© WBD Sports Events Limited. 2026
MTB World Series
Article - 03 May 23
Downhill

Florent Payet shows what it takes in The Final Run

Reunion Islands native sheds some light on the commitment and work needed to succeed in Downhill

When it comes to competing in the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup, few riders can match the breadth of experience of Florent Payet (Scott DH Factory). The unmissable lofty frame of the rider from the Reunion Islands has been amongst the world’s fastest for nearly two decades.

Sadly, the race in Val di Sole last year was to be Flo’s last top flight Downhill race. Over the course of the year, Payet has climbed as high as third at the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships at the same track in 2016. He has also been a European Continental Champion and taken multiple Coupe de France VTT wins along the way too. 

Mainly though, Flo is known and respected for an imperiously smooth riding style and technical skills up there with the very best. He was on hand for Scott DH Factory team at the recent Lourdes Pre-season Downhill Testing session in Lourdes so we are hopeful that he’ll still be on hand at the races to lend some wise words to the young racers who may be metaphorically and physically looking up to him. 

Don’t forget to find out how you can watch all the action from the opening round of the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Lenzerheide 08-11 June.

Share

Latest news

Article
03 Jun 26
Inside the UCI Downhill World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes | THE B LINE
Downhill

The UCI Downhill World Cup returned to action in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, where Vali Höll continued her dominant start to 2026 and Luca Shaw claimed a long-awaited first UCI World Cup win. Beyond the results, the weekend delivered standout storylines across the board, from breakthrough podiums to comeback performances and home-soil disappointments.

Article
01 Jun 26
La Thuile Opens Ticket Sales for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Cross-Country
Short Track
Downhill
Enduro

Downhill, Enduro, Cross-country Olympic and Short Track: from July 3 to 5, 2026, La Thuile will host four formats of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series within one major event village in the heart of the Aosta Valley resort. Online ticket sales are now officially open for both the stadium area and lift access.

Article
31 May 26
UCI Downhill World Cup: Shaw and Höll Power to Victories at Loudenvielle-Peyragudes
Downhill

Luca Shaw secured a long-awaited maiden Elite UCI World Cup win with a breakthrough ride in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, while Valentina Höll dominates to make history with a second victory at the venue.

Social

Get your MTB daily bread
YouTubeFacebookTwitterInstagramTikTok

Don't miss out

Sign up for latest news now
Series partner
WHOOP
Main partners
MONSTER ENERGYMichelinShimano
Official Partners
MotulSCOTT Rockshox
Official Suppliers
FacomGoProCommencalMavicGobik
Brought to you by
UCIWarner Brothers Discovery Sports