Lorenzo Mascherini stands out in Bielsko-Biała: p8 in the UCI Downhill World Cup Junior Men seasonal debut

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The opening round of the UCI Downhill World Cup Junior Men’s category kicked off with fast lines, bad weather, and one clear surprise for the Italian fans: Lorenzo Mascherini. With a rock-solid performance, the young rider from the Rogue Racing – SR Suntour team stormed to 8th place, marking his presence on the world stage in spectacular fashion.

A breakout performance

Riding his Santa Cruz V10, Mascherini delivered a composed and aggressive run, clocking 3:13.358 (+5.394 seconds off the winner), in a field packed with talent from powerhouse teams like Commencal/Muc-Off, Yeti/Fox, and MS-Racing.

His performance started strong, with a provisional advantage of 63 thousandths in the first split, but he lost significant ground in the second sector (-1.427), closing the third with a gap of -1.456. Mascherini eventually crossed the line with a P4 provisional and visibly shook his head in disappointment.

Despite the solid time, he seemed unable at times to fully capitalize on corner exits — a critical detail at this level of racing, where carrying speed out of every turn can make the difference between a podium and a missed opportunity.

Still, this was a statement ride: the young Italian has the raw speed, composure, and mindset — and with refinement, he has every tool to reach the very top.

A podium led by familiar faces

Victory went to Max Alran (FRA), the reigning 2024 European Champion, representing the Commencal/Muc-Off team, who dominated the track with a scorching time of 3:07.964. Just behind him came Tyler Waite (NZL, Yeti/Fox Factory Racing) and Oli Clark (NZL, MS-Racing), riding Zerode. All three posted sub 3:12 runs on a track that punished even the smallest mistakes.

Italy in the spotlight

Mascherini’s P8 overall is one of the best international debuts for an Italian junior in recent years. While Italy has often played a marginal role in this category, Lorenzo proved he's ready to change that.

“I am satisfied but I made some small mistake. I am sure that I can reach the podium if I can put down a clean run without silly mistakes. Can’t wait for the next one in Loudenville.”

— Lorenzo Mascherini

We’re confident he’ll continue refining his riding, and that this is just the beginning of a season full of potential for Italian downhill.

Rogue Racing’s reaction: a promising start

The unpredictable weather in Bielsko-Biała made conditions especially challenging, with mud, snow, and a dug-out track causing multiple crashes and reshuffling expectations. Rogue Racing Team Manager Leonardo Pedoni commented at the end of the race:

“Crazy finals with a snow-lashed start, lots of mud, a dug track and changing conditions that caused many falls... For a moment we dreamed of the podium — surreal to think that with last year’s rules we could have been there too. But we are very happy with this start to the season! The team worked well and the boys showed they have all the potential to stay ahead.”

— Leonardo Pedoni, Rogue Racing Team Manager

Results and riders’ reactions

  • P1 - Max Alran (FRA – Commencal/Muc-Off): “I am pumped for this result and for the rest of the season as well. Now head to the next race in Loudenville.”
  • P2 - Tyler Waite (NZL – Yeti/Fox Factory Racing)
  • P3 - Oli Clark (NZL – MS-Racing/Zerode)
  • P8 - Lorenzo Mascherini (ITA – Rogue Racing/Santa Cruz): “I am satisfied but I made some small mistake. I am sure that I can reach the podium if I can put down a clean run without silly mistakes. Can’t wait for the next one in Loudenville.”

Eyes on Loudenville

With the downhill caravan now heading to Loudenville, France, for the next World Cup round, all eyes are on whether Lorenzo can build on this impressive result and edge even closer to the podium. One thing is certain: the young Italian is no longer flying under the radar — and his journey might just be one of the most exciting stories of this Junior season.

Jacopo Vigna

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