The third race and final World Cup weekend of the season has started!
Like in Maribor two weeks ago, the entire DH circuit will meet twice in Lousã (Portugal), in two separate heats each representing a World Cup round.

The first took place today.
The track proved difficult for riders to anticipate as lines have changed since the qualifying round, especially since the most technical and intricate part of the track still offered little grip, forcing riders to stay on their toes.

Before the final, Myriam Nicole had taken advantage of qualification yesterday to regain first place in the overall Elite Women classification by setting the best time. The COMMENCAL Muc-Off Team rider did it again today by winning for the first time this season! She now has a 50-point lead in the overall over Marine Caribou, and will have to pull it out of the bag on Sunday to win a second World Cup and the overall in this short season.

Also in the Women’s Elite category, the two COMMENCAL Dorval teammates Camille Balanche and Monika Hrastnik, took 6th and 7th places.

In the Men's Elite, three riders from three different teams achieved top 10 places!

Thibaut Daprela (COMMENCAL Muc-Off) continues to impress in his first elite season, with a magnificent 6th place. He was closely followed by French Champion Benoit Coulanges (7th, COMMENCAL Dorval) and Greg Williamson (8th, COMMENCAL 100%) who had his result for a long time in this final!

We also find Remi Thirion in 15th place, whilst Baptiste Pierron came in 23rd.

In the Junior Women, the young World Champion Lauryne Chappaz took a nice 3rd place. She was followed by Ella Erickson (4th). Pau Menoyo, promising since the start of the season, achieved the 2nd fastest time in Junior Men, whilst Dan Slack completed the podium (4th)!

Great performances which promise a crazy final round on Sunday for our riders!

Photos: © andyvathis - @commmencal_mucoff - @Nico Brizin