You know the races are about to get wild when the World Cup comes to Les Gets, France. Some of the best fans in the world were treated to a memorable event. While practice was dry, the heavens opened up for the start of downhill racing and made for arguably the toughest track in World Cup history.
The race weekend kicked off with the XCC on Friday. Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) started strong, ending up in second place in the Women’s with Rebecca Henderson (Primaflor Mondraker) just behind her in third. In the Men’s race, Nino Schurter (Scott SRAM) sat out to rest for the upcoming Olympic Games, but Sam Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck) charged to a podium position in third.
On Saturday, the rain arrived just in time for downhill racing, canceling the Junior’s race and creating some of the most difficult racing conditions we’ve ever seen for the Elite athletes. Mille Johnset (Canyon CLLCTV) thrived in the slick environment, taking second place in the Elite Women’s race. The Men’s race saw the GOAT, Greg Minnaar (Norco Race Division), back on a World Cup podium after a long stint in the hot seat, earning the bronze medal. Hometown hero Rémi Thirion (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) also worked his way back onto a World Cup podium, tackling the horrendous track head-on and slotting into fourth place.
Sunday’s XCO also saw the effects of the rain, making for a tricky course and prompting riders to switch to wet tires. Puck Pieterse used her starting position and Maxxis Severe tires advantage to earn the gold in the Elite Women’s competition. Anne Terpstra (Ghost Factory Racing) was also back on the podium in fifth place. U23 Men’s Luca Martin (Orbea Factory Team) came away with another great result in second place.
The 2024 edition of the Les Gets World Cup was not one we’ll forget soon. We can’t wait for the next round in the USA at Lake Placid!