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Monika Hrastnik: A Champion’s Farewell on Manitou Suspension
Oct 21, 2025
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Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada – October 2025
This past weekend marked the end of an era in downhill racing as Monika Hrastnik, Slovenia’s most successful downhill mountain biker, lined up for her final World Cup race. Competing with AON Racing – Tourne Campervans, Monika brought her illustrious career to a close aboard her Manitou Dorado Pro and Mara Pro DH, embodying the precision, composure, and control that have defined her as one of the sport’s most technically gifted athletes.
For ten years, Monika has been a symbol of consistency, determination, and world-class skill. Her legacy includes three European Championships, nine national titles, and a World Championship bronze medal, along with 17 World Cup Top-5 finishes and multiple Top-5 overall series rankings. Yet beyond the statistics, she is known for her poise on the bike, her relentless work ethic, and the respect she’s earned from riders, fans, and industry peers alike.
For ten years, Monika has been a symbol of consistency, determination, and world-class skill. Her legacy includes three European Championships, nine national titles, and a World Championship bronze medal, along with 17 World Cup Top-5 finishes and multiple Top-5 overall series rankings. Yet beyond the statistics, she is known for her poise on the bike, her relentless work ethic, and the respect she’s earned from riders, fans, and industry peers alike.
Racing Legacy, Refined by Precision
Monika’s career has always been defined by her connection to equipment that enhances her instinctive riding style — and her final season was no exception. Riding with Manitou suspension, she closed her World Cup journey on the same principles that have guided both her and the brand: performance without pretense, precision without compromise.
Her Manitou Dorado Pro fork, with its legendary inverted design and unmatched small-bump sensitivity, paired seamlessly with the Mara Pro DH shock — a combination engineered to deliver confidence through control, even on the most demanding World Cup tracks. Together, they represented a perfect match for an athlete whose riding style has always emphasized finesse, technical mastery, and composure under pressure.
“I still love riding my bike,” Monika reflected, “but I don’t like to push myself to the limits anymore. I’m leaving with a smile on my face and couldn’t be prouder of myself.”
Her Manitou Dorado Pro fork, with its legendary inverted design and unmatched small-bump sensitivity, paired seamlessly with the Mara Pro DH shock — a combination engineered to deliver confidence through control, even on the most demanding World Cup tracks. Together, they represented a perfect match for an athlete whose riding style has always emphasized finesse, technical mastery, and composure under pressure.
“I still love riding my bike,” Monika reflected, “but I don’t like to push myself to the limits anymore. I’m leaving with a smile on my face and couldn’t be prouder of myself.”
A Decade of Defining the Downhill Scene
From her early days as a privateer chasing the dream to her years as a podium regular on the global stage, Monika’s rise through the sport mirrors the values that Manitou has championed since its inception — independence, innovation, and integrity. She carved her own path in a discipline often dominated by factory programs and massive budgets, proving that talent, commitment, and mechanical trust can take you anywhere.
Her final appearance at Mont-Sainte-Anne — her 65th World Cup start — was more than just a race. It was a celebration of a rider who has left an indelible mark on the sport and a moment of gratitude for the many who supported her along the way, including her mechanic and life partner, Miran.
Her final appearance at Mont-Sainte-Anne — her 65th World Cup start — was more than just a race. It was a celebration of a rider who has left an indelible mark on the sport and a moment of gratitude for the many who supported her along the way, including her mechanic and life partner, Miran.
Thank You, Monika
Monika’s decision to close her professional career atop Manitou suspension is something we at Manitou are deeply proud of. To us, it’s not just about results — it’s about riders who represent the true spirit of mountain biking: courage, creativity, and connection to the craft.
From Maribor to Val di Sole, from her European Championship triumphs to the emotional finale at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Monika Hrastnik rode with the precision of an engineer and the heart of a true champion. Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of riders — and her story will always be part of ours.
Congratulations, Monika — and thank you for trusting Manitou on your incredible journey.
Manitou Suspension Physics, Not Fashion. Precision, Not Pretension.
From Maribor to Val di Sole, from her European Championship triumphs to the emotional finale at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Monika Hrastnik rode with the precision of an engineer and the heart of a true champion. Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of riders — and her story will always be part of ours.
Congratulations, Monika — and thank you for trusting Manitou on your incredible journey.
Manitou Suspension Physics, Not Fashion. Precision, Not Pretension.
