Semi-Final Results from the Val Di Sole DH World Cup 2023

Jul 1, 2023
by Ed Spratt  
The results are in from the wild semi-finals in Val Di Sole.

First up in the packed schedule of racing today was the Elite Women and the track was running slightly slower as Vali Höll went fastest with a time of 4:14.414, a difference of around three seconds compared to the fastest qualifier.

Vali Höll looked to be dominant out on track as she went second through the first two splits before building momentum to take the lead from split three to the line. Camille Balanche fought back from a big crash in practice to end her semi-final run 3.686 back in 2nd. Gracey Hemstreet continues to show her strength during her first year of elite racing as she goes third.

Loris Vergier tamed the black snake as he managed the fastest run besting fastest qualifier Jordan Williams by one second.

The Trek Factory Racing rider was sitting between 2nd and 3rd until the final two sectors where he took the lead and the semi-final win. Loris Vergier faced some tough competition as once again Jordan Williams started slower before building his speed at the bottom to take 2nd. Jordan did seem to have lost some pressure in his rear tire so he should have some room for improvement in finals. Finn Iles made it two Specialized riders in the top three as he looked strong on course with a difference of only 1.145 seconds to Loris Vergier.

Check out the results below.


Results:


Elite Women

1st. Vali Höll: 4:14.414
2nd. Camille Balanche: 4:18.100
3rd. Gracey Hemstreet: 4:18.764
4th. Jess Blewitt: 4:18.783
5th. Marine Cabirou: 4:20.288

Elite Men

1st. Loris Vergier: 3:35.394
2nd. Jordan Williams: 3:36.434
3rd. Finn Iles: 3:36.539
4th. Jackson Goldstone: 3:36.595
5th. Andreas Kolb: 3:37.479



The Elite Women's Race as it Happened

Live Race Updates:

1:45 am PDT: The Elite Women's Race is Now Underway
The Elite Women's semi-finals kick off with Sian A'Hern starting proceedings.

1:50 am PDT: Sian A'Hern Crosses the Line with a 4:31.343
The first time of the day is 4:31.343, this is around 20 seconds back from the top qualifying time. We are hearing that Camille Balanche had a big crash in practice this morning, we will provide an update on what happened as soon as we hear any news.

1:54 am PDT: Veronika Widmann Takes 2nd Place So Far
Veronika Widmann was looking quick through the first three splits but she loses a lot of time at the bottom to go into 2nd, 0.348 back.

1:56 am PDT: Tahnee Seagrave Goes Fastest by 1.7 Seconds
Tahnee Seagrave is back on great form as she takes the hot seat holding the race lead through every split.

1:57 am PDT: A Crash for Phoebe Gale
Phoebe Gale slides out in the second split dropping to over 19 seconds back from teammate Tahnee. Luckily she doesn't look to be injured and makes her way down the rest of the course.

2:00 am PDT: Monika Hrastnik Builds Momentum to Take the Hot Seat by Over 4 Seconds
Monika Hrastnik has a slower top split before building momentum through the steeps to end her run over four and a half seconds up on Tahnee Seagrave.

2:01 am PDT: Nina Hoffmann Crashes in the Loose Conditions
Nina Hoffmann is taken out by the loose and dusty conditions in the woods as she goes down. Nina is having a tough season so far and sits in seventh after nine riders.

2:03 am PDT: A Wild Run for Gracey Hemstreet
Gracey Hemstreet destroys the previous top time as she now leads the semi-finals by 6.271 seconds.

2:07 am PDT: Marine Cabirou Slots into 2nd
Marine Cabirou is looking to be back on pace this weekend in Val Di Sole and goes into the finish area 1.5 seconds back.

2:09 am PDT: Jess Blewitt Loses Time at the Bottom to Take 2nd
Jess Blewitt was looking great through the splits but the final sector to the finish drops her 0.019 seconds back.

2:12 am PDT: Vali Höll Takes the Lead
Vali Höll is looking dominant as she sets the fastest time so far by 4.350 seconds. Camille Balanche has started her run following a crash in practice.

2:13 am PDT: Camille Balanche Goes 2nd
Camille Balanche can't match Vali Höll in the second half of the course and take a 2nd place in semi-finals.




The Elite Men's Race as it Happened

Live Race Updates:

2:20 am PDT: Thibault Laly Kick Starts the Elite Men's Race
Thibault Laly is the first out of the start hut for the elite men's semi-finals.

2:25 am PDT: Thibault Laly Crosses the line with a 3:55.484
Thibault Laly sets the first time of the day but we ar still around 20 seconds off the fastest qualifying time.

2:27 am PDT: Jack Piercy Goes Fastest
Jack Piercy sets the fastest time for far as he leads Luke Mumford by 2.765 seconds.

2:29 am PDT: Fernando Juan Munoz Takes the Lead
Fernando Juan Munoz is the latest rider to step into the hot seat as he goes 1.729 up.

2:34 am PDT: Antoine Rogge Takes the Hot Seat by 4.728 Seconds
Antoine Rogge takes the lead from the second split and builds it to the bottom ending his semi-final run over four and a half second up.

2:44 am PDT: After 20 Riders the top 5 are:
1st. Antoine Rogge: 3:42.125
2nd. Jakob Jewett: 3:43.539
3rd. Dante Silva: 3:45.007
4th. Fernando Juan Munoz: 3:46.853
5th. Kade Edwards: 3:47.214

2:52 am PDT: After 30 Riders the top 5 are:
1st. Antoine Rogge: 3:42.125
2nd. Angel Suarez: 3:43.186
3rd. Jakob Jewett: 3:43.539
4th. Baptiste Pierron: 3:43.887
5th. Dante Silva: 3:45.007

3:05 am PDT: After 40 Riders the top 5 are:
1st. Antoine Rogge: 3:42.125
2nd. Angel Suarez: 3:43.186
3rd. Mark Wallace: 3:43.401
4th. Jakob Jewett: 3:43.539
5th.Baptiste Pierron: 3:43.887

3:10 am PDT: After 30 Minutes We Have a New Leader as Finn Iles Goes 5 Seconds Up
Finn Iles puts down a great run as he goes over the line 5.5 seconds faster than Antoine Rogge and only 0.4 back on yesterday's fastest qualifying time.

3:13 am PDT: Loic Bruni Hits One of the Marking Pads
Loic Bruni was looking good at split one but a mistake sends him into the path of one of the course markings pads. Loic is protected so will make finals.

3:15 am PDT: Phil Atwill Flies Off the Course
We are not quite sure what happened but Phil Atwill has rocketed off the course. Phil manages to style it out but he will not be making finals.

3:19 am PDT: With 10 Riders Remaining the top 5 are:
1st. Finn Iles: 3:36.539
2nd. Thibaut Daprela: 3:37.766
3rd. Troy Brosnan: 3:39.304
4th. Matt Walker: 3:41.965
5th. Ronan Dunne: 3:41.981

3:22 am PDT: A Crash for Thomas Estaque
Thomas Estaque has a crash in the same spot as Loic Bruni as the course in Val Di Sole is fighting back.

3:26 am PDT: Loris Vergier Takes the Lead
Loris Vergier flies into the hot seat by just over a second.

3:32 am PDT: With 5 Riders Remaining the top 5 are:
1st. Loris Vergier: 3:35.394
2nd. Finn Iles: 3:36.539
3rd. Andreas Kolb: 3:37.479
4th. Thibaut Daprela: 3:37.766
5th. Troy Brosnan: 3:39.304

3:34 am PDT: A Big Crash for Charlie Hatton
Charlie Hatton has a nightmare crash in the woods, it's great to see him sitting up after that big off.

3:38 am PDT: Jackson Goldstone Goes 3rd
Jackson Goldstone powers his way down the course to end his run 1.2 back from Loris Vergier.

