World Championships Leogang - The Coronation for Camille Balanche


What an incredible final!
Whilst it was uncertain to happen at all due to weather conditions, the final of these World Championships did indeed take place, in dire conditions!
Rain, cold, fog, even snow during the Men's Elite race, 2020 keeps on giving and the race delivered!

In Elite Women, Camille Balanche won her first World Championship title! After a strong run without many errors or any falls she claimed her first rainbow jersey! A magnificent performance from the already crowned 2019 European Champion! “It was the hardest race I have done, in extreme conditions. The goal was just to get down without falling," explained the Swiss rider at the finish. And she did, bravo Camille!

And we were treated to a 100% COMMENCAL-only podium in the Women’s Elite competition! Camille Balanche beat Myriam Nicole, who was victim to a fall in the most technical part of the track, and her COMMENCAL Dorval teammate Monika Hrastnik. Noone could have hoped for a better podium!

In Elite Men, Rémi Thirion came very close to the top spot. He showed his form in qualifying and we know he's particularly comfortable in extreme conditions like we saw during the week. The COMMENCAL Muc-Off Team rider won his first World Championship medal with a bronze! A magnificent run saw him throw some moves and shapes, and plenty of technical prowess, in the most difficult section of the track, which was something few riders managed to achieve.

Thibaut Daprela finished a superb 11th place despite a fall. Benoit Coulanges, Baptiste Pierron and Thomas Estaque also made up some of the top 10 by finishing 12th, 14th and 18th! Hugo Frixtalon came 29th.

The young COMMENCAL riders were also there to give us a pleasant surprise this weekend!
Lauryne Chappaz won the crown in the Junior Women's category! A brilliant race which demonstrates all her talent and technique. Ella Erickson took a great 5th place.

Finally, in Junior Men it was Daniel Slack from the UK who impressed! After qualifying well he took the silver medal! He’s showed us once again that he’s a force for the coming seasons.
Pau Menoyo came 15th place and Tom Guillo 25th.

Thanks to all the riders for putting on a show at these World Championships which were fought in particularly difficult conditions all-round!

Photos : Keno DERLEYN