Loris Vergier's Impressive Race at La Thuile
In a spectacular display of skill and determination,
Loris Vergier, a standout rider for Monster Energy, has secured a remarkable second-place finish in the
UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup held in
La Thuile, Italy. This notable achievement marked a significant moment in Vergier's racing career, aided by his experience and sharp instincts on the bike.
A Challenging Course Meets Tough Conditions
From July 3-6, the stunning town of La Thuile transformed into a thrilling arena for downhill mountain biking as it hosted its first UCI event. The challenging track, set high in the
Aosta Valley at an altitude of
4,740 feet, tested the mettle of the elite riders from around the world, especially with the unpredictability of the weather.
On race day, just as Vergier prepared to take on the track, rain began to pour, complicating what was already a demanding course. "The track is super steep and wild; it's probably one of the best we have seen in a long time," Vergier remarked after his run. Many riders faced severe crashes, but Vergier’s adept handling allowed him to remain upright and focused.
Strategy and Execution
With a previous fifth-place finish under his belt from the Val di Sole event, Vergier approached the race with a determination to improve his standings. The rain made the course slippery and challenging, yet Vergier confidently executed his racing strategy. "I knew from the get-go that I had to try hard to push the pace and take those risks. It was going to be really fast for everyone," he explained. The dust and conditions made it imperative to hold lines with confidence while navigating the treacherous corners.
After a contentious battle on the course, Verdict emerged with a total time of
327.738 seconds, securing his place on the podium.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Following his impressive performance, Vergier expressed his pride in achieving this result, stating, "I'm so proud of this result! It's been a long time since I last podiumed. I'm really glad to be back and fighting at the top! Let's keep it going." This second-place finish has elevated him to third place in the overall rankings of the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup season, with a score of
746 points.
In addition to Vergier's achievement, the event proved to be a significant outing for his teammate
Lachie Stevens-McNab. The 21-year-old from New Zealand finished fourth, demonstrating his abilities as one of the youngest competitors in the elite men's division, with a season-best time of
330.220 seconds.
The Elite Women’s division also showcased incredible talent, with
Camille Balanche of Switzerland capturing fifth place. Despite battling through the demanding final section of the race, she completed her course in
402.238 seconds, solidifying her place in the overall rankings at four.
Upcoming Events
As the momentum builds in the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup series, the next race is set to take place in
Pal Arinsal, Andorra, from
July 9-13. Fans and supporters of Monster Energy and mountain biking enthusiasts are eager to see what unfolds next in this exhilarating series.
For further updates on Loris Vergier, Camille Balanche, Lachie Stevens-McNab, Marine Cabirou, and the rest of the Monster Energy mountain biking team, fans can visit
www.monsterenergy.com and follow their journey on various social media platforms.
About Monster Energy
Monster Energy, based in
Corona, California, is recognized as the leading brand in energy drinks and alternative beverages. The brand is dedicated to supporting a myriad of extreme sports and lifestyles, encompassing motocross, BMX, snowboarding, and rock music, among others. More than just a drink, Monster Energy represents a way of life embraced by athletes, artists, and fans alike.