Two days of training in Daolasa for the Italian downhill rider as she gets reacquainted with the course that will crown the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Champions in Val di Sole-Trentino (August 26th–30th)
Few riders know the Black Snake quite like Eleonora Farina. Over more than fifteen years of racing, the thirty-five-year-old has built a career on fearless descents, unforgettable highs, painful crashes and a relentless pursuit of success on home soil, on one of the world’s most iconic downhill tracks. For Eleonora Farina, the Black Snake has never been just another track: it is part of her personal story. It is where some of her greatest memories were made, including the first UCI World Cup podium in 2017, but also where she has experienced some of the toughest moments of her career.
With the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole-Trentino fast approaching, from August 26th to 30th in Daolasa di Commezzadura, the two-time European Champion and 2024 Les Gets World Cup winner returned to the venue where the downhill rainbow jerseys will be awarded on Saturday, August 29th.
A course she knows inside out, yet one that continues to feel special every time she rides it. “It’s always a pleasure to ride the Black Snake,” said Eleonora Farina. “I came here straight after racing the Italian Cup round in Bormio and found a track that remains unique. It gives you an incredible feeling every single time. I had to make a few setup adjustments because the ground is extremely dry and dusty despite the rain we’ve had over the past few weeks. I’m also looking forward to discovering the new race lines, which have rightly been kept off-limits ahead of the World Championships.”
For Farina, racing at a home World Championships brings a completely different mindset from any other event. Her relationship with the Black Snake has always been filled with mixed emotions. “It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. I love it because some of the best memories of my career are here. My World Cup podium in 2017 is still something very special to me. At the same time, this track always puts me under a little extra pressure. Racing at home is never easy. Hearing your friends cheering for you can be a huge motivation, but sometimes it also adds extra expectations. This year I simply want to enjoy the experience, race without putting pressure on myself and give everything for Italy.”
The rider from Pietramurata will be competing in her third World Championships in Val di Sole. She finished 16th in 2016 after a crash, before taking sixth place in 2021. “In 2016 I was incredibly fast, and I really felt I had a medal-winning run, but unfortunately I crashed. That’s part of our sport, and you have to accept it. In 2021 I came very close to the podium, and I still feel a little disappointed because I probably put too much pressure on myself.”
On a track as technical and demanding as the Black Snake, experience can prove decisive. “It makes a huge difference. There’s no denying it. Experience helps you fine-tune the bike much faster and commit to your line choices. Of course, the younger riders have a physical advantage. They have that extra explosiveness that allows them to ride with fewer inhibitions.”
Italy heads into the World Championships with a competitive women’s squad. Alongside Farina, the Italian team will feature Gloria Scarsi, who has enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign with two podium finishes in Yongpyong and Lenzerheide this season, and Veronika Widmann, the reigning Italian Champion.
As for the favourites for the rainbow jersey, Farina has no doubts. “Valentina Höll is certainly one of the biggest favourites. She’s in excellent form and has been delivering outstanding results all season. But don’t underestimate Myriam Nicole, who became World Champion here in Val di Sole in 2021. She’s dealing with a few physical issues at the moment, but she’s such an experienced rider that she can never be counted out.”
“As for me, winning a medal in Val di Sole would mean everything. It would be the fulfilment of a dream,” said Eleonora Farina.
Tickets for the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole Trentino are available at www.valdisolebikeland.com
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