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If you're new to cycling and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you're in the right place. Today, we're taking a look at the discipline of downhill mountain biking.
When was downhill mountain biking created?
The first downhill mountain bikes appeared in the United States in the mid-1970s, when the first downhill mountain biking events were held.
But the first world championships in the discipline only date back to 1990. The first edition, organized by the UCI (International Cycling Union) was held in the United States, in Colorado.
What is downhill mountain biking?
Downhill, also known as DH (for Downhill), is a time trial lasting about 2 to 5 minutes during which a mountain bike rider must negotiate a descent on a track composed of various technical passages (jumps, bumps, roots, rocks, overhangs, etc.) and faster passages where mountain bikers can sometimes reach 80 kilometers / hour.
Generally, downhill mountain biking is practiced in the mountains where mountain bikers take advantage of the ski lifts to get to the summits before starting their descent.
What equipment for downhill mountain biking?
Downhill mountain biking requires not only a bike, but also the right equipment for the discipline. It is mandatory for mountain bikers to have a full-face helmet, a mask or goggles, but also back protection, knee pads, elbow pads and long gloves to protect themselves in case of a fall.
The Prize List
Since the creation of the World Championships in 1990, it can be said that French mountain bikers dominate the competition. In the men's downhill, Nicolas Vouilloz has single-handedly won 7 of the 17 gold medals earned by the French (not including his 3 gold medals earned in the junior category). More recently, Loïc Bruni - a still active pilot - has already won 4 gold medals.
Among the women, Anne-Caroline Chausson, a BMX defector, is the queen of the discipline with 9 gold medals obtained between 1996 and 2005 (not counting her 3 gold medals obtained in juniors). In total, the French women have 15 gold medals in the world downhill championships.
Now that you are unaware of downhill mountain biking, how about doing the same with other mountain biking disciplines such as marathon downhill, freeride mountain biking, enduro mountain biking, all-mountain mountain biking, cross-country, cross-country marathon, mountain biking, four cross, dual slalom, dirt mountain biking, street mountain biking, trials mountain biking or slopestyle?
