Race Report - World Cup #7: Les Gets

Photo Credit: Nathan Hughes, Insta: @Nathhughesphoto

If there’s one thing we know about Les Gets, it’s that this track is never boring. This year’s World Cup stop in the French Alps delivered the goods once again, with brand-new sections, treacherous conditions, and a level of chaos that kept riders and mechanics on their toes from the first practice run to finals day.

We rolled into Les Gets with a few changes to the squad. Juan “the man” Muñoz was sidelined with injury, but we were buzzing to welcome Asian Downhill Champion Mila Khaqimah for her first-ever World Cup race. On top of that, we had the long-awaited return of Joe Breeden, back between the tape after rehabbing his knee like a champ. The energy in the pits was high, and everyone was ready to face what would become one of the season’s wildest races.

The Track: Steep, Slick, and Unforgiving

The Les Gets track builders had been busy. Sector 2 saw new off-camber sections, tighter corners, and creative line changes to slow riders down. But Mother Nature had her own plans, dumping buckets of rain throughout the week. By Friday, what started as tacky French loam turned into thick, clingy clay that clung to tires, shoes, and everything in between.

Momentum was everything. Lose a bit of speed in a rut or slide out in a greasy corner, and it was game over. Riders had to be smooth, calculated, and fearless to keep the bike rolling. By race day, the track was a patchwork of drying lines, axle-deep slop, and polished roots, making every run a gamble and every clean section a victory.

Mechanic Jon Stout summed it up perfectly:

“The focus this week was simple: keep the bikes clean, brakes dry, and vision clear. The mud was so heavy we had to pressure wash after nearly every run. Rotor guards, rain tear-offs, and constant maintenance were key. It was old-school downhill grit out there.”

The Racing: Resilience on Display

Despite the carnage, our squad held their ground and delivered some seriously impressive results:

• Joe Breeden – 10th in Finals

  Joe’s comeback story just keeps getting better. After crashing out in La Thuile earlier this year, he stormed back to snag a career-best 10th place in Les Gets.

  “I didn’t think I’d race again this season, so to come back and land a top ten is unreal. I’m stoked!”

• Mille Johnset – 7th in Finals

  Mille once again showed her consistency and composure, laying down a confident run to finish 7th in the Elite Women’s race.

  “The week was tough—weather, track changes, race prep, all of it. But I rode well, stayed focused, and it paid off.”

• Lou Ferguson – 7th in Qualifying 2

  Lou’s speed is there, no question. The wet conditions made it tricky to put down a heater, but a top-10 qualifier shows she’s in the mix.

  “It was a proper test this week, but the speed’s there. I just need to push harder when the track’s changing this much.”

• Mila Khaqimah – 20th in Q2

  Mila’s debut World Cup was a baptism by mud, but she proved why she’s a champ back home. She stayed cool, finished both qualifying runs, and soaked up every bit of experience.

  “Racing in Europe for the first time was amazing. The track was so wet and cold, but I learned so much and can’t wait for more.”

• Oscar Griffiths – 68th in Q2

  Oscar fought hard, but the track didn’t give him an inch this weekend.

  “Les Gets took no prisoners this year. Not my best weekend, but being back with the team for this last block of races makes it worth it.”

Team Spirit and Takeaways

The results speak for themselves: two top-ten finishes in conditions that humbled even the most seasoned pros. The mechanics and support crew put in a herculean effort, washing, wrenching, and strategizing to keep the riders in the fight.

The weekend wasn’t just about results; it was about grit, teamwork, and proving our program’s depth. This momentum is exactly what we need as we roll into World Championships. If Les Gets was the storm, we’re heading into the next race stronger and more prepared than ever.