The 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup’s fifth round unfolded in La Thuile, Italy, delivering exhilarating performances in both the elite men’s and women’s downhill events.
Elite Women’s Downhill
Vali Höll continued her dominance, securing her fourth victory in five races this season. The Austrian champion clocked a time of 3:58.469, edging out teammate Lisa Baumann by a mere 0.275 seconds. Sacha Earnest completed the podium, finishing third with a time of 3:58.942. Jess Blewitt and Nina Hoffmann rounded out the top five, showcasing the competitive depth of the field. (pinkbike.com)
Elite Men’s Downhill
In the men’s race, Jordan Williams ended a 1,000-day wait for his second World Cup victory. The New Zealander delivered a flawless run, clocking 3:25.767 and finishing 0.961 seconds ahead of Canada’s Asa Vermette. Jackson Goldstone secured third place, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the downhill circuit. (pinkbike.com)
French Contingent’s Performance
French riders delivered commendable performances, with Nathan Pontvianne narrowly missing the podium. His aggressive run placed him just off the top three, underscoring the competitive nature of the event. (vojomag.com)
Race Highlights
The La Thuile course, renowned for its technical challenges, tested riders’ skills and composure. The “Rocky Garden” section, in particular, proved pivotal, demanding precise navigation and speed. (lathuile.it)
For a visual recap of the men’s elite downhill highlights, you can watch the official UCI video below:
La Thuile – Men Elite DHI Highlights | 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Cup