Lisa Baumann and Simon Chapelet, New European Downhill MTB Champions in La Molina

For three days, the roar of bikes and the cheers of the crowd set the rhythm in La Molina. The European Downhill MTB Championship transformed the resort into a natural amphitheater, where each turn of the Comella DH was a challenge and a story of endurance.

The course, with a 411-meter vertical drop and 2.3-kilometer extension, proved to be demanding and fast. Neither the weather, nor the dedication of the 420 riders, nor the passion of the 12,000 spectators positioned at the most strategic points along the track, failed the competition, creating both a competitive and festive atmosphere. The grand final, held on Sunday at midday, capped an unforgettable weekend.

Chapelet and Baumann: A Descent to Glory

Simon Chapelet (France) arrived without completing Saturday's qualifying, but certain he could fight for the top spot. He proved it by descending in 2:57:08, improving on the weekend's best time and surpassing the reigning champion, Austrian Andreas Kolb. Frenchman Johan Garcin completed the podium with only a few tenths of a second difference. Among our own, Daniel Castellanos secured a notable tenth place, buoyed by the roar of the Girona crowd.

In the women's category, Swiss Lisa Baumann left no room for doubt. She descended with solidity and precision, with a time of 3:26:31 that allowed her to revalidate her European title ahead of Gloria Scarsi (Italy) and Vicky Clavel (France). Cristina Menéndez, the best Spaniard, crossed in 8th position, with a solid performance in the competition.

Between Injuries and Confidence

Both champions shared their feelings after the victory. Chapelet, visibly pleased, explained that pain in his quadriceps after a fall did not prevent him from arriving with accumulated energy. "I saw the qualifying times and I knew I could be close," he confessed. The challenging and technical course became more natural with each descent.

Baumann, emotional to tears, recalled that she had broken her clavicle just two months prior. "Perhaps this medal is the most important of my career," she confessed after dominating a track that offered no easy breaks. Her evolution during the race was constant, finding rhythm and confidence until she crossed the finish line as champion.

A Championship That Marks Its Territory

La Molina, owned by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, solidifies its position as a reference point on the European mountain biking map. The organization, atmosphere, and level of the riders have raised the bar for what a continental championship can offer.