The 2019 downhill season finally arrived and kicked off with the first round of the iXS European DH Cup at the legendary venue of Maribor.
With the first World Cup next week on the same course, a lot of big teams already made their way to Slovenia for final adjustments and to get into racing mode. Sunny weather and a proper downhill track made for a good weekend of racing. Even though Aaron Gwin and Tahneé Seagrave both pulled out of the race to focus on next weekend, the competition was at a high point when the clock started ticking.
Tracey Hannah dominated the Elite Women's field and took the win with almost 4 seconds up on Nina Hoffmann, who had an impressive ride. Local hero Mona Hrastnik took 3rd.
Madison Saracen was the team of the day clinching a double win with Matt Walker and Danny Hart taking the first two Elite Men spots.
Pictured above - Matt Walker is coming of age and is proving that practice and training pay off. The Brit took a win today by just .08 giving him confidence for a the World Cup week ahead. -Rick Schubert
