Last weekend the entire French downhill circuit descended on Les Orres for the French National Championships. One last battle for the season amongst many of the world’s best. The track proved to be demanding and is definitely thought of by many riders to be suitable for a World Cup race…

In the women’s race, Myriam Nicole crushed the competition to win her 2nd consecutive title, the 7th of her career! She won by more than 13 seconds! Behind her, Lisa Bouladou completed the scratch podium (3rd) and is therefore Junior French Champion in that category! Great work from Lisa. Alizés Lassus finished 5th.

In the men’s race it was almost like an actual World Cup! Antoine Vidal took the win by one hundredth of a second, ahead of World Champion Loïc Bruni and overall World Cup winner, Amaury Pierron. He said afterwards, “I am so happy to win my first title amongst the big boys! It's a dream come true. I almost crashed a few times… I'm so happy!”

Antoine ends the season on a solid note after some great performances in downhill recently, including his silver medal at the last French Championships and a top 10 in the World Cup this season. Behind Amaury Pierron, Hugo Frixtalon was 5th, Baptiste Pierron 7th, Thomas Estaque 8th and Thibaut Daprela 9th in the top 10.

It was an excellent race for Leo Abella, who was 13th, and French Champion in Junior Men. Benoit Coulanges finished 14th, whilst Till Alran finished 15th overall and became U17 French Champion! In Junior Men, Leo Abella was accompanied on the podium by Loïc Martin and Hugo Marini, for a COMMENCAL podium sweep! Alix Francoz finished 4th.