Jackson rallying in Leogang

Leogang World Cup: Wet and Wild

For the first double-header round of the 2022 season, the World Cup was back in Leogang, Austria. Just like past races in this amazing location, the downhill and XC courses were slick and rutted from the wet weather. Nevertheless, riders were having a blast on the tracks and fans were pumped for racing to begin.

Jordan Williams surviving a muddy Leogang track

Friday kicked off the racing with the Short Track (XCC). Normally equipped with tires that have very low rolling resistance, most athletes ran some sort of mud tire to have sufficient traction on such a slick course. Maxxis claimed three of the top five spots in Elite Women, with Anne Terpstra (Ghost Factory Racing), Caroline Bohé (Ghost Factory Racing), and Rebecca McConnell (PMG Racing Team) coming in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th places. In the Men’s race, Nino Schurter (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) managed 11th place, still putting him in a solid starting position for the XCO on Sunday.

Rebecca McConnell charging in Leogang

Battered and bruised from practice and qualifying, downhill racers lined up on Saturday for a hectic (and muddy) event. A crowd favorite track, Leogang did not disappoint on the action. Unfortunately, the Elite Women’s race saw many crashes and bails, with Scott DH Factory rider Marine Cabirou breaking her back after a brutal wreck. Vali Höll (Rockshox Trek Race Team) placed just off the podium in 6th. In Elite Men, Matt Walker (Madison Saracen) had a tremendous run, capturing his first-ever World Cup victory! Spanish National Champion, Angel Suarez (Commencal 100) joined Walker on the podium in 3rd. Junior Men saw Jordan Williams (Madison Saracen) win once again, with Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) in 2nd after a crash, and Lachie Stevens-McNab (Union) in 3rd. Overall Junior Women’s leader, Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Factory Team) placed 3rd and Delia Da Mocogno (teamproject) snagged 4th.

Matt Walker getting his first World Cup win on a muddy Leogang course

Angel Suarez jumping to an excellent result in Leogang

Gracey Hemstreet on her way to a podium finish

Many came into the Leogang World Cup with the question, “Will Nino break the all-time XCO wins record this time?” Although 2nd is nothing to be ashamed of (and adds valuable points to the overall standings), Nino will have to wait till the next round to try and accomplishment this incredible feat. Anne Terpstra had a great race, finishing 5th in Elite Women, while the #1 plate of Rebecca McConnell crossed the line in 7th.

Nino rolling to second in Leogang

Ghost Factory Racing athlete rolling down a greenway stretch

Don’t miss the next round of the World Cup in Lenzerheide, July 8-10!

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