Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifiers | Lesotho and Aigle 2024
Photos Merihyoky Photography (Lesotho) | 360DSM (Aigle)
Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifiers | Lesotho and Aigle 2024
Photos Merihyoky Photography (Lesotho) | 360DSM (Aigle)
The 2024 series has only just begun and it’s already been a busy week in the world of the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championship qualifiers. Just recently, the qualifiers rolled into Lesotho, Africa, and then almost instantly turned its gaze to Europe, and the Aigle track at the UCI headquarters.
Lesotho | 27 April
In the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and the Pump for Peace qualifier, Khothalang Leuta made it count this year as she secured her ticket to the World Final in some tight racing in a time of 19.59 against newcomer and local Maseru rider, Katleho Ralenono who finished her final run in 19.62 seconds. A third place for Mampoka Popane in 23.42 seconds.
On the men’s side of the draw, Sebastian Mendez travelled all the way from Chile to snatch his World Final ticket in a time of 17.09! You’ve got to applaud the commitment! South African rider Doran Mathewson grabbed second, with a time of 17.71, and Roma rider, Putsetso Lekau, flying the Lesotho flag high for third place in a time of 18.06.
As you would expect, the level of riding is progressing rapidly in Lesotho, we’re looking forward to seeing how they fair when the World finals roll around at the end of the season.
WOMEN:
1: Khothalang Leuta
2: Katleho Ralenono
3: Mampoka Popane
4: Kabelo Mpharoane
MEN:
1: Sebastian Mendez
2: Doran Mathewson
3: Pusetso Lekau
4: Khotso Mosala
Aigle | 4 May
In Aigle, Switzerland, we got the first glimpse of the reigning World Champion, Christa von Niederhäusern, on that stunning custom Staystrong bike, and she did not disappoint. Christa turned in an outstanding performance, securing the top spot … essentially untouchable yet again! Can anyone dethrone the three-time World Champion in 2024? It certainly won’t be an easy task!
Meanwhile, Katja Stupbar and Amelia Kisskova from Slovakia, alongside Lena Schneider from Switzerland, fiercely battled for the remaining podium positions. All earing the right to race at the World finals.
The men’s final was an absolute nail-biter, brimming with unexpected twists and turns in a field overflowing with pump track experience! Despite intense competition, Tristan Borel from Switzerland, a now veteran of the series, emerged as the ultimate winner, delivering a flawless run and shattering the 20-second barrier! Italy’s Mattia Costerman exhibited remarkable skill, securing second place, while Tanguy Grandjean displayed sheer speed and determination to claim third place! France’s Thibault Dupont, a favourite, made a critical mistake in the quarter finals, missing out in the semis against Sirio Grüning.
WOMEN:
1: Christa von Niederhäusern
2: Katja Stupbar
3: Amelia Kisskova
4: Lena Schneider
MEN:
1: Tristan Borel
2: Mattia Costerman
3: Tanguy Grandjean
4: Sirio Grüning
The series rolls into Ainsa, Spain on the 26th of May, it’s all starting to heat up now! See the upcoming qualifiers HERE.
For all the latest info. on the series, check out the links below …
Velosolutions UCI Pump Track: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Velosolutions: Website | Instagram | Facebook
UCI: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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