Asa Vermette (Frameworks Racing / TRP) and Vali Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) made a strong statement at the historic opening round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in MONA YongPyong. Höll overcame a flat rear tire to ride confidently to victory, while Vermette, after setting the fastest time in qualifying, became the first rider ever to win an Elite race in the UCI Downhill World Cup on his debut.

The race day goes down in the history books. For the first time, the UCI Downhill World Cup makes a stop in South Korea. At the same time, Myriam Nicole (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF by Riding Addiction) ties Sabrina Jonnier’s record for the most women’s downhill race starts with her 93rd appearance.

Myriam Nicole caps off the day with a third-place finish in the Elite Women’s final behind Gloria Scarsi (MS-Racing) and winner Höll, who proves she is immediately successful in her new team as well.

In MONA YongPyong, the picture is mixed for the reigning world champions. Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) had a disappointing start and finished only 26th after a crash. After losing the overall World Cup title to Goldstone under dramatic circumstances last year, it initially looked as though Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity) could begin his revenge with a victory. But the Frenchman is surprised by the runner-up of the 2025 Junior World Cup.

In the women’s category, Höll is not the fastest rider of the day. Aletha Ostgaard (Canyon DH Racing) sensationally wins the junior women’s race, finishing 0.841 seconds faster than the Austrian Höll. In the junior men’s category, Jonty Williamson (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team) secures the victory.

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