World Cup Downhill 2024 - Everything You Need To Know And A Little Bit You Don't
The countdown to the 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup season opener at Scotland's legendary Fort William is on and ahead of the big show, we have some thoughts on that race and the season as a whole.
First, let's just start by talking about how to actually watch the races this year. Warner Discovery took over UCI coverage a few years ago and since then the broadcast has bounced around a bit, but this year - in the U.S. - you can find it on the Bleacher Report extension of HBO's streaming platform, MAX. Plans range from $19.98 to $25.98.
In Canada, FloBikes will be the primary carrier with plans ranging from $29.99 a month to $12.50 a month with an annual subscription.
This World Cup season more than any could use a little background info.
There will be a lot of familiar faces on different bikes this year.
We have reported at length on the staggering amount of team changes and injuries that took place over this last offseason and what those have set up is an exciting World Cup season, to say the least. But, what exactly do these changes mean and will they translate to a shakeup in the pecking order for the sport's top racers?
It depends on who you ask. Every racer is looking for marginal gains and in a sport where the top riders are separated by mere milliseconds, any advantage counts. So, most racers would tell you that their new team and the new tech they're on is going to be an improvement.
But on the other hand, as Tahnee Seagrave adeptly pointed out on the Gypsy Tales podcast, there is no perfect body type or bike in this sport and that is part of what makes it so special. No one racer has a distinct advantage over the other so, we may not see anything too out of the ordinary this season in terms of racers gaining or losing ground solely because of the bike they are now on.
Now for the fun part: Predictions!
As I said, it's been a busy offseason, and with injuries sidelining major players - namely, Jackson Goldstone - the door is open for those on the cusp to wiggle onto the box.
First, I bet we see Dakotah Norton take home at least three podiums this season and finally get that elusive World Cup gold. He ended last season on a heater and has been carrying that over through the first major race of 2024, so I don't think it's far-fetched to have high hopes for him this year.
Next, there is the obvious elephant in the room: Amaury Pierron is back. Amaury, when he's healthy, is an obvious contender for the podium at any event, especially the French courses, which there are several of this year.
My wildcard pick for the first round in Fort Bill is another racer coming off some lengthy injuries, Reece Wilson. He has had success here in the past and how cool would it be to see him take a win in his first Elite level race also on home soil?
Another one who I think will be a surging up and comer is Ryan Pinkerton. The young American has been getting faster as the years go on and I wouldn't be surprised to see him slot into some top 10's and top 5's this season.
Of course, Charlie Hatton should be considered when talking about winning races in Fort William as well. The reigning World Champ is also getting faster by the day. Really, there are so many possible contenders in this race and for this season that it really could be anyone's race.
On the women's side, Vali Höll is the obvious pick not only for Fort William but for everything this year. She is the only female racer right now that has a shot at touching Rachel Atherton's perfect season and this year would be as good as any for that.
All in all, we are poised to see an exciting year of racing so stay tuned for the coverage of each World Cup stop as they roll out.
Related: Interview: Dakotah Norton Talks About The New Mondraker DH Team
