Race: UCI Downhill World Cup, Round 1
Location: Bielsko-Biala, Poland

And just like that, World Cup DH racing is underway for 2025! The circuit packed up in rainy Mont Sainte Anne many months ago, and as it reappeared in the quaint Polish mountain town of Szczyrk, embarking on the 2025 campaign, there was change afoot. 

New for 2025 were some changes bound to bring some excitement to our Saturdays - protection into finals for high-ranked riders had been scrapped, replaced with two options to qualify, known as Q1 and Q2. Would any of the big names end up in Q2? Would any miss the finals all together? Fans waited patiently to see this new system unfold. 

In just the series’ second visit to the Polish venue, the track remained the same as the ‘24 version, made up of a high-speed, jump-and-berm-filled top section, a Pleney-like bottom wood, and a lung-testing pedal connecting the two.

While the day zero festivities of seeing old friends and ticking off media obligations were met with sunshine, the weather had other plans for the weekend. Snow began to fall at the top during track walk, and the weather never really behaved again, with winter-like temperatures, daily rain, and heavy flurries of snow in the most inconvenient of times.

Practice Day

Qualifying

Race Day

Fast forward to finals day, and we had a full-blown mudder on our hands. Eager fans hiked into the woods, drum and bass blaring, passion for DH still in tact despite the weather’s best efforts.

Anna Newkirk took her Frameworks bike to an early lead as the weather worsened. When Tahnee Seagrave arrived at the start gate, the start ramp was covered in snow, the track was a river, and it was going to take something truly special to unseat Newkirk. Turns out that’s what was in store - Seagrave set out without caution for the changing conditions, settling any doubts about FMD’s move to Orbea, and showed why she’s a multiple race winner. That’s it really, on this day she was on another level, and was credited another World Cup victory for her efforts.

Unveiling the new bike on the podium was a nice touch.

As for the men, coming down early after a hectic Q1 bridge dismount debacle and a trip to Q2, Commencal Muc Off’s Amaury Pierron took the early lead, and a long stint in the not at all hot, hot seat.

5th place qualifier Oisin O’Callaghan is the first to smile when the weather turns ugly. Dry tires on in the wettest race we’ve seen in years because he’s just built different, the YT rider put on a clinic to all in attendance. Crossing the line, he was up, Pierron was out, and he quickly found himself wrapped in an Irish flag with just 4 riders to go.

With those before him faltering, Bruni was the last threat between O’Callaghan and the win. He was fastest in practice. He was fastest in Q1. What did he have for finals? A self-proclaimed poor mud rider, Bruni and his spaceship-like Specialized were ticking off green split after green split as O’Callaghan watched from the bottom. With one split to go, the Frenchman’s lead had dropped to just 0.1 of a second, and then his bike stood him high with just two corners to go. Was that it? The crowd held their breath as Bruni surged for the line.

He let out a roar as he saw the number 1 flash across the screen. An injury-riddled off season had put this moment in jeopardy. Fastest at every occasion, leaving Poland in the series lead, and ready for more. This must be why they call him Super Bruni.

Poland, your weather isn’t kind to our California sensitivities, but you sure put on a good bike race. We’ll be seeing you soon.

Until next time.