Marine Cabirou Triumphs at 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne

Marine Cabirou Triumphs at 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup

In an exhilarating finish to the 2025 season, Marine Cabirou from Millau, France, showcased her exceptional talent by clinching first place in the Elite Women's division at the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup held in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. This victory marks a significant achievement for Cabirou, concluding her season on a spectacular high note after enduring challenges throughout the year.

The event held from October 9 to 12 attracted thousands of biking enthusiasts, transforming Mont-Sainte-Anne into a hub of excitement as more than 35,000 spectators gathered to witness the action. Known for its historic significance, the Mont-Sainte-Anne track has been part of the UCI World Cup since 1998, making it the longest-running venue in the circuit. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the UCI World Cup in this legendary biking destination.

Cabirou's race was a rollercoaster of emotions. After qualifying in the fifth position, she faced significant challenges early in the race, where she found herself in seventh place at the first split time. However, her determination shone through as she honed in on her racing lines, ultimately posting the second-fastest times during the later splits. Facing fellow competitors head-on, she surged into the lead at the closing stages of the race, clocking in a final time of 334.905 seconds.

Reflecting on her victory, Cabirou expressed her joy: "It's incredible to take the win today at this venue. To end the season like this is a dream come true. I had some tough results this year, mixed with some really good ones, so this one felt really nice. I made a few big mistakes during my qualification run and had to switch up some lines this morning, which paid off! I gave it my all, and winning my 11th World Cup here is amazing!" Her success not only secured her a win at Mont-Sainte-Anne but also represented a comeback following a heavy crash earlier in the season that led to her hospitalization during the World Cup in Pal Arinsal, Andorra.

On the men's side, another Monster Energy athlete made headlines. Luca Shaw from Hendersonville, North Carolina, finished second in the Elite Men division. Shaw, demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience, advanced from second place in qualification to maintain a podium position throughout the finals. His final time of 332.340 seconds placed him solidly in second, earning him recognition as one of the top competitors of the season, finishing third overall in the rankings.

"That was so hard. The track actually dried up a lot and became so slippery in some sections that it became tough to gauge between sectors," Shaw stated after the race. "I felt so good again this weekend, and I was pretty happy to put down a clean fast run! I crossed the line pleased with what I've done, and that also translated to a second place to finish off the season. I'm over the moon with that."

The 2025 season, while marked by difficulties for many riders, also celebrated impressive comebacks and remarkable performances. Among those is Camille Balanche from Switzerland, who concluded her career after a decorated history in professional mountain biking, leaving an indelible mark with numerous podium finishes and a strong legacy in women's racing.

As the dust settles on the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, it's evident that athletes like Cabirou and Shaw epitomize the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the sport. This season's events at Mont-Sainte-Anne highlighted not just the skill and courage of these athletes but the communal energy and support found within the sport.

As Monster Energy continues to support its athletes and the sport, the focus now shifts toward the upcoming season, with burgeoning talents and seasoned pros alike gearing up for new challenges and victories, marking the 2026 season as one to watch. For more updates on Monster Energy's mountain biking team and their performances, fans can connect through their social media platforms and stay tuned for future competitions.

Congratulations to all athletes for an inspiring season, and here's to new adventures ahead!