Downhill’s newest World Cup stop delivered the all-out action it promised and more. Replay the racing, watch winning runs and read our analysis of the women’s and men’s races. The opening round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup didn’t disappoint, the new round packed all the punches as the riders fresh into their season tried to tame the rock-strewn course. It was business as usual for the indomitable Aaron Gwin here in Lošinj, Croatia, as the YT Industries rider and multiple World Cup overall winner steered his steed to the top spot in today’s finals. Fellow American Luca Shaw rolled over the line just 0.798s back, with Dean Lucas in third. As the top five females hit the track, it was Cecile Ravanel in the hotseat, an incredible feat for her second-ever downhill race. Boasting top-10 results in the Enduro World Series and cross-country riding there was no question that Ravanel’s endurance wouldn’t be up for the test, but to put in such an aggressive ride on this gnarly track would take more than just bike fitness. Defending 2017 World Cup winner, Myriam Nicole, was next to take on the Croatian beast. Making the rocky sections look smooth, Nicole had an incredible run, carrying speed and flow through the turbulent track.
