The season opener of the iXS Downhill Cup 2025 in Willingen had everything to offer - from sunshine to hail, from mud to high speed. Between capricious weather and top performances, the riders showed that they are ready for a new season at the traditional race in the Sauerland.

Friday - Hail and hope

The race weekend started with frosty temperatures and a shower of hail in Willingen in northern Hesse. During the track walk, the riders not only had to study the course, but also unpack their winter jackets. Despite the uncomfortable start, training went smoothly in the afternoon.

Saturday - Sun and speed

On Saturday, the track was initially in top form. Many drivers took advantage of the good weather to optimise their lines. Things then got serious in the seeding run - even though isolated rain showers made the conditions treacherous. Max Hartenstern (GER - Cube Factory Racing) put down a clear marker in the Elite Men category with a lead of over four seconds. Already in form thanks to the World Cup in Poland, he gave the competition no chance.

Convincing performance

Marlena Rieger (GER - Team Fracebike) confidently rode to the best time in the elite women's category. Also impressive: Briek Van Duyse (BEL - Optimum Alliance), who competed in the U19 category, would have finished second in the elite men's race!

Sunday - Mud and...

The rain showers returned overnight - and with them a completely new track layout. Slippery stones in the upper section, muddy fields in the middle section and the infamous ‘Teletubbie Land’ in the lower section made the finale a real challenge.

...excitement

Despite difficult conditions, Max Hartenstern showed that he can not only ride fast, but also in a controlled manner. He deservedly took victory in the Elite Men's category with a four-second lead. He was followed by Johannes Fischbach (GER - Raymon Racing) and Simon Maurer (GER - Frace Bike).

It was also exciting in the Elite Women's category, where Marlena Rieger was only able to fight her way into second place. Alizès Lassus (FRA - Extreme Bikes) was the fastest. Roos Op de Beek (BEL - Loose Riders) took third place. Briek Van Duyse from the Pro U19 male impressed once again - only two seconds separated him from the absolute fastest time of the day set by Max Hartenstern.

Festival feeling 1/2

Parallel to the sporting events, the BIKE Festival Willingen provided real scene flair. In the Expo Area, visitors and riders were able to stock up on spare parts, test new products and exchange ideas with like-minded people.

Next week, the iXS Dirt Masters Festival will continue with the second race of the DHC calendar between World Cup stars, up-and-coming riders, exhibitors and enthusiastic spectators.