Madison Saracen Factory Team : 2015 UCI World Cup - Round Seven, Val di Sole

The 2015 World Cup season seems to have flashed by at the same pace as the riders have attacked each race. So, it was time to head back to Val di Sole for the final round, after a year away from the classic venue that always delivers a knockout performance.

Rain early in the week settled the usual dust to a more grippy dirt but not before a first practice day of greasy roots and rocks to remind the riders just how tough the Trentino track can be. Day-by-day, bigger holes and more rocks appeared and for the riders the track no doubt seemed to lengthen, such is the physical demand of a top to bottom run of this track which takes no prisoners.





Qualifying day went well for Manon with second place. Finding confidence in her new Myst Team prototype and happy with her practice time on the hill, she was keen as ever to keep adding points to her series tally after losing out with her crash in Ft William and course tape altercation in Leogang!










On to the final and Manon needed a solid run to ensure she took enough points to hold on to her second place overall in the 2015 World Cup series. She was delighted to do this, despite a few mistakes high on the hill that lost her a little time.








After a season of learning about the challenges of being a World Champion and staying focused after what could have been a season ending crash, Manon is now ready to head to Andorra for the World Championships and put up a fight to retain her rainbow jersey.








For Sam, Val di Sole was a long week. Struggling to find his rhythm in practice, he didn't feel up to speed come qualifying time - not helped by a few incidents that sapped away his time on the hill. Still, determined as ever he put everything into his run and looked to find some more time for the final.





Firing out the start gate in the final, Sam was clearly going for it. Flying through the first split in good shape he moved on to the tough middle section of track where unfortunately his run started to untangle. The slightest mistake in World Cup racing can cost you dear and on this tough track, it's almost impossible to recover. He was bitterly disappointed to end his World Cup season with a bad result but is now more fired up than ever to show the early season form is still there, as he focuses his sights firmly on a World Championship ride to sign off his season in style.




Last man on the hill for the team was Matt; he looked smooth and neat through the top sections of the track, only losing a little time in a corner or two as he made his way to the mid way point. Just three seconds off the lead at the split, he continued on in good form. Finishing his run off strong, he crossed the line and went into sixth eventually taking another World Cup top twenty placing in 18th and moving up the series leader board into 16th overall.






A mixed season of World Cup racing for the team with the inevitable highs and lows. Lots of positives to take forward and everyone has grown. The 2014 season was always going to be a tough act to follow. That said we are all proud to have put Madison Saracen Factory Team on the overall podium in third place. A great reward for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to give the team the best equipment and best preparation to beat the rest.

Bring on the World Championships!