After a four week break from after the season opener in South Africa, World Cup DH competition resumed this past weekend in La Bresse, France. Coming from a smooth track which favored strong pedallers in South Africa, riders were happy to find a classic technically challenging course in La Bresse.
Coming into the event, all attention was on Tracey Mosley of Trek World Racing, the winner of the first round, local French favorites Emiline Ragot of Team Suspension Center and Sabrina Jonnier of Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain, who were second and third respectively.
Qualifying confirmed the favorites were the ones to watch, as Mosley qualified first in a time of 2:36:0 with Jonnier only 1.7 seconds behind, Mio Suemasa from Japan and Emiline Ragot way back, 11.2 and 11.4 seconds back respectively.
Jonnier, known for not performing her best in qualifying was optimistic about a victory on her home soil and she certainly delivered on race day, clocking the fastest time with 2:28:57, 10 seconds faster than her qualifying time. Mosley was next fastest at 5:02 back, then newcomer Miriam Nicole of Franceat 6.2 seconds back.
Jonnier was ecstatic with her win and very happy to be back on top of the podium. “"I'm super happy to give Maxxis-Rocky Mountain its first World Cup win," said Jonnier. "I dedicated my race to my mum, whose dad just passed away. Thanks to Maxxis, Rocky and the team for all their support."
"Even though Tracy won the qualifying, I was still very confident, and very happy to win in France," she said. "It was a very important win for because it is my first win in a year, and I wanted to show that I am still one of the best downhillers."