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Peak Performance in the Pyrenees: Reynolds Wheels Fuel Pivot Factory Racing in Loudenvielle
Jun 02, 2025
Peak Performance in the Pyrenees: Reynolds Wheels Fuel Pivot Factory Racing in Loudenvielle
Loudenvielle delivered everything we love—and everything riders fear—about elite-level mountain bike racing. With the French Pyrenees providing a stunning alpine amphitheater, Pivot Factory Racing brought both its Enduro and Downhill squads to the third round of the Enduro World Cup and second round of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Under blazing sunshine and dry, dusty conditions, the weekend pushed athletes and equipment to the limit—and once again, Reynolds Blacklabel wheels rose to the occasion. 
Enduro: Full-Gas Racing, Fine-Tuned Control
Hot, loose, and relentless—that’s how most riders would describe Loudenvielle’s Enduro stages. Long traverses across sun-baked ridgelines gave way to shadowy forest sections still holding moisture, forