Vita Movrin, after a good start, has dropped back a bit.

Slovenian mountain cyclist Vita Movrin finished 21st in the World Cup short race held in Les Gets, France. Despite a strong start, she gradually fell back during the second half of the seven-lap race. Swiss rider Sinja Frei won the event, finishing one minute and 27 seconds ahead of Movrin. The race saw Frei secure victory with a six-second lead over Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds, who took second place, while American Savilia Blunk came third. Movrin had started well, staying within the top ten for several laps before losing ground. She managed to finish the race in 1:27 minutes, trailing the winner by more than a minute. This result marks her highest placement in the World Cup this season in the short race discipline. Earlier in the season, she placed 16th in Andorra’s Pal Arinsalu, and last year she finished ninth at the European Championships in Switzerland’s Montecenerio. The men's race featured a debutant appearance from cycling star Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutch rider, aiming for the world title in mountain biking in 2026, participated in his first short race of the season. His goal was to qualify among the top 16 riders for a better starting position in Sunday’s Olympic cross-country race. Van der Poel faced some difficulties and nearly crashed on a technically challenging descent, ultimately finishing tenth with a 36-second gap behind the winner, Frenchman Adrien Boichis. Spain’s Luco Martin secured second place, while German David List came third. Among the younger athletes competing, Maruša Tereza Šerkezi represented Slovenia and finished 14th. In the shortened version of the race, she trailed Italy’s Valentina Corvi by just under a minute. The competition continued to showcase a mix of experience and emerging talent, reflecting the dynamic nature of cross-country racing. The World Cup program will continue on Saturday with downhill races, featuring Slovenian youth rider Ažbe Kalinšek. Sunday will see the Olympic cross-country races take place, providing another opportunity for athletes to compete for medals. These events highlight the ongoing progression and competitiveness within the sport, with both established stars and rising talents contributing to the excitement of the season. The results from Les Gets underscore the challenges and opportunities present in international competitions. Movrin’s performance, though not her best, demonstrates resilience and potential for future success. Meanwhile, van der Poel’s participation signals a strategic move towards securing a stronger position in upcoming major events. As the World Cup continues, the focus remains on pushing boundaries and achieving personal and team goals.