A new look Lapierre factory team rolled into Fort William with one objective, and that was chasing titles. With two new riders, new sponsors and racing under the new “Gravity Republic” banner, Lapierre have certainly got their 2013 international downhill race season off on the right footing with 3 riders in the top 5 of their category…

Minimalistic graphics, a full Sram livery and BlackBox suspension make the new race bikes look every bit the factory race machine they are.

With a 3rd and a 7th place during the qualifications, Sam BLENKINSOP and Loic BRUNI looked ready to start the season with a top result, but a mistake at the top of the track caused Loic to finish in 16th place and the first french rider in finals.

While not quite where he wanted to be it does prove that Loic has the speed for his first ELITE season.

In the women category it was also the first race for Lapierre Gravity Republic and Emmeline RAGOT piloting her BlackBox Lapierre to a solid 3rd place.

Sam took 4th place and his first podium for a while, and after a “serious” winter training, he looks more than ready to have a good 2013 season…

After being injured on the Fort William track only a few days before finals, Loris VERGIER was finally here for his first world cup race and coming in 4th, in the junior category.

Photos: Colin MEAGHER

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