3:39 am PDT: There's No Timing for Laurie Greenland
We are not sure what's happened but there is no timing for Laurie Greenland. We will provide an update when we have it.

3:42 am PDT: Jordan Williams Takes 2nd
Jordan Williams takes 2nd place, one second behind semi-final winner Loris Vergier despite a flat rear tire.

3:43 am PDT: Laurie Greenland has a DNF
Laurie Greenland is making his way down the course outside the tape after issues during his run.



Full Results:


Elite Women

photo


Elite Men

photo
photo


Finals Start List:


Elite Women

photo

Elite Men

photo



Posted In:
Racing and Events DH Racing Results World Cup DH Val Di Sole World Cup Dh 2023


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79 Comments
  • 45 8
 The lack of knowledge of not just DH but also bikes from this new commentary duo is a disgrace they need to be replaced straight away
  • 9 0
 Many here have commented saying Cedric is experienced and knowledgeable, as he should be, since his role in the duo is to be the insider with the info. I can't disagree with that at all, but it's just not coming through at all in his commentary. I feel like at least partially it's a language thing as he's often clearly trying to find the right words, but also it takes skill to bring that knowledge (casually) into the commentary, instead of just repeating verbally what is seen on the screen. I also understand the commentary in general needing to be more "easier" and approachable to appeal to the new MTB viewers Discovery is hoping to pull in. However, now there isn't much insight included to appeal to the ones who've been already watching the sport for years. Whether the style of the commentators work is a lot about personal preference, but the content could and should be worked on to make it more balanced and informative for everyone watching. We're now stuck with Discovery at least until what, 2027(?) so at least there's time to get these sorted.
  • 18 1
 They are getting worse, not better. Audio on mute after juniors yesterday. No knowledge, no research, just keep jibberin. FFS
  • 6 0
 Every single rider in the mens elite was losing time in increments of around 1.5 or 2 seconds each split apart from Jordan Williams who posted almost exactly the same difference from Vergier from top to bottom (around +0.5 every split) Doesn't that tells them something to commentate on? That there is just a rider that is capable of going down the whole track with such a consistency? Have they read the analysis PB did yesterday? I think they should instead of repeating IS ON THE MOVE!!!
  • 5 1
 Cedric left the commentary box towards the end of the semis - it was absolutely soothing once he'd gone. Simple as that.
  • 26 1
 also the time split when riders cross the finish line is just brutally bad. just f*ckin highlight it with red or green, why does it blend into the background? the f*ck are y'all doing
  • 22 2
 i gave the benefit of the doubt for discovery and GCN so i bought 1 month as got 3 races...we are 3 rounds in and the commentary is still terrible... do these guys just fly in minutes before the semi's start and fly out as soon as possible?(after leaving after juniors lol) Theres just no connection between the commentators and the riders... rob used to go hang out with the riders and get that connection and understand where each rider was headspace wise and condition etc.

i wouldnt hire these guys to do my kids footy commentary infact i think id rather have noone so im glad they added the option to turn these ear sores off.
  • 1 0
 I did the same (ish) and got Discovery for a month (as GCN+) doesn't work on Roku, so I thought at least I can watch it on Eurosport on Prime.

The first 2 rounds shown on Eurosport had no commentary at all (obviously it's debatable whether that's a plus or a minus, personally for me I prefer to have commentary however not ideal it might be).

On to this weekend, I found the lite W
women's final and, lo and behold, it has commentary! Hooray!

Then I went to watch the men's final and found the semi-final. And no final. No final at all. Simply not there. Went and looked twice and thrice and nope, no men's final at all.

Went on YouTube and saw Jackson Goldstone Winning Run. Watched the (very shoddy, unlike the Enduro highlights there is no additional commentary around just showing a bunch of key runs) highlights vid.



