Val Di Sole Short Track Results
Short Track racing became a UCI World Cup event in 2018. That was also the last year I worked as a team videographer/photographer for Trek Factory Racing and Clif Pro Team. Looking back, it’s been interesting to see how the discipline has evolved and how venues have restructured tracks to keep up with the sport’s changing race style.
For instance, Val di Sole in year one had the jankiest short-track course you could imagine. They tried to squeeze as many bike park features into the circuit, making for uneven racing. In addition to the rock feature that makes up the bottom of the 4-track course, the XCC track also included a human-made, narrow, whoop section that was easily bypassed with a slight b-line that just led to chaos.
Compare the track from the early years to the 2024 edition, and it looks like a different sport. Val di Sole now boasts the purest XCC grass crit I’ve seen. The organizers have completely revamped the track, removing all rocks, roots, artificial obstacles, and even bottlenecks. The track is wide open with plenty of opportunities to pass and attack. It’s a fascinating transformation.
The racing was so compelling with big groups, attacks, hard climbs and varying tactics. Both elite races are well worth a watch. And the U23 races, just from a look at the results and lap times, look fantastic! They really should be broadcast as well, especially when they occur after the elites on the same day. The cameras and operators are there, and after you see the results, if you’re like me, you’re going to be eager to see those races and how they played out.
Spoiler puppy activated to keep those pesky results off your screens. Results and lap time analysis are below.
Women’s Elite
Men’s Elite
U23 Women
U23 Men
