WHAT A SEASON !
2022 saw the UCI return to a full calendar of MTB racing . The World Cup series delivered 11 rounds in 11 countries , exciting new winners – and a thrilling Val di Sole grand finale where there was still all to play for … The crown in the jam-packed schedule was the World Championships at Les Gets , where French fans came out en masse to celebrate home wins and a Swiss legend claimed his 10th title .
# 1 LOURDES , FRANCE ( DH )
26-27 MARCH The 2022 MTB World Cup kicked off with a downhillonly event in the small town famous for Christian pilgrimage . Last raced in 2017 , the Lourdes track is intense and technical , especially with a new Hollywhoops section of small , rolling bumps before the finish drop . French fans had plenty to cheer when Amaury Pierron put in a spectacular run – the first of many across the season – to secure the win . Swiss athlete Camille Balanche topped the women ’ s podium in a race that went down to the line – the top three riders were separated by mere seconds .
24 | MTB | champion stakes