UCI DH World Cup #1 – Lourdes

It’s been building to this point all winter. The opener of the 2016 Downhill World Cup Season is on.

The 2015/2016 UCI World Cup off-season has been a busy one and whilst the calendar holds no surprises in terms of new tracks, many of the top riders in the world have changed teams and have new bikes to get used to. Lourdes in the Midi-Pyrénées region of the south west of France is set to host round one and here’s all you need to know.

Weekend TimeTable

The Track

The Pic du Jer track is recognized as one of the most challenging circuits. An exhaustive track, simultaneously quick, demanding, technical and surprising, it goes without saying that the riders must be extremely versatile if they hope to finish with the best time!

Length: 2.0km
Height level : 477m
Point of departure altitude: 900m
Condition: closed for construction
Lift time to summit: 7 minutes
Pedestrian access: free along beside the track (hiking shoes recommended)
Champion (Men’s 2015): Aaron Gwin (USA) | Specialized Racing: 2:58.691
Champion (Women’s 2015): Emmeline Ragot (FRA) – MS Mondraker Team: 3:32.625

The Weather

If Lourdes isn’t tough enough in the dry you can be sure it’s bloody tough when it’s wet and it seems that rain is on the cards this weekend –

Track Preview