So that's that. Definitely won't be paying for any more, that's me done with watching the only sporting event I give a toss about watching at all. Roll on World Champs, at least that'll be on the BBC. Genuinely really gutted.
  • 1 0
 @alexhyland: I got discovery and signed into the discovery plus site online, all the coverage is there no problems (apart from it being a bit shit but I think it'll improve with time) hope you find a way to watch it, don't give up yet!
  • 1 0
 @woodrat: alas man, I'm not paying to watch it on my computer - if a huge multinational can't sort this out this much they don't need my money and I don't want to give it to them.

They've made it clear the DGAF about the DH, for all the faff I will PIRATE IT on my computer with a clear conscience.
  • 18 4
 Hate the new fomat, track coverage is terrible (start 30 secs and last 20 secs for the Elite Women), terrible commentary (even though I really like Cedric), and overall a much less engaging spectacle. Which we now have t0 pay for! (I refuse to).

Sorry, but the new format and coverage is a real step backwards and will do nothing for DH popularity on the world stage.
  • 2 1
 You don't have to pay for the semifinal. In the final the start intervals are different and coverage of each run will be better.
  • 5 7
 Track coverage is better than it ever was with Red Bull, because we get full runs from top to bottom in the final. I kinda agree with the rest though.
  • 4 1
 I agree the semi final is poor and kind of pointless but the final is way better. I'm not saying its better than it used to be because its clearly not, I've paid £30 for the year and I think its easily worth it.
  • 3 0
 @Nuss-95: Yeah atleast for the top 20 riders there is twice as many cameras. The problem isn't the Cameras it's the studio.
  • 6 0
 I still don't get what the semi final is for
  • 1 1
 Good the lift lines are already too long.
  • 15 3
 So is anybody here to discuss the race?
So much Broadcast experts here, but no riders...
Loris run was so light, technical and controled ! Lace work right here !
Also very impress by Finn strengh, you can see in his riding style he grained muscle last years.
Really steady and strong, he's his the closest to Bruni's style. (but he's more stylish on jumps)
And the two kids are juste at the corner !! that's incredible !
The game is gonna stepup quickly this year.
  • 3 1
 Jordan I reckon. He had a flat in semi's and still set a time.
  • 2 4
 also the commentators suck the format is boring and tbh i fell asleep during semis so couldn't comment on riding anyway!!
  • 2 1
 I ve met Finn in morzine earlier this year and he s proper fit.And super nice chill guy
  • 15 1
 (clock shows -2.5s)
> Ric: oh no he's BACK 2.5s
> Cedric: *kid from The Wild Thornberrys noises*
  • 15 0
 I don't love the new format. There I said it.
  • 15 5
 I think GCN+ have been reading the comments on the not very good at commentating Cedric bloke.. you can choose to watch the live feed with no commentary.. great .. don’t care how good he was at racing,don’t care it’s changed from Rob Warner,he’s the most annoying commentator I’ve ever heard
  • 3 1
 Live feed with ambiet sound has been an option since Lenzerheide.
  • 7 4
 He actually had some good background commentary about the riders when I was watching.
  • 3 6
 @pisgahgnar: I was thinking the same! He is definitely improving, I like it!
  • 12 1
 WTF is going on with the broadcast, skipping 4 sections (Finn), missing Greenlands run completely.
And im paying for this s**t!
  • 1 0
 Greenland went down hard and likely didn't stand up again. So they didn't show it. They didn't show Charlie Hatton, until he got up on his own.
  • 1 0
 Laurie crashed early
  • 4 0
 The coverage definitely isn't getting better so far. I get it that with the semis there's less time to show everyone, but yeah it's a bit strange they don't manage to show all runs equally (like the case with Finn). There's been a lot of the cameras losing the rider in the earlier races as well, either the camera crew not being able to follow them correctly or the director(?) choosing the completely wrong camera views, but it's getting ridiculous indeed missing Greenland completely as well as Hatton, who was shown at the start, then the cameras cut to showing the scenery and all of a sudden we got a "replay" of his crash.
  • 3 1
 @donimo:
yeah or maybe it's just a question of courtesy and respect for a rider to not show them on the live feed before making sure they're not insured after having a crash.

