AON Racing Makes History in Val di Sole with First World Cup Podium
There are weekends that define seasons—and then there are weekends that help define the future. Val di Sole 2025 will be remembered as one of the most important milestones in the young life of AON Racing – Tourne Campervans.
On one of the most technical, punishing tracks in the world, Monika Hrastnik stormed to a spectacular 3rd place finish in the Women’s Elite Final—earning the first-ever UCI World Cup DH podium for the AON program. And just a few spots back, Harriet Harnden fought through a crash mid-run to deliver an outstanding 8th place, proving the depth and resilience of this squad.
And this is only their first season.
Monika Hrastnik: Calm, Composed, and on the Box
Val di Sole isn’t just steep and rough—it’s a war zone of roots, rocks, and ruts that demands the perfect balance of line precision and bike composure. Monika Hrastnik, riding on Manitou Dorado and Mara Pro DH suspension, looked at home in the chaos all weekend long. After qualifying fastest on Saturday, she came into finals focused, relaxed, and dialed in.
“I’m without words. I’m truly incredibly happy with third place here in Val di Sole. I felt great on the bike all weekend… today’s final run wasn’t perfect, but it turned out great.”
— Monika Hrastnik
Even with a few mistakes on race day, Monika’s run was strong enough to place her among the top three women in the world—a surreal moment for an athlete and team who are pushing into new territory with every round.
Hattie Harnden: Fast, Fierce, and Fearless
Harriet Harnden was on an absolute heater before a crash in the second split slowed her momentum. But even that couldn’t stop her from finishing 8th overall—with a faster time than her clean qualifying run. Her ability to regroup and attack again showed not just technical speed, but mental toughness, proving she’s right where she belongs among the sport’s best.
Her trust in Manitou’s stability and reactivity helped her stay in the game even when things got sketchy—because on tracks like this, recovery speed is just as important as raw speed.
A Team That’s Breaking the Mold
What’s remarkable isn’t just that AON Racing got a World Cup podium—it’s that they did it six months into their existence. In a field of legacy teams and factory dynasties, AON is bucking expectations by racing with heart, precision, and the belief that purpose-built performance can fast-track results.
At Manitou, we’re proud to be a part of this moment. Our Dorado and Mara Pro DH platforms are built for the exact kind of riding Val di Sole demands: confidence under pressure, composure through chaos, and sensitivity when it counts most.
This Is Just the Beginning
From the pits to the podium, the feeling around AON Racing is electric. The pieces are clicking. The riders are rising. And with every start gate they roll into, they carry the momentum of belief—and a setup they can trust when it matters most.
Val di Sole was the breakthrough. The next chapter is wide open.
