World Cup Round One - Surprises and French Hospitality

April 13th, 2015 9:57pm

Gwin dominates Round one of the UCI Season on new track in Lourdes France.

In an unusual setting, the former world champion had to take an early run after crashing out of his qualifying run. As a top 20 finisher from last year Gwin was able to still compete as a protected rider and took to his race run with 20 riders still to follow.

Gwin threw down a sub three minute run which based on his reaction, he knew was a stunner. His speed put him in the hot seat for the entire afternoon to watch rider after rider try to better his time. Loic Bruni, the local favorite and top qualifier appeared to be on a flyer after a first turn bobble until a flat at the bottom of the run ended his chance of starting the season off with a victory.

To not take anything away from Gwin' s stellar run, but the course took its tool on some of the other big names

Missing from the final run in the competition was Mick Hannah, Sam Hill, Steve Peat and reigning world champ Gee Atherton. Hannah and Atherton crashed out in qualifying while Peat and Hill are recovering from pre season injuries.

Lourdes proved to be solid opening course with several rock gardens that took its toll on equipment and riders. Opposite of the recent opening round in South Africa where pedal power was crucial to success, the Lourdes course had very limited pedaling making smooth riding key to keeping speed.

And for the opening round, Gwin was the master at keeping speed with a decisive win of almost 4 seconds.

1) Araon Gwin
2) Loic Bruni
3) Michael Jones
4) Danny Hart
5) Sam Dale

It was great to see the young talent starting to develope and challenge for results. Brit Michael Jones got his first podium in a world cup event as did American Luca Shaw taking 9th.

Video of Aaron Gwin's Run

Womens UCI - Race Results

In a field loaded with world champions, it was former two time world champion Emmeline Ragot taking the home country win with a super smooth run edging out another former world champion in Rachel Atherton by a slim .5 second. Another Frenchy - Miriam Nicole took the third step of the podium with reigning champion Manon Carpenter in fourth. Tracey Hannah rounded out the podium even after suffering a hard crash during her run.

1) Emmeline Ragot
2) Rachael Atherton
3) Miriam Nicole
4) Manon Carpenter
5) Tracey Hannah