The arguably most unusual season finale of the iXS European Downhill Cup contained almost everything you wouldn't want to find on a race weekend. Snow, postponements and a premature cancellation literally made the organisation's heads spin.

Almost a disaster

A snowy start to the weekend meant that training on Friday had to be cancelled. The conditions did not allow the more than 200 riders to take to the track safely. However, two Norwegians had permission to make their way through the snow to record the Maxxis Course Preview. Watch the video here!

Unplanned turnaround

Things continued in an extraordinary way on Saturday. As if it wasn't enough to shake up the schedule once again, qualifying was turned into a seeding run. Due to long rescue operations on the course, this was even cancelled prematurely. The elite classes and the Pro U19 had to leave the mountain earlier without completing their timed run. The positive side of this? At least the course was grippy and the snow made for some pretty extraordinary images.

Perfect race day

Race day brought a bit of normality back to the weekend. The grand finale of the iXS European Downhill Cup was on the agenda. Some riders had the opportunity to turn the final result on its head once again with this race. The weather conditions were also ideal for the final race of the 2024 EDC season.

Female winners

In the Elite Women class, Australian Elise EMPEY (Synergy 37) won the race. She was followed by Siel VAN DER VELDEN (BEL - BMX Pernes) in second place and Kine HAUGOM (NOR - DH Talent Team) in third. For the overall standings, this meant that Abigail HOGIE (USA - Beyond Racing) was able to end the 2024 season with the highly coveted title. Delphine BULLIARD (SUI - Verbier Racing) took the runner-up title and Mireia PI MADRENAS (BGR-PureRiding) from Spain came third.

Male winners

The Elite Men's race was won by Simen SMESTAD (SK Rye) from Norway, followed by Gaetan VIGÈ (FRA - Propain Positive) and Dom Platt (GBR - Continental Atherton). Swiss rider Yannick BAECHLER (Baechler Brothers) was thus able to claim the overall title. The Slovaks Rastislav BARANEK (Kellys Factory Racing) and Denis KOHUT (Osmos Gravity Racing) took second and third place.

A unique season

The 2024 season has therefore come to an end for the iXS European Downhill Cup. Verbier will certainly be remembered for a long time with this truly extraordinary finale, which even former European Cup winner and Racement legend Wutzi has never experienced in his 12 years as a timekeeper.

Further races

For the Rookies Cup, the international Rookies Championships in Schladming next week will be the real deal. The racing season comes to a close at the beginning of October with the DHC final in Bellwald, Switzerland.