Les Gets, France – The 2025 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series began on Friday, 29 August, with the first races at the renowned Les Gets resort in Haute-Savoie. With 12 South Africans entered across Cross-country and Downhill events, the opening day offered encouraging performances and steady results for the team.
The Les Gets venue, set in the French Alps near the Swiss border, has become a cornerstone of the UCI World Series, hosting Short Track (XCC), Cross-country Olympic (XCO), and Downhill (DHI) events. As in recent years, the competition promises an exciting weekend of endurance and gravity racing.
Elite Performances Highlight Day 1
In the Men’s Elite Short Track, Olympian and South African Sportsman of the Year Alan Hatherly showed his experience and strength, finishing 4th overall and collecting 150 UCI points. After starting further back in the field, he worked his way steadily forward, finishing only four seconds behind the winner. His performance positions him well for Sunday’s Olympic-distance race.
In the Women’s Elite Short Track, Olympian Candice Lill secured 9th place, earning 100 UCI points. Lill held her ground in the top 10 throughout the nine-lap contest, showing consistency against a world-class line-up and reinforcing her reputation as South Africa’s leading female mountain biker.
Strong Ride from Jacobs in U23
South Africa’s Tyler Jacobs impressed in the Women’s U23 Short Track, finishing 7th after being in the top three during the early laps. She collected 60 UCI points and demonstrated her competitiveness at this level.
In the Men’s U23 race, Massimiliano Ambrosi placed 21st for 40 points, showing steady pacing through the race. Ernest Roets finished 32nd to add 29 points despite losing ground later on. Both riders gained valuable race time against international opposition, while fellow U23 competitor Luca Ruwiel was not in Friday’s line-up.
Downhill Qualifying Results
South Africa’s downhill riders also began their campaigns with qualifying runs on Les Gets’ steep and technical track.
In the Men’s Elite Qualifying, Rory Kirk finished 45th in Round 1, while Theo Erlangsen placed 57th. Both repeated their positions in the second qualifying session, putting in consistent runs across the day.
In the Men’s Junior category, Pieter Venter placed 56th in his qualifying run, showing determination on a demanding course that challenged even the most experienced riders.
Looking Ahead
Saturday will feature the Downhill Finals, while Sunday brings the Cross-country Olympic events, where Hatherly, Lill, Jacobs, and Ambrosi will return to action.
For Team South Africa, Day 1 in Les Gets marked a balanced start, with top-10 results in the elite races, a strong ride from Jacobs in U23, and important first runs for the downhill squad. With two full days of racing still to come, there is plenty of opportunity for further progress and strong finishes.
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