At 35, Camille Balanche is now one of the veterans in the Downhill World Cup. Her career started comparatively late: the former national ice hockey player only finally switched to the downhill bike at the age of 28. She won bronze at the 2018 European Championships, laying the foundations for an impressive career.

The Jura native celebrated her greatest triumph in 2020 in Leogang, where she became world champion in the most adverse conditions. Her first World Cup victory followed in 2021, and she even won the overall standings in 2022. In total, the athlete has four national championship titles, four World Cup successes, one World Championship and one European Championship title and 16 podium finishes to her name to date.

 

 

 

 

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However, a serious fall in Andorra in 2023 slowed her down. A persistent concussion affected her well into the 2024 season. Although Balanche now feels fit again, she says she lacks the necessary intensity for victories.

At the upcoming home World Championships in Champéry, she could still provide one last highlight. After a strong performance in Les Gets, the steep course seems to suit her. For Balanche, another medal would be a worthy end to an exceptional career.

Balanche's gold run at the 2020 World Championships in Leogang