AON Racing Battles the Brutal Champéry Track at the UCI Downhill World Championships

The UCI MTB Downhill World Championships returned to one of the sport’s most iconic venues – Champéry, Switzerland – and the AON Racing Team, supported by Manitou suspension, rose to the challenge.

Known for its near-vertical pitches, slick roots, and weather that can flip the track into chaos overnight, Champéry has written some of the most legendary chapters in downhill MTB history. This year, it demanded everything from riders, bikes, and suspension systems alike.

AON Racing Battles the Brutal Champéry Track at the UCI Downhill World Championships

Manitou Suspension Meets the World’s Toughest Track

AON Racing riders relied on the Manitou Dorado Pro downhill fork and the Mara Pro DH shock, a suspension package designed to take on the world’s most technical and demanding descents. With 37mm stanchions, unparalleled tunability, and damping that thrives under unpredictable conditions, the Dorado and Mara combination offered the perfect blend of support, sensitivity, and control.

On a track that transformed from rough and dusty to slick and treacherous after heavy storms, Manitou’s proven reliability and precision ensured that riders could attack every section with confidence.

Highlights from the Team

Monika Hrastnik showcased her trademark consistency, riding smart and fast to finish 12th in the elite women’s finals. Clocking the 3rd fastest time through the speed trap, she proved just how competitive she remains among the world’s best.

Hattie Harnden was on a top-20 pace until disaster struck on the final line of jumps. Carrying huge speed, she overshot and crashed out spectacularly just before the finish line. Thankfully, she walked away unhurt and even pedaled across the line, a testament to her toughness.

Henry Kerr delivered his best result of the season, finishing 30th in the elite men’s final. After a shaky first split, he found his rhythm and sat in the hot seat for a stretch, confirming his growing speed and potential.

Stan Nisbet, in his first year as a junior, qualified for his debut World Championship final despite battling a hand injury. He dug deep in finals to finish 23rd – a strong result that bodes well for his future.

Why Manitou Thrives in Downhill MTB

The World Championships in Champéry reaffirmed why Manitou suspension is trusted by elite downhill racers. The Dorado Pro fork and Mara Pro DH shock are built not for hype or gimmicks, but for real performance where it matters most – on the world’s hardest tracks, under the toughest conditions, with milliseconds separating the winners from the rest.

From small bump sensitivity in the slick woods to uncompromising support through massive compressions and drops, Manitou’s science of smooth ensures riders can push their limits without compromise.

Looking Ahead

With the World Championships behind them, AON Racing now turns its focus to the remainder of the UCI MTB World Cup season. The results in Champéry show that both riders and equipment are on the right trajectory – and with Manitou suspension leading the charge, the team is ready to take on whatever the mountains throw their way.