Are you paying to watch a race or to see people get hurt?
  • 3 0
 @Nuss-95: I completely understand cameras cutting away after a crash if it looks bad, but this thing with apparently the feed coming out with a decent delay and them switching to aerial views in advance instead of showing someone crashing makes it hard to follow. Now all we saw was Greenland exiting one camera (staying on track), then all of a sudden we're shown the scenery and Goldstone in the finish area looking equally confused and the commentators also not saying anything about a crash, leaving everyone guessing if there was a crash or if something happened with the camera feed.
  • 2 0
 @donimo: Yeah the commenters should have said something. But it's not like Red Bull wasn't also showing random aerial shots when someone crashed hard...
  • 2 0
 @relaxdude: I'm paying to be able to follow what happens in the race. Like said, I completely understand cutting away after or at the time of a crash, like it was already done with Red Bull. But now the feed is cut so much earlier on the track there's nothing hinting the viewers of the rider having issues which makes it confusing, especially since the coverage/ cameras shown aren't always correctly following the riders in general. Especially since it seems the information isn't reaching the commentators in time either and they just casually move onto the next rider shown.
  • 1 0
 @donimo: the semis are free on YouTube so you don’t have to pay if you don’t enjoy it. Finals coverage is much much better with less riders
  • 1 0
 @JNZ: The coverage wasn't the issue here for OP either I assume, but in general showing some runs more than others. Like I said already in my first comment I personally have no issue with the semi runs being closer together and therefore shown less, but showing some riders more and some less for some unknown reason. As for the cameras not always being able to follow the riders or the director cutting away to scenic shots ahead of crashes isn't a semis thing either or related to how much of one run is shown.
  • 15 6
 I think everyone is being a little bit harsh. The Semi's are free and basically the standard of the old Red Bull on track coverage with worse but improving commentary. The finals are pretty damn good on track coverage and the commentators are getting better. Bear in mind Rob and Elliot and Tracy had a learning curve to go through so keep those fingers crossed that this is the same.
  • 6 1
 Sorry but no. These guys come across as not even making an effort, where you could always tell Rob, Elliot and Tracy put time into researching stats and rider backgrounds. They also seemed to make an effort to know most of the riders, where these guys seem to just show up the day of the event and fly by the seat of their pants.
  • 6 1
 There's no improving when someone's not the right person for the job, it's clear
  • 1 0
 @Widgets I totally agree. its the first year and the commentators are learning and doing the best they can. It will get better with time. People are a little too harsh on the commentators. Can't keep complaining about what we don't have.
  • 8 2
 Rob can never be replaced for those who have followed dh since freecaster and probably even newcomers with a season or two of Red Bull coverage. Perfect mix of excitement, knowledge and most importantly his heart is dh. Can’t fake that. I’d love to know the back story of him not commentating? Is it the Red Bull contract? Surely it was looked at by discovery, and obviously wheels fell off somewhere along the way..
  • 3 6
 Warner probably wanted decent money for doing it where as Cedric probably pays them?
  • 7 2
 @jayhex: Rob had a contract with Redbull that included 2023, other commentators like Bart didn't.
  • 5 0
 Second that as someone who is relatively new to the sport. I've watched seasons back to get up to speed and Rob makes a massive difference. If you've ever watched Worlds on BBC or a different channel it's almost a snooze fest without Rob. These guys aren't bad and they will get better but not as immersed in the world and it shows. Props to Vali for swearing twice in two races. These presenters need to know who they're dealing with!
  • 9 0
 @gcrider: Rob didn't have a contract. He called Chris Ball out on IG for saying that he did
  • 1 0
 @northernwig: Cheers for the heads up., I fell for the propaganda.
  • 2 2
