Marine Cabirou's Remarkable Return at the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup
The excitement of competitive mountain biking reached new heights as Marine Cabirou, a talented rider sponsored by Monster Energy, marked her impressive comeback by finishing in second place at this year's UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup held in Les Gets, France. This prestigious event, part of the 2025 season calendar and one of the biggest in the sport, took place from August 28 to 31, bringing together the world's elite riders to battle it out on the challenging terrain of the iconic MTB track.
At just 28 years old, Cabirou hails from Millau, France, and has shown incredible resilience after recovering from a serious injury that put her out of the race in Andorra earlier this season. Her return signals both an emotional and physical triumph as she navigated through unfriendly rainy and muddy conditions that tested even the most seasoned competitors.
The Event Overview
The UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup is renowned for drawing top talent from the cycling world, and 2025 was no exception. This race occurred after a six-week hiatus, during which riders prepared intensively to showcase their skills. The track at Les Gets, steeped in over three decades of racing history, proved to be both a thrilling and hazardous venue, with wet conditions adding to the challenge.
Under these conditions, competitive spirits were high, and the pressure was palpable. During her final run on Saturday, Cabirou was among the first riders to drop into the course, setting a quick pace that would ultimately cut through the muck, placing her in strong contention against her rivals. Her finishing time of 456.589 positioned her just behind the winner, a testament to her skill and determination despite her recent setbacks.
Cabirou’s performance was buoyed by her strong support network—her team and family provided critical encouragement that helped her overcome lingering pain and self-doubt. After crossing the finish line, Cabirou expressed her joy and disbelief at making it back onto the podium so soon after her injury, saying, “I’m so happy! I can’t believe I landed a spot on the podium today after coming back from injury.”
Podium Finishers and Other Competitors
The race for the Elite Women’s title was intense, with 35-year-old Camille Balanche from Switzerland finishing in fourth place, showcasing her own grit and determination on the challenging muddy track as well. In the Elite Men's division, Monster Energy’s Troy Brosnan also excelled, securing fourth place to mark his 100th appearance in the UCI Downhill World Cup.
As the competition wraps up, the overall standings see Cabirou climbing to fifth place with 859 points, while Balanche ranks closely behind in fourth with 872 points. This weekend's races confirmed Monster Energy’s dominance, as its riders took up six of the top ten spots in the overall standings for the Elite Men’s division.
Looking Ahead
With the season poised to enter its final stages, the excitement only continues to build. The next event is set to take place in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, from September 18 to September 21, where mountain biking enthusiasts are eager to see how other competitors will perform as Cabirou prepares for what promises to be an exhilarating championship.
For more insights and updates on Marine Cabirou, her fellow competitors, and the journey through the world of mountain biking, be sure to visit
Monster Energy's official website or follow their social media channels for the latest news.
Monster Energy, based in Corona, California, remains a leading brand not just in energy drinks but also as a supporter of extreme sports and the athletes who push boundaries. Stay tuned for what’s next in the world of downhill mountain biking!