French fans made headlines this weekend as they celebrated Max Alran’s impressive victory in the UCI World Cup downhill event held in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie. The 19-year-old athlete showcased remarkable skill and composure, completing the course in a time of 3:27.9, which allowed him to surpass Andreas Kolb by 1.6 seconds.
The UCI Downhill World Cup, a thrilling mountain biking discipline that involves racing down technical courses at high speeds, draws significant interest in France. This weekend’s event in Les Gets proved to be a testament to that enthusiasm, with thousands of fans flooding the trails to cheer on their compatriot.
Photo Gallery: Celebrating Max Alran’s Win
Alran, who was the last rider to descend the course, managed the challenges with remarkable calm, marking a significant milestone in his first season at the elite level of downhill racing. The atmosphere was electrifying as French flags waved throughout the course, creating a vibrant scene as he crossed the finish line.
Upon realizing he had secured the win, supporters surged onto the track in jubilant celebration. President Emmanuel Macron even shared his congratulations on social media, stating, “Congratulations, Max, for your beautiful victory in Les Gets. The proud French spirit!”
“I don’t know how to react; I’m just incredibly excited. It’s unreal. I felt great at the top and wasn’t stressed at all. Starting last puts pressure on everyone else, and it worked out. My parents, friends, and brother were all here, cheering for me. I couldn’t be prouder,” Alran expressed to TNT Sports after his victory.
The result was anticipated, as Alran had previously been a junior world champion. Austrian Andreas Kolb finished in second place, while reigning world champion Jackson Goldstone took home third. In the women’s race, British rider Harriet Harnden clinched the victory.
“I’ve always wanted to achieve this, and the fact that I did it still doesn’t feel real. Having so many friends and family here supporting me means everything. I gave it my all on the lower sections and found something that worked perfectly for me. I’m having a blast on the bike, living my dream,” said Harriet Harnden.
