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RAD RIDERS

Vali continues to add to her tally

Austrian wunderkind Valentina Höll has a new team, a new bike and her sights set on continued downhill domination in 2024. The world and World Cup champion began her pro career aged just 13, winning two Junior World Championships and a World Cup overall with YT Industries. After a four year hiatus, she’s now back with the German brand – a move that’s already paid off, with victory at this year’s opening round in Fort William.

“Coming back to a full factory set-up was something I needed, to grow,” says Vali, 22. “I was open for something new, I had options, but with YT I felt like I was home.” Over the past decade, the brand have expanded from their gravity roots into trail, down country and e-bikes. So, Vali is working with plenty of new faces – including her YT MOB teammates Oisin O’Callaghan and Sian A’hern, whom she got to know during off-season training in Australia and NZ.

She’s got a new bike to get to grips with, too – the Mk4 YT Tues. This can be run as a full 29er or with a smaller 650b rear wheel. “I’m stoked to have a ‘mullet’ version,” she says. “After riding one for three years, there’s no way for me to go back on a full 29. The Tues is as playful as I remembered, but still, once you attack, it’s planted and stable. The bike, as well as the team, feels like home.”

Vali has one eye on the women’s freeride scene, saying: “With where DH is heading with [World Cup organisers] ESO, I’m stoked to see Red Bull hosting such sick events as Hardline and Rampage.” But downhill remains her focus. “It was amazing to start the season with a win, on a track that’s always been a challenge for me,” she enthuses. We’re sure there’ll be more to come, as Vali is clearly well-suited to her new team and bike, and shows no signs of slowing down. “I’ve nothing to lose,” she says. “I’ve already achieved everything I ever dreamt of.”