Ready or not, the first downhill round of the 2022 UCI World Cup makes its debut in Lourdes, France this weekend. Last season's unpredictable finale in Snowshoe brought the overall championship points down to the wire and when it was all said and done, Vali Höll was crowned 2021's top Elite Woman in her first full year as an elite racer. Vali now holds the number one plate and leader's jerseys going into Lourdes.
This season, the TLD Bike roster is larger than ever. Going into round one, TLD will be represented in all four class - elite men's, elite women's and both junior categories. Composed of talent spanning ten different countries across the globe, these athletes have world championships, national titles and even Enduro World Series overall wins included in their list of accomplishments. Here's the complete breakdown of who to cheer for this season.
Canyon Factory Racing
The Troy Lee Designs backed Canyon CLLCTV welcomes a big dose of all-American speed to their DH Roster. In one of the off-season’s most exciting signings, Luca Shaw will join podium threats Troy Brosnan, Mark Wallace and junior Jakob Jewett on the Canyon Collective Factory Team.
Dorval AM Commencal Team
Introducing the star studded 2022 Dorval AM / Commencal Downhill Team roster including Benoît Coulanges, Camille Balanches, Baptiste Pierron, Monika Hrastnik and Alix Francoz. Currently holding 3 national championship titles and 1 European title, the team continues with Troy Lee Designs as their official helmet, glove and protection partner and adds Sprint Ultra gear for 2022 and beyond.
RockShox Trek Race Team
For the 2021 race season, TLD joins forces with RockShox and Trek Bikes to support a crew of the youngest Elite riders on the circuit. The RockShox Trek Race Team had a standout season as a first-year crew, claiming two overall titles. With Vali Höll taking home the Elite Women's UCI World Cup DH Overall title and Jamie Edmondson crowned the EWS U21 Series Champion, the team proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Tegan Cruz will also get his first crack at world cup racing as a first year junior this season.
But Wait, There's More...
If that isn't enough, TLD supports a list of individuals lead by the legend himself, Brendan Fairclough who will be making his return after an unlucky 2021 season ending injury. With over 100 world cup downhill races under his belt, Brendog and his signature style is always a crowd favorite.
Joining the series for her first junior year is the young New Zealand standout Jenna Hastings. Riding for Pivot, Jenna had a breakout 2021 season and caught eyes with some impressive race results including taking gold at the Crankworx Innsbruck Downhill, winning the overall Crankwrox New Zealand Summer Series title and earning the Junior Women's New Zealand National Championship.
UK's own Joe Breeden gets called up to the Intense Factory program this season and will be back in TLD to celebrate. After racing on Intense's UK-based for three seasons and turning some heads with impressive results, Joe will be under the factory tent this year and in TLD helmets, gear and protection.
How to Watch
This season, you can live stream every race, and if the time isn't convenient watch the replay, directly on the free Red Bull TV app. CLICK HERE to download Red Bull TV on your device, smart tv or to watch from your computer.