 @northernwig: Chris never actually said that. I can’t recall what exactly what was said but he was not speaking clearly and essentially said we were talking but never got there. Rob took it the wrong way. I am a harsh critic of this new format and the commentary crew, but Rob was wrong.
  • 2 0
 @pisgahgnar: Chris said that they had a conversation with Rob, but he had a contract and it didn't work out. That's why Rob called him out. I would also say that the fact that Rob called him out suggests that Rob wanted to stay, but for whatever reason Chris/ESO/Discovery were not that keen on trying to keep him
  • 3 0
 The Semi finals has become the new Finals for me as a viewer. I never used to miss a race when Red Bull covered it, but just can't bring myself to pay another subscription service for the quality of the commentating and the crappy graphics. Happy that the Junior racing gets coverage though, hopefully that sees them get more support.
  • 1 0
 Google tiz cycling bro, I’ll pay if they get Rob back but otherwise there’s always a way…
  • 5 0
 Loris did that with so much style. Really underrated for his style that man.
  • 3 0
 One of the most light ,technical and precise for sure. His own weakness was mental. If he works on pressure management he is one on the best.
  • 1 0
 @Djibz: Yeah and he seems to be developing an almost Semenuk finesse now, great to watch.
  • 5 2
 i know Cedric is kinda new to this, but does he not have an EP in his ear to tell him to just stop yelling random shit that provides zero actual insight?
  • 1 1
 Discovery+ is free to all Sky subscribers in the UK. The App on the Sky Box is a little bit clunky but works. Red Bull TV doesn't work as well on the box. There are improvements, particularly the race coverage of the last few riders, although Crankworx Innsbruck DH had pretty good course coverage so maybe they are pushing each other.
  • 1 0
 Dunno how it is on Sky box, but with Discovery+ on Prime on Roku the men's final wasn't there to watch later (can't speak for live). Simply not there at all, what was marked as the men's final was the semi. So that's f*cked it as far as I'm concerned, won't be paying to watch any more.
  • 2 0
 @alexhyland: Yeah ignoring the commentary I've ended my Discovery subscription already because it's just too damn hard to find the replay you want to watch. I look on the channel and search on Prime over and over and it brings up the wrong show all the time. They literally have downhill shows with pics of the xc race in the thumb just to throw you off even more then when you do find what you think you were looking for it turns out to be the semis and the finals are nowhere to be seen! I'm done with it now. Does GCN have these issues?
  • 3 0
 Is The Hoff’ a protected rider today (hope so,love the Hoff’) ?
  • 4 0
 Yes, she's protected and will be in the finals. Phoebe and Mille miss out.
  • 1 0
 They should have told is that at the time - they cut instantly to the next rider without letting us know. Otherwise, the commentary is perfectly servicable. Compared to some of the BBC DH coverage I've had to watch in the past, it's fantastic!
  • 2 0
 Who will be the fine fellow to provide a watchable link? Format and coverage sucks this year.
  • 3 0
 Yes I’d like to see that as well please so I can cancel my GCN+ subscription and get the Aussie guy (?) on commentary?
  • 3 0
 @jayhex: josh Carlson?
  • 4 1
 Why the hell do they keep switching to cameras of cable cars during runs?
  • 3 0
 They did that when riders crashed badly...
  • 3 0
 I don't like the new format. F1 changed to F3
  • 3 0
 What are they feeding these kids???
  • 4 0
 Bikes from age 2 and I am very jealous
  • 2 0
 @Dogl0rd: Yeah, I think they grew up on the kind of bikes we ride now. 27.5 and tubeless is what they started on. So they learned how much grip and stability you had very early on and just got faster.
  • 1 0
 is the payed feed the same as the YouTube feed?
if so id be devastated if I had paid for the subscription.
  • 3 0
 Final coverage is much better. Commentary is just as bad tho.
  • 1 0
 For semis yes but for the finals show the runs have a lot more coverage
  • 1 1
 Is anyone actually watching the finals or just the Semi's on You Tube?
It's pretty good. Pretty much a fulll race run.
  • 1 0
 Check out my hot pics➤ u.to/mWPGHw
  • 1 0
 Loic bruni crash
  • 1 0
 Good thing the pad was there.
  • 1 0
 Hoff on track!







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