The spotlight on the World Cup season has recently gone out; it's time to analyze what the surprises were and what the confirmations were.
The surprises of the DH
The real surprise of this 2022 is the australian Andrew Kolb. The boy from the Atherton team made an important leap forward, taking a fourth place overall, in addition to the European champion jersey. A double result on which few would have bet at the beginning of the season. But in addition to Andreas this season is also that of the definitive affirmation of the young promise Finn Iles. The twenty-three year old Canadian in which Specialized has been investing for 3 seasons, has reached a very important competitive maturity, which has allowed him to get on the third step of the overall podium.
Another rider who has hit a season to be framed is Bernard Kerr. The Englishman for years at the Pivot team has found that continuity of results that allowed him to grab the fifth position in the Cup overall.
In the women's field, however, there were no surprises, with the athletes who simply shuffled the cards a bit, but without new entries. Well the Italians, with Eleonora Farina fifth and Veronika Widman seventh.
Who gets off
Scrolling through the results the name that more than others certainly stands out is that of Loic Bruni. The current world champion did not shine in the Cup. From him, in addition to the victory of the world champion, also an injury that prevented him from being competitive throughout the season. Another rider who has disappeared from the results is the former world champion Reece wilson. The English rider suspended the activity for several months, greeting everyone via social media, but without giving precise explanations on the reasons that led him to make this decision. It reappeared in Val di Sole and we hope to be able to see it competitive again for 2023.
Several names that for various reasons have had a troubled season, Da Remi Thirion a Troy Brosnan passing through Danny Hart who had to run to his family.
Staying in the top ten in the World Cup has become very difficult. The high level of competitiveness requires athletes to always be at their best, both physically and especially mentally.
A look into the future
This season two young riders have emerged who have shown a continuity and above all a speed that already places them very close to the absolute top ten. The Junior World Champion, the British William Jordan and the Canadian from the syndicate team Jackson Goldstone, in some cases they set absolute times, with the second allowing himself to win the Red Bull Hardline, HERE the report
