On October 10 and 11, it was in difficult weather conditions that the mountain biking worlds were held in Leogang, Austria. And many even wonder if it was not simply the "wettest ever" world! But nothing to worry the French riders… They shone several times on the first step of the podium.
DIt's hard to describe the conditions in which the UCI Mountain Bike Worlds took place this year. Snowstorm, rain and mud up to the knees at the end of the track did not make it easier for the riders gathered in the Austrian Alps to compete in the downhill and cross-country events. A major event broadcast by Red Bull TV. And if the conditions were extreme, the French were largely up to the event.
Double winner in cross-country
In cross-country, Pauline Ferrand Prévot keeps her rainbow jersey by winning the world title for a third time. At 28, Pauline crossed the finish line 3 minutes ahead of her rivals Eva Lechner and Rebecca Mc Connell. Clearly, nothing can stop this world champion medalist in cyclo-cross, cross-country, but also on the road in 2014 and 2015. The year 2019 had however been particularly difficult with two surgeries for an injury to the left leg. It seems that Pauline has returned from convalescence in great shape! She outdid herself in this event.
“A beautiful day that rewards a hard year of work. "
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On the boys' side, it was Jordan Sarrou who stood out beautifully. “A dream come true” for the 27-year-old rider, crowned for the first time in his career world champion in cross-country mountain biking.
“I can't believe it, I have no words. It's not possible. I am in the middle of a dream. It was a crazy race, in conditions that I love. "
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And that's not all…
The succession is assured among women. In downhill, the podium was mostly blue white red for the juniors. At 17, Lauryne Chappaz won the world title. Leona Pierrini offered herself the bronze. For Lauryne, this day was quite simply the most beautiful day of her life.
" I realized my dream ! World Champion ! The most wonderful day of my life… ”
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Another French feat among the Hopes. Loana Lecomte was adorned with gold on the cross-country podium, in the under 23 category. Loana is a rising star in the French team. At 21, she edged her rivals by more than a minute.
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And as the French had decided not to do things by halves at the Leogang Mountain Bike Worlds, they also offered themselves a victory in the relay. Congratulations to the Frenchies rockets!
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