every race! Many of the junior athletes ended up with times that would be impressive in the elite categories. Ellie Hulsebosch with the Maxxis-sponsored UNION team got off to a great start, picking up third place at her first-ever World Cup. Matilda Melton (Transition Factory Racing) continues to impress, slotting into fourth, also at the first World Cup of her career.
The Elite Men’s race was one for the books, with three out of the top five and five of the top ten on Maxxis. Troy Brosnan (Canyon CLLCTV) started his campaign for the 2024 overall title in spectacular fashion, taking the silver medal. This could be Dakotah Norton’s (the newly formed Mondraker Factory Racing team) year; he took a World Cup podium in fourth place after several downhill race wins in the USA. His American neighbor, Luca Shaw (Canyon CLLCTV), also seems to be on form, procuring the final spot on the podium in fifth.
In the Elite Women’s race, Nina Hoffmann (Santa Cruz Syndicate) was looking on point, staying on the hot seat until the very end and picking up second place. Nina utilized the Maxxis Minion DHR II front and rear for this long and grueling track, gaining slightly more rolling speed over the typical setup with an Assegai on the front.
The ever-tough Fort William proved to be the perfect place to start the 2024 World Cup Downhill season. Although many struggled with mechanicals and equipment issues due to the rocky track, Maxxis tires held strong and delivered the greatest number of Elite riders. We can’t wait to see you all in Poland for the next round!
