The 2023 Mountain Bike World Cup Series ends with a historic victory for Ronja Blöchlinger, becoming the Under 23 overall champion in both the Cross-country Short Track XCC and Cross-country Olympic XCO, a monumental win that has never been achieved before.
The final stop of the series took place in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. The muddy slopes presented some heart-stopping moments but they were no match for Blöchlinger who secured her first win in the XCO race. "I started a bit nervous, it was my last chance to win a round in the XCO. I knew this course suited me well but we all knew it was going to be slippery. After the first lap, I was able to keep my own pace and the nerves went away." Blöchlinger needed at least a seventh-place finish to keep her top position in the series standings, with this win she solidified herself as the points leader and became the overall champion in the U23 XCO.
In the Cross-country short track XCC race Blöchlinger maintained her perfect track record, winning all eight races in the series and taking home the maximum points to become the series champion in the XCC, a historic double victory. Racing on her Pique Advanced Pro 29, Blöchlinger expressed her gratitude to her setup and support team "I was really happy with my bike setup and Maxxis tire choice on the course, I am thankful for all the support I have around me."
Blöchlinger consistently showcased her strength and skill in every race this year, becoming the most decorated racer in the U23 category. With the conclusion of this season, Blöchlinger ages out of the U23 category and will fiercely enter the Elite Women's field in 2024. "I am so happy to win the overalls for the season and look forward to racing in Elite next year."