The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series downhill riders found dry and dusty conditions in the Black Snake track walk in Val di Sole on Wednesday. Tomorrow, Thursday, the action starts with the DH free practice runs, Cross Country training sessions, and the 4X Pro Tour qualification rounds
The adrenaline is already in the air at Daolasa di Commezzadura, where the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is gearing up for its Val di Sole stop, scheduled from June 20 to 22. Team paddocks are buzzing, athletes are arriving, and the legendary Black Snake is ready to bare its teeth.
Thursday, June 19, kicks things off with the first official training sessions for both Downhill (DHI) and Cross Country Olympic (XCO), alongside a press conference at 5:00 pm in the race village’s hospitality area — featuring some of the top names in the field.
On Wednesday, June 18, the world’s elite downhillers took their first steps onto the Black Snake during the all-important track walk — a key recon mission to scope out updates and refine race lines. With recent hot weather leaving the course bone-dry and powdery, and unpredictable forecasts ahead, riders are preparing for a wild ride.
“I’m walking the Black Snake for the first time this week,” said French ace Loic Bruni, who is eyeing his first-ever win in Val di Sole this Saturday, June 21. “There are a lot of changes. It’s a bit slower than before, but that could flip by tomorrow. It’s looking good.”
Swiss powerhouse Camille Balanche echoed the excitement: “The updates to the track are incredible. I can’t wait to drop in — it looks amazing.”
Italian hopeful Eleonora Farina, back in Val di Sole for her home round, is hungry for redemption. “I feel strong and motivated. The track is totally different this year, and I’ve been studying the new lines. It’s dusty, fast, and should make for an exciting race. After missing out in 2023 and crashing in the qualifiers last year, I’m determined to make it count. Plus, I’ve got a new teammate — Gloria Scarsi — she’s super fast and we’re pushing each other to deliver something special.”
THURSDAY: PRACTICE SESSIONS AND PRESS CONFERENCE
Thursday’s schedule (June 19) includes four Downhill training sessions:
• 8:30 AM – Training Group B
• 10:30 AM – Training Group A
• 12:30 PM – Timed Session for Group B
• 2:30 PM – Timed Session for Group A
Cross Country will have three practice sessions:
• 9:00 AM – Women only
• 11:00 AM – All riders
• 1:00 PM – Men only
A press conference featuring Nino Schurter will be held at 5:00 PM. The 4X Pro Tour night session will then kick off at 7:30 PM with free practice, followed by qualifiers at 9:00 PM.
MEDAL RACE SCHEDULE
Friday, June 20
• 3:45 PM – U23 Women Short Track
• 4:25 PM – U23 Men Short Track
• 5:30 PM – Elite Women Short Track
• 6:10 PM – Elite Men Short Track
• 9:00 PM – 4X Pro Tour Finals
Saturday, June 21
• 10:50 AM – Junior Women Downhill
• 11:20 AM – Junior Men Downhill
• 12:15 PM – Elite Women Downhill
• 1:10 PM – Elite Men Downhill
Sunday, June 22
• 9:00 AM – U23 Women Cross Country
• 11:00 AM – Elite Women Cross Country
• 1:30 PM – Elite Men Cross Country
• 3:30 PM – U23 Men Cross Country
Tickets for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Val di Sole are available at a discounted presale rate until 11:59 PM on Friday, June 20, at www.valdisolebikeland.com
. Entry is free for children under 12 (born before April 30, 2013), and as always, access is free on Friday, June 20 (Short Track and 4X races), as well as on all days dedicated to training and qualifying.
