Leogang World Cup Chronicle: Victories for Goldstone, Hemstreet, Cink, and Pieterse

The Austrian circuit of Saalfelden Leogang hosted an intense weekend of competition for the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. With Downhill (DH), Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), and Short Track (XCC) races, the world's best riders faced the demanding Austrian courses. At MTBDATA, we review the results of the competition.

The atmosphere in Leogang was one of great anticipation, with thousands of fans following the different events. From the speed of the Downhill on the "Speedster" track to the technical Cross-Country on mud, the competition offered hard-fought races.

Downhill: Canadian Double for Goldstone and Hemstreet

The Downhill final was very close. In the men's elite category, the victory was decided by thousandths of a second. Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) took first place with a time of 2:57.229. The Canadian beat French rider Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity) by just 59 thousandths. The podium was rounded out by Germany's Henri Kiefer (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team).

In the women's category, the victory went to fellow Canadian Gracey Hemstreet (Norco Race Division), who stopped the clock at 3:21.962. American Anna Newkirk (Frameworks Racing) was second, while local rider Vali Höll (YT Mob) secured the third position.

Cross-Country Olympic (XCO): Cink and Pieterse Win on the Mud

The XCO circuit, marked by rain and mud, was the scene of a tough test of endurance and technique.

The men's race was won by Czech rider Ondrej Cink (Cube Factory Racing), who achieved a significant victory, the first of his career in the XCO World Cup. Behind him, the podium was all Swiss, with Mathias Flückiger (Thömus Maxon) in second place and Fabio Püntener (Bike Team Solothurn) in third.

In the women's category, Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) dominated the race and showed her skill in difficult conditions, taking a clear victory. New Zealander Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) was second, and Swiss rider Ramona Forchini (BIXS Performance Race Team) completed the podium in third position.

Short Track (XCC): Blevins and Pieterse Prevail

Friday's Short Track defined the starting grids for the XCO.

In the men's race, the victory went to American Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing), thanks to a late attack. Chile's Martín Vidaurre (Specialized Factory Racing) was second and Great Britain's Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) finished third.

In the women's race, Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) secured the win. New Zealander Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) was second, and Swiss rider Nicole Koller (Ghost Factory Racing) finished third.

All detailed results, sector times, and complete analysis are available at MTBDATA.com.