A new course, new challenges and a new generation of riders causing quite a stir. At the EDC debut in La Molina, the junior categories put in impressive performances and clearly demonstrated why the future of downhill cycling is already in the starting blocks.

Friday - Sticky Start

The opening event in La Molina got off to a surprise start. Overnight rain had turned the track into a sticky mud track. The sticky slush made life difficult for the riders at first and prompted plenty of puzzled looks during the track walk.

But the Spanish sun soon had an effect. The course dried out significantly during training, the first lines began to emerge, and confidence in the new track grew with every run. The combination of steep sections, fast corners and big jumps quickly made it clear: La Molina is a welcome addition to the calendar. 

Saturday – Seeding Day

Saturday began with perfect conditions. Sunshine, pleasant temperatures and a dry, grippy track provided ideal conditions. Over 400 riders were ready to line up for the seeding run.

In the Elite Women’s class, Isabeau Courdurier Carrez (FRA – Lapierre) took the lead and immediately showed that she would be among the favourites this weekend. 

After that – race suspended

Unfortunately, there was a serious crash in the penultimate class of the day, which required a major rescue operation. Due to the lengthy interruption, it was decided to bring the seeding run to a premature end and to count only the results from the classes that had already been completed.

The care provided to the injured rider was extremely professional and once again highlighted that safety is always the top priority in motor racing. We wish the rider a speedy and full recovery. 

Sunday – Race Day

The final day was a real treat. Sunshine, pleasant temperatures and a slightly damp track made for near-perfect conditions. The organisers had set up a new line in the lower section of the track at short notice to make one of the big jumps a little less daunting. For the riders, this meant having to learn a new line, even though there were only a few practice runs available. Nevertheless, it turned out to be an exciting day of racing right from the start. The standard of the junior classes was particularly impressive.

The Pro U17s are making a statement

The most impressive performances of the day undoubtedly came from the Pro U17 categories. In both the men’s and women’s races, times were recorded that even eclipsed those of the elite categories.

The fastest woman was Tess Van Weerdhuizen (NOR - IF Frøy), who finished 8 seconds ahead of the Elite Women – where Isabeau Courdurier once again took the top spot.

In the men’s race, Quentin Gabriel Barbe (FRA - Gen S) clocked the fastest time of the day. In the Elite Men’s category, Britain’s Luke Williamson of the Wyn Masters Privateer Project took the win. 

This is yet another example of just how high the standard of the younger generation has become, and why many of today’s up-and-coming riders will soon be making their mark on the sport’s biggest stages.

Recap:

A varied course, perfect weather and a fantastic atmosphere characterised the race weekend in La Molina. Despite a few organisational challenges – which are not unusual at a new venue – the location showed great potential. The atmosphere among spectators, teams and riders was particularly lively in the finish area. And so a successful weekend in the Spanish Pyrenees comes to an end.