IXS Downhill Cup Kickoff: Nef Defeats World Champion; Hastings & Williams Claim Elite Wins
At the opening round of the 2026 iXS European Downhill Cup in Santiago de Besteiros, Portugal, Britain’s Jordan Williams took the win ahead of Max Hartenstern (GER) and Finn Iles (CAN). In the women’s race, New Zealand’s Jenna Hastings claimed victory ahead of Siel Van der Velden (BEL) and Eleonora Farina (ITA). In the U19 race, Switzerland’s Gianna Nef surprised everyone with her victory over world champion Rosa Zierl and Lina Frener (both AT). In the men’s U19 race, Finland’s Kasper Hickman was the fastest, with Noé Forlin (CH) and Sacha Brizin (FR) taking second and third place.
