Was it male arrogance, or did he just want to show how fast the latest generation of downhill riders is? Charlie Couillard, who regularly covers World Cup races as a VJ for Pinkbike, can definitely ride a mountain bike. Of course, not like a pro, as he repeatedly demonstrates in his comparison videos. But he manages to ride down Downhill World Cup courses smoothly, albeit without the really big jumps. 

Recently, he challenged the 16-year-old Australian supertalent Tilly Boadle to a duel. The testing ground is the course of the New Zealand Championships, where she was there for training purposes. It’s particularly impressive how Tilly handles the many slippery spots: as if they weren’t even there. On the jumps, she happily takes her hands off the handlebars during this loose camera ride. Charlie is huffing and puffing but holding his own bravely. But he’ll continue to experience World Cups only from behind the camera.

We’ll be able to admire Tilly Boadle in the junior women’s races of the UCI World Cup next season.