MTB cycling: In perfect weather, French Emmeline Ragot (MS Mondraker) won the opening race of the Downhill World Cup in Lourdes in front of her home crowd. The American Aaron Gwin (Specialized Racing) was also in top form. By almost 4 seconds he relegated Loic Bruni (Lapierre Gravity Republic) to second place.
After his crash in yesterday's qualifier, Gwin conjured up a fabulous time on the rough Lourdes track, which yesterday was dominated by Frenchman Loic Bruni. Places three to seven in the men's category were occupied exclusively by British drivers. Third place went to Michael Jones (Chain Reaction Cycles / Paypal) ahead of Danny Hart (MS Mondraker) and Sam Dale (Madison Saracen Factory Team). The best German driver was Benny Strasser (Radon Magura Factory) in 34th place.
In the women's category, the French took two podium places. In addition to the winner Emmeline Ragot, Myriam Nicole (Commencal / Vallnord) ensured the success of the Tricolore. Brit Rachel Atherton (GT Factory Racing) drove between the two French women, but she was already two seconds behind Ragot. The fastest rider in qualifying, Tracey Hannah (Polygon UR) from Australia, finished fifth behind Britain's Manon Carpenter (Madison Saracen Factory Team).