Monster Energy’s Luca Shaw Claims Second Place at 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Lake Placid
In a thrilling finish at the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, Luca Shaw from Monster Energy claimed second place in the Elite Men division at Lake Placid, New York. The race, held on October 5, 2025, marked the ninth event of the season and showcased Shaw’s remarkable performance among the world’s top mountain bikers.
Shaw, a 28-year-old from Hendersonville, North Carolina, was the last rider to drop in for the final run of the day. Despite facing fierce competition on the newly designed track at Whiteface Mountain, he finished with a time of 3:06.659, just 0.713 seconds behind the winner. His effort propelled him from fifth to third place in the overall standings, now totaling 1156 points.
Race Highlights and Track Challenges
The weekend saw the world’s elite riders gather in the scenic Adirondack Mountains, where the new Whiteface Mountain track presented a series of challenges, including steep descents and technical sections in the woods. This unique venue, specifically constructed for the event, fostered an exhilarating atmosphere, further enhanced by the vibrant fall foliage and dry weather conditions.
The Elite Men division final proved to be one of the season’s most competitive races. Many top contenders struggled to find their rhythm on the unfamiliar terrain, but Shaw demonstrated skill and determination. After qualifying as the top rider, he faced initial difficulties but rallied in the final stretch, impressing the crowd and securing a podium finish.
“Wow, I almost threw it all away at the top with a couple of mistakes,” said Luca Shaw. “I was riding well all weekend, and after my P1 in qualifying, I tried to carry that into the finals as much as I could. I put my head down and went for it, and managed to pull some time back with all the adrenaline pumping on the lower part of the course. I’m proud of this one and now onto the last round!”
Other Notable Performances
In the Elite Women division, Camille Balanche from Le Locle, Switzerland, finished fourth with a time of 3:34.140, moving up to fourth place in the overall rankings with 1136 points. Additionally, Marine Cabirou from Millau, France, secured fifth place in Lake Placid, clocking in at 3:34.489, which places her sixth overall with 1030 points.
With only one race remaining in the season, the anticipation builds for the final showdown at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, scheduled from October 9-12, 2025. As racers prepare for this decisive event, fans worldwide are eager to see how the championship will unfold.
For more updates on Luca Shaw, Camille Balanche, Marine Cabirou, and the rest of the Monster Energy team, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for the latest news from the mountain biking season.
