PAL ARINSAL, Andorra: Erice Van Leuven of New Zealand successfully defended her Women’s Junior Downhill title, while Asa Vermette of the United States clinched the Men’s Junior Downhill at the UCI World Championships on Thursday in Pal Arinsal, Andorra.

The Women’s Junior Downhill saw 20 riders from 14 countries line up at the start hut, ready to tackle the challenging course. Ella Svegby of Sweden set the pace early on by slashing 14 seconds off the previous best time. Full results

Heather Wilson of Britain, a three-time UCI World Cup winner in 2024, fought hard but finished in 19th place. Only the New Zealand riders could keep up with Svegby’s blistering pace, with Eliana Hulsebosch closing within 10 seconds of the Swedish rider. Sacha Earnest also delivered a strong performance, securing third place, just 6 seconds behind Svegby, echoing her 2023 performance in Fort William, Scotland.

However, it was all down to the fastest qualifier, Erice Van Leuven, who put on a masterclass, lighting up every sector in green to secure her second consecutive world title.

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In the men’s junior final, 59 cyclists from 19 countries competed for the top spot. Bode Burke of the USA, the third-fastest qualifier, set an impressive time of 2:41.699, more than 3 seconds quicker than the previous leader, with six riders still to go. Full results

Tyler Waite of New Zealand came close to Burke’s time. However, it was the final two riders who posed the biggest threat: France’s Max Alran, with two UCI World Cup victories this year, and USA’s Asa Vermette, with three UCI World Cup wins in 2024. Vermette ultimately demonstrated flawless technique, earning him the Men’s Junior Downhill World Championship title.

On Friday, the UCI World Champions will be crowned in Junior Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Elite and Under 23 Cross-Country Short Track events. (With inputs from UCI)