Vergier Charges to 2nd at La Thuile as Team Riders Deliver Big in the Alps

Monster Energy brought the fire to the fifth stop of the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, with Loris Vergier leading the charge to a second-place finish in the Elite Men’s division. Battling through rain-soaked conditions and a stacked international field, the 28-year-old Frenchman delivered a clutch performance on one of the most technical tracks of the season.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aosta Valley, La Thuile made its World Cup debut with a course that tested even the most seasoned riders. At 4,740 feet above sea level, the steep, rocky terrain and unpredictable weather created a high-stakes environment where experience and precision were everything.

Loris Vergier Battles the Elements for a Podium Finish

Vergier, riding for Monster Energy, dropped in late in the final after a weekend of mostly dry conditions turned wet just before his run. Navigating slick corners and blown-out berms, he stayed composed while others faltered, crossing the line with a time of 3:27.738—good enough for second place and his first podium of the 2025 season.

“It was an all-or-nothing race with the conditions we had,” said Vergier. “You had to be really confident that your line would hold.”

The Frenchman credited his experience and mental preparation for staying focused under pressure:

“I knew from the get-go that I had to try hard to push the pace and take those risks. The dust was crazy to navigate, and the corners were blowing up, so it wasn’t easy to stick to your line.”

He also reflected on the emotional weight of the result:

“I’m so proud of this result—it’s been a long time since I last podiumed. I’m really glad to be back and fighting at the top! Let’s keep it going.”

The result catapults Vergier to third overall in the season standings with 746 points, putting him firmly in the title hunt as the series heads into its second half.

Young Guns and Veteran Grit: Monster Energy Riders Stack the Top 5

Also making headlines was Lachie Stevens-McNab, the 21-year-old rising star from Rotorua, New Zealand. Stevens-McNab laid down a blistering run of 3:30.220, holding the hot seat until teammate Vergier bumped him to fourth. It marked his best result of the season and moved him up to 12th in the overall standings with 376 points.

“It’s a huge confidence boost,” said Stevens-McNab. “I’ve been working hard to break into that top tier, and today showed I can hang with the best.”

In the Elite Women’s division, Monster Energy’s Camille Balanche showed her trademark consistency and grit. The 35-year-old Swiss rider was in podium contention through the first three splits, ultimately finishing fifth with a time of 4:02.238. She now holds fourth place overall with 670 points, just ahead of teammate Marine Cabirou.

“It was a tough track, especially in the final section,” said Balanche. “But I’m happy with the fight and where I stand in the rankings.”

A Weekend to Remember in La Thuile

Beyond the racing, La Thuile delivered a festival-like atmosphere with concerts, fan activations, and a passionate crowd that embraced the World Cup’s first-ever visit to the region. The energy was electric, and Monster Energy’s presence was felt both on and off the track.

With five rounds down and six to go, the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup is heating up. Next stop: Pal Arinsal, Andorra, from July 9–13, where the battle for the podium continues.