With gold medals won by Chilean Viviana Sáez and American Matt Thompson, the Americas were the second most awarded continent at the UCI Masters Downhill World Championships, held at the Nevados de Chillán Bike Park in the Ñuble Region.
More than 390 riders competed for these titles, which will be awarded to the winners in the 2026 season. It was a true celebration for the cyclists over 35 years old, who had been preparing for this event for a year.
Champion Viviana Sáez told the Chilean Cycling Federation’s Facebook page that “the whole race was amazing and that all those months of training were worth it.” She dedicated her victory to her past and present coaches, as well as her family.
In addition to those two titles, América stood out for the second-place finish of Colombian Marcelo Gutiérrez Villegas, behind Australian Cameron Allonby (1:11.477); the bronze went to local rider Matías Arellano.
Marcelo is the leading figure in Colombian downhill mountain biking. And he is so because of his results, his track record, and his continued relevance. The last time he raced was at Monserrate 2022, four years ago. Today, at 36, he took on the Masters World Championship: “I had nothing to lose, but I wanted to win. Honestly, I was just as nervous as when I competed in the elite category; dry mouth, short of breath, and heavy legs, but it’s a great feeling.”
When Marcelo raced in the elite category, he achieved fifth place in the World Championship. Now, in the Masters category and with the support of Giant and Itaca Clothing (his sportswear brand), he secured the runner-up title.
CHAMPIONS BY CATEGORY
Master A: Viviana Sáez – Chile
Master A: Cameron Allonby – Australia
Master B1: Helene Fruhwirth – Austria
Master B1: Simon Cardon – France
Master B2: Tiziana Finocchio – Italy
Master B2: Rowan Sorrell – United Kingdom
Master C1: Manon Hooijschuur – Netherlands
Master C1: Guido Tschugg – Germany
Master C2: Matt Thompson – United States
Master D1: Milan Suchomel – Czech Republic
Master D2: Marilyne Bisson-Gerault – France
Master D2: Jean Luc Lescure – France
Master E1: Gordon Stilwell – New Zealand
Master E2: Michael Benson – Australia