With a fresh new upper section that cut across grassy cambers and unveiled an ever-evolving array of roots and stumps, that flow was tested. Practice sessions were a real head-scratching affair as the riders and staff puzzled over this significant piece of the overall jigsaw. It was tricky, and a little stressful at times, but racing is a brain game and everyone was ultimately enjoying the challenge. There’s always a good deal of frowning involved in a World Cup week as everyone ekes out the all-important marginal gains, but the balance fell in favor of smiles as time and runs passed. 

Saturday swung around. Pressure was mounting, momentum was building and Finals were waiting. And what a show we were treated to! 

Unfortunately, the day didn’t get off to the best start. Having qualified really strongly in fourth place, Tristan broke his derailleur which swung into the rear wheel and abruptly ended what was shaping into a brilliant run. Hugo was also out of luck, snapping his chain when he came up short on a triple. Both the boys were riding really well all week and it’s a great shame for them not to see a result that reflects this. We’re sure it’s coming soon. 

Onto the Elite races and what would be the big story of the day: Commencal / Muc-Off on the top step of the podium for Women, Men, and Team rankings.

Walking back into the pits after her final training run, Myriam announced with a smile on her face and a spark in her eye, “I’m going to smash this mother……!” Having come up over four seconds short of the winning time in Qualification, she was full of fight and ready to get into that headspace that allows a fully-committed race run.

Pompon was on fire! The splits were going green as she attacked every inch of the track, pushing herself to the limits. No one could match the World Champion, or even come close; Myriam took the win by 4.419 seconds, once again landing a legendary Lenzerheide performance and proving she is very much back on top form. 

Thibaut laid down a smooth run to cap off a solid week. Ninth in Qualification and tenth in Finals bags him some decent points and the calm confidence of a drama-free race. It’s easy to forget that Thibaut is just 21 years old and, despite being a World Cup winner already, is still a youngster in the Elite ranks. It’s incredibly tight at the top and he can be really satisfied with his week.

And finally, the last run of the Lenzerheide World Cup. All eyes on Amaury Pierron: World Cup leader, fastest qualifier, danger man. Red lights on the finish gantry through splits one and two turned to green at split three and we all held our breath as Amaury charged down round the final berms and over the finish jump. Victory! His third this season, our second of the day. No words can truly describe the elation in the finish area as we yelled and hugged with joy, relief, and then a dawning realization of what an incredible performance it was, and that the double Elite win plus Team Of The Day had finally been achieved.