"Racing is a matter of spirit, not strength."
After a few weeks of down time, the UCI DH series returned to action in Vallnord, Andorra. With tight championship battles in both the men’s and women’s categories, and a steep and dusty track that challenged the world’s best, the race was set to be an epic battle!
3rd place for Tracey Hannah in Andorra, fueling the fire for next week in Les Gets.
After a tough Leogang and nursing an injury, all eyes were on Rachel Atherton to see what she could do. Pushing adversity aside, she returned to the top step. Can she get on a roll and take command of the Elite Women’s championship?
Greg Williamson has been pushing the pace as of late; an aggressive looking run gave the crowd much to cheer for and landed him a solid 15th place finish.
Greg Minnaar seemed full of confidence coming into Andorra but things didn’t quite pan out, struggling in qualifying and finishing 11th in finals. Watch out Les Gets, the Goat will be charging!
Back in the top 10! Intense Factory Racing’s Jack Moir had a rough start to 2019 but things came around in Andorra, getting back to his old ways.
9th place for Laurie Greenland, with lots more to come!
The podium steak continues for Danny Hart, but can he put a stop to the French domination in the coming rounds?
Relief? Excitement? Frustration? Troy Brosnan may have felt them all as he crossed the line. The Canyon Factory Racing rider finished 3rd in Andorra and gave up the points lead, but remains in the thick of the championship battle as the season progresses.
5 seconds up on his closest competition as he crossed the line, it looked like Loris Vergier had done enough to clinch another win in Andorra. Ultimately, he finished 2nd, an incredible result and putting him in good form for next week’s race in his home country.
Last man down the hill, the pressure was on for Loic Bruni. The World Champion set out on a heater and had a healthy lead in the early splits, but as things got steeper his lead began to fade. The crowd waited with bated breath to see if he could hold on. Across the line the lights flashed green; he had done it! Super Bruni is well and truly present.
Photos: Sven Martin
