Episode two of The Setup takes us to Pyeongchang, South Korea for the opening round of the UCI World Series. It’s been more than two decades since the last UCI Downhill World Cup was held in Asia, and with a brand-new venue featuring multiple lines and plenty of variety, riders will have their work cut out for them as they sort out the right setup for this amazingly unpredictable track.
After a long offseason, this week feels a bit like a family reunion. Remi catches up with the teams, athletes, and of course the FOX race crew as everyone settles back into race week. From suspension setup, track walk analysis and last-minute bike changes, the pits are full of constant fine-tuning.
A new World Cup venue always brings a level of unpredictability. A fresh track to learn, new travel logistics, and the return to race rhythm - it’s a demanding way to open the season.
South Korea rose to the occasion.
From the first laps of practice through to race day, the venue delivered and quickly established itself as a worthy stop on the calendar. The opening round served as a strong reminder of the level of commitment and performance required at the highest level of the sport.
In downhill, Asa Vermette secured victory in Elite Men, setting the pace for the season ahead. Jonty Williamson took top honors in Junior Men, while Rosa Zierl earned a strong second-place finish in Junior Women.
On the cross-country side, Dario Lillo claimed the win in Elite Men’s XCO. Madigan Munro delivered a podium performance with third in Elite Women, and Jenn Jackson showed resilience in challenging conditions to finish fourth after a demanding race.
Credit to the riders, mechanics, team staff, and everyone working behind the scenes to bring the opening round to life.
The season is underway, and attention now turns to Loudenvielle.
In case you missed Episode One of The Setup, check out our Pre-Season testing with Jackson Goldstone here:
Host: Remi Gauvin
Video: Brooks Curran and Sleeper.co
Photos: Dave Trumpore
