Leogang hat-trick for the "Gwinner" Aaron Gwin

Leogang is and remains the World Cup race of great stories and is therefore closely associated with a man who - with or without a broken bike - simply seems unbeatable here: the US American Aaron Gwin celebrated his Leogang hat-trick today, the fourth of his 17 World Cup successes in the Pinzgau bike mecca.

The final showdown in the men's event could hardly have been more exciting. Frenchman Loris Vergier, who finished fifth in qualifying, led the way with an extremely risky run. "A really good run. I pushed really hard and gave it my all."  With a lead of almost three seconds at the finish, it was "all in" for the remaining three fastest qualifiers at the start - full risk. But both Australian Troy Brosnan and World Cup leader Greg Minnaar failed to beat the time set by last year's runner-up.  Only Aaron Gwin, who was the fastest in qualifying and therefore the last rider to start the race, made up hundredths of a second on the fast Frenchman over the course of the race. The American became only the fifth downhiller to win three times in a row at the same venue and was crowned King of Leogang: "I love being here. It's been a year since my last World Cup win and I have no words for it. The course was pretty dry, it was a really wild ride. I made a few mistakes at the top, but it was a real racer's run that was right on the limit and a great weekend for me overall."

 
Austrians left behind in the field

David Trummer and Markus Pekoll, the two remaining Austrians in the final, had no say in the field of the fastest racers today. David Trummer finished as the best Austrian in 24th place. The Styrian started in 31st place in qualifying with two top intermediate times, but a mistake shortly before the flat section cost him valuable seconds: "A stupid mistake at the wrong time. I slipped off the pedal in the bend, got stuck for a moment and almost came off my bike. But the speed would have been there. You have to take risks on this track," says Trummer, who can also take a lot of positives from his Leogang performance: "It's amazing when the fans along the track shout your name. There are more and more spectators every year."  Markus Pekoll, who was in a promising 25th place after qualifying, ultimately ended up in a disappointing 41st place: "Unfortunately, I made a huge mistake and misjudged a jump. That was an absolute rookie mistake that shouldn't have happened," said the Styrian, annoyed.
 
 

First-time winner in the elite women's race

In the absence of record winner Rachel Atherton, the field of contenders for victory in the women's event was large. After Tracey Hannah had a clear lead over Great Britain's Tahnee Seagrave in yesterday's qualification, the eternal runner-up in the World Cup showed an impressive run today and celebrated her first ever World Cup success in the women's event: "It feels fantastic. Of course it's not the same without Rachel, but a win is a win and I'm just relieved. We've worked so hard, so this success is emotional for the whole team. I've always been a fan of Leogang, I grew up in a bike park myself. We need races like this one." Second place went to favourite Tracey Hannah, third place went to French rider Myriam Nicole.

Junior World Champion secures victory in the Juniors

With a true demonstration of power and a lead of 2.3 seconds, Canadian Junior World Champion Finnley Iles secured victory in the juniors - ahead of his strongest competitor, Great Britain's Matt Walker. Austria's hopeful Moritz Ribarich finished in 15th place and was disappointed: "Unfortunately, a few big mistakes crept in. The course here in Leogang doesn't really suit me, so I have to be satisfied with today's result." There was also a new winner from Lithuania in the juniors, Paula Zibasa, who kicked off the final downhill showdown in Leogang today.

New-old winning face at the 26TRIX

History was made last night at the gold event for slopestylers, the 26TRIX. For the first time, the title was defended by a rider with the victory of Italian Diego Cverzasi and for the first time, two Austrian riders also took part in the final: Austria's representatives Bernd Winkler and Markus Saurer finished in 17th and 20th place respectively.

Out of Bounds Festival - four event days - 22,000 spectators - record crowdThe organisers of the Saalfelden Leogang bike region are also celebrating the successful weekend and a record crowd: "22,000 spectators, more than ever before, were on site during the four days of the Out of Bounds Festival. We can of course be very proud of this," explains Saalfelden Leogang Touristik Managing Director Marco Pointner. The Downhill World Cup took place in Saalfelden Leogang for the seventh time. 150 accredited journalists from 16 nations reported on site. One thing is already certain: great downhill sport will also be on offer in Leogang in the next three years. The World Cup has been secured for the next two years, and the Downhill World Championships will return to Leogang in 2020: "We were able to put on a perfect dress rehearsal again this year, a big thank you goes to the entire team," says Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Bergbahnen Leogang. The date for next year's World Cup has also already been set for 7 to 10 June 2018.