After 5 test runs and a track walk the feedback is more than positive for the La Thuile Valle D'Aosta track: “it can aspire to become among the best in the series”.
Source: press release
Last Saturday, La Thuile, in the Aosta Valley, hosted a long-awaited moment: the first test of the new track downhill, with exceptional protagonists such as world champion Loris Vergier, multiple champion and winner of the 2024 World Cup Loïc Bruni and the young promise Mylann Falquet.
The La Thuile staff, busy finalizing the work before the winter in view of the competitions in July 2025, wanted to take advantage of this crucial moment to receive the first feedback from the top riders. “It is an appointment that we have been waiting for a long time,” explained Enrico Martello, manager of the course. “We started working on the field in June and now, with the track almost finished, the time has come to turn the first wheels and understand the riding sensations.”
The test involved the team of trailbuilders from La Thuile led by Enrico Martello, with the support of the Trail Works company, which collaborated in the construction of the track. The three riders faced 5 complete descents, followed by a careful track walk.
The approach was really serious and very attentive. From the first moments it was clear that the three riders felt part of the development and completion process of the track and with dedication and professionalism they made themselves available from the early hours of the morning until dusk.
“It’s not every day that you get to ride and work on a newly-laid track, with virgin terrain and with structures and jumps to be opened for the first time. It’s exciting, we’re privileged,” said Loïc Bruni during the track walk. He continued, “We want to try to use all our experience and sensitivity to ensure that the track is in the best possible condition right from its debut.”
The day then developed progressively with a “Cup” approach. If in the first descents we focused on individual passages and lines, the last run was complete from top to bottom without stops and also allowed the first references on the overall travel time.
The course, described as a balanced mix of worked sections and natural sections, immediately impressed the athletes for its technicality and potential for evolution. “We suggested some changes to the details,” said Loïc Bruni. “The track is already crazy and could become a favorite on the circuit.”
“Today we worked imagining how the track will evolve over time. Run after run and especially following the tests, rocks and roots will quickly come to light. In this way the technical level will increase offering many different line opportunities as well as a guaranteed show” explains Loris Vergier.
Among the passages that left their mark was the “Shanghai” section, characterized by a series of artificial banked curves on a very steep mountain section that alternate with natural portions. However, the real highlight of the day was the “road gap”, an imposing 13,5-meter jump with a take-off at 5,5 meters high. After two speed check runs, the three riders closed the gap in sequence with precision, providing a moment of great spectacle.
The day also allowed us to make other types of assessments. The DMC cable car will be the facility dedicated to the ascents of the athletes of the downhill, while the Bosco Express chairlift will be reserved for the public and for the Enduro World Cup race.
The next opportunity to test the track will be at the beginning of November, when it will be the women's turn to test the track and provide input to the building crew: Myriam Nicol, Eleonora Farina and Veronica Widman.
Further details and especially data about the route will be released later once the work is completed.
With such positive feedback, La Thuile is preparing to offer breathtaking races and pure adrenaline and to become one of the reference places not only for Enduro, but also for downhill world.