April 30, 2017 (Lourdes, France) – Mark Wallace delivered a first-ever podium finish for his new team Canyon Factory Racing DH) at round #1 of the 2017 UCI MTB World Cup series in Lourdes, France. Weather conditions played a part as it was day of firsts with Alexandre Fayolle (Fra) Polygon UR claiming his first World Cup title to become the first French rider to win on home soil since Christian Taillefer at Les Gets in 1998.

A late race storm made for horrific conditions near the end of the race taking out the final dozen top contenders who all faltered leaving Fayolle with his first-ever victory. Marcelo Gutierrez Villegas (Col) Giant Factory Off-Road Team rounded out the podium while Canuck Forrest Riesco finished 35th.

Results

1. Alexandre Fayolle (Fra) Polygon UR    2:52.758
2. Mark Wallace (Can) Canyon Factory Racing DH    3.326
3. Marcelo Gutierrez Villegas (Col) Giant Factory Off-Road Team    3.441
4. Florent Payet (Fra) VV Racing    3.798
5. Connor Fearon (Aus) Kona Factory Team    4.206
6. Rupert Chapman (Nzl) Pivot Factory Racing    4.217
7. Neko Mulally (USA) The YT Mob    4.410
8. Amaury Pierron (Fra) Commencal – Lac Blanc    4.522
9. Benoit Coulanges (Fra) Dorval Am Nicolai    4.623
10. Gee Atherton (Gbr) Trek Factory Racing DH    4.727

35. Forrest Riesco (Can)    10.125