The 2021 DH World Championships have begun this week in Val Di Sole, Italy and they bring together a lot of people from around the world! The DH, XC, Trial and 4X are all taking place this week in Italy. It’s great to see all the cycling world together in one place, especially at the moment.

On our side, even if the riders are normally supposed to spend the week with their countries for Worlds, many of them have chosen to stay within their team structures. It’s certain that they are all used to their preparation and routines before the race and they don't want to change that. As usual, track walk took place on Wednesday afternoon and it promises to be fast with some new features and lots of new boulders and rocks.

Let’s have a little look at some of the COMMENCAL riders who are fighting for the rainbow jersey.

Thibaut Daprela is in a great place at the moment. The COMMENCAL Muc-Off team rider has started his season very well and is currently the World Cup leader, notably with a victory in Les Gets. Very confident on his bike, he's a favourite here in VDS after an 11th place last year for his first elite World Champs.

Amaury Pierron returns to racing, two months after his injury during a DH French Cup round. Albeit with limited preparation, he knows he performed well at the World Cup in Leogang and that’s something to build on. Above all, the doctors gave him the green light and his victory here in 2018 will no doubt inspire him. We know that Momo will be on fire.

There are several more COMMENCAL outsiders that have a card to play! French Champion and an ever increasing regular on the World Cup podium, Benoit Coulanges clearly has what it takes. Angel Suarez is getting faster and faster this season and comes to VDS with great confidence after Maribor. For Great Britain, Greg Williamson is still not 100% after his ankle injury at the European Championships but he will still be able to ride.

In the women’s competition, competition for the rainbow jersey will also be fierce. After Myriam Nicole’s gold in 2019 and the triple podium of Camille Balanche/Myriam Nicole/Monika Hrastnik last year, the girls ready for another go, especially since they are also in good form at the start of the season. With one victory each so far this season on the world stage, Myriam and the reigning World Champion Cami have the 2nd and 1st plates in the overall rankings of the World Cup!

Finally, in Junior Men, Pau Menoyo has also shown that he is technical and particularly quick this season after his victory at Leogang. He can definitely aim for the gold, despite having pain in his arm after surgery. Tristan Lemire is also part of the Canadian team.

Photos : Keno Derleyn