On December 7–8, the Grand Finals of the 9th annual GDL Mountain Bike Downhill Series took place at the picturesque Quanlin DARAY Mountain Bike Park in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.
Sam Blenkinsop riding the Black Line
This adrenaline-packed event drew elite riders from across the globe, including familiar faces like Japan's Hiroshi Ato, Czech champion Matej Charvat, and Taiwan's mountain bike legends Jiang Sheng Shan and Cai Ji Ling. Of course, all eyes were on the star of the show, New Zealand’s downhill World Cup legend, Sam Blenkinsop, an 11-time World Cup podium finisher.
Everybody of course want a picture with Sam Blenkinsop
Elite Competition Heats Up
In the fiercely contested Elite division, Sam Blenkinsop dominated both the qualifying and final runs to secure the championship with a jaw-dropping time of 2:12.126. Close behind was 39-year-old Czech national champion Matej Charvat, who finished just fractions of a second slower at 2:12.886. This marked Charvat’s second silver medal at the GDL finals; he had also claimed second place here in 2019.
Podium Elite Men
A Bright Future for China’s Young Riders
2024 marked the ninth consecutive year of the GDL series, and the progress of China’s new generation of riders was on full display. With younger competitors fearlessly stepping into the spotlight at such a high-level event, their performances left even seasoned professionals in awe.
In the U15 Junior Elite category, 14-year-old Wu Ting Li from Hong Kong secured the championship with a stunning time of 2:18.960 just a second behind Japan’s Yuga Ikuta and almost matching the time of Taiwan’s Jiang Sheng Shan. Even more impressively, 13-year-old Chen "Cat Boy - Kimi„ Chun Xi’s 2:26.379 would have been podium-worthy in the Elite category! (Read his interview here)
The U18 Youth category didn’t disappoint either. Tu Xuan Zhou, last year’s fastest rider of the finals, continued to shine, clocking in at 2:23.030 to remain China’s fastest mainland competitor. With talent like this emerging, it’s clear that Chinese riders are poised to make waves not just in Asia, but on the world stage.
Podium U15 Elite
Podium U15 Open
Podium U12
A More Inclusive Event for Youth Riders
This year, the organisers expanded the competition with new categories like U12 Children, U15 Open, and U15 Elite. This approach allowed riders of all skill levels to find their place. While younger competitors rode the advanced Blue Line track, the U15 Elite and other top categories raced on the notoriously difficult Black Line. These adjustments improved the overall experience for participants but also presented significant logistical challenges, which the event’s organising team from Guangzhou Mega Sports CO expertly managed.
Start Gate of the Black Line
The infamous Rock Garden
Hiroshi Ato in action
World-Class Challenges and Improvements
The Black Line retained its signature obstacles: massive jumps, wall rides, rock gardens, and dizzying drops. These features tested even the most skilled riders, while upgrades to the course made it faster, smoother, and more exciting for spectators. The redesigned finish line also accelerated the overall race pace, demanding precise technical control from the competitors.
Podium Women
Podium 40+ Men
Podium U39 Men
Podium Teams (of the GDL Serie)
Podium Individual Men (of the GDL Serie)
Podium Individual Women (of the GDL Serie)
Rider Reflections
Sam Blenkinsop (NZ): “The Black Line is tough for everyone! Coming to the GDL finals was a unique and unforgettable experience. The vibe here is fantastic, but what impressed me the most was the speed of the young Chinese riders—absolutely incredible!”
Cai Ji Ling (TW): “I’ve been competing in the GDL finals since the first edition and have grown alongside this event. After four years away, it feels amazing to be back, reuniting with old friends. I’m so impressed by how passionate these kids are about mountain biking. They practice non-stop, even late into the night. I hope they keep this love for the sport alive for decades to come.”
Matej Charvat (CZ): “This was my second GDL final. Despite mechanical issues in qualifying, I was lucky to compete in the finals as a protected rider. The track is shorter but still extremely challenging, and the progress of Chinese riders is remarkable. I’ve truly enjoyed every moment here.”
Yuga Ikuta (JP): “Japan doesn’t have tracks with such wild, rocky terrain. I’ve been practicing the Black Line all week and am thrilled to have raced alongside with international champions. During morning practice, I destroyed my rear wheel and didn’t have a replacement, but a generous Chinese rider lent me his. I’m so grateful and can’t wait to return next year!”
Sam Blenkinsop goes sideways
Youth Steal the Show at the Whip-Off Contest
The Whip-Off contest was a spectacle, showcasing stylish aerial moves and jaw-dropping tricks. Lin Zheng An from the U15 Junior Elite group took the crown with his smooth whips, followed by Sam Blenkinsop in second and 13-year-old Chen Chun Xi „Cat Boy - Kimi“ in third. Even only 11-year-old Fang Yu Ze wowed the crowd, proving that the next generation of Chinese riders is growing stronger by the day.
Podium Whip-Off
Jiang Sheng Shan aka Dan at the Whip-Off contest
An Inspiring Finish
In a heartwarming moment, Sam Blenkinsop presented awards to the U12 champions, inspiring the young riders to dream big. His presence symbolised the essence of downhill mountain biking: pushing limits and chasing excellence. The ceremony wasn’t just about trophies it planted seeds of ambition, showing these kids that they, too, could one day reach the world stage.
As champagne sprayed and cheers echoed through the park, the 2024 GDL Mountain Bike Downhill Series Grand Finals concluded in spectacular fashion. The future of downhill mountain biking looks brighter than ever, with young riders ready to make their mark both at home and abroad.
Photos: GDL
Words: Mesum Verma
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