Kiwi teenager Jonty Williamson is the latest New Zealander to claim the UCI Junior Downhill World Cup overall series title, securing the 2026 crown.
The 17-year-old from Palmerston North was on-hand at the final round of the 2026 UCI World Series at Lake Placid near New York today to receive his official honour.
The Yeti-Fox Factory team rider missed the North American rounds after fracturing his wrist, but his six wins earlier in the season was sufficient to give him an unassailable lead in the overall championship.
He follows on from the efforts of Wellington’s Erice van Leuven who won the junior women’s downhill overall World Series crown in 2024.
“I am absolutely rapt to have won this title. It is pretty cool and something I have had my eyes on from the get-go last year,” said Williamson.
“My team has helped so much from my mechanic getting the bike perfect, through to my lines coach, helping with the best lines for riding.”
Williamson said that downhill competition is a fine line and accidents happen.
“This injury is not my first accident. It is a fine line in downhill racing where you push things to the limit but not make a mistake. I should be back on my bike in a couple of weeks and looking forward to the summer and next season.
“To win the title is a pretty cool feeling. Now I can set my sights on the move to elite racing which is really exciting, although it will be a bit step up from this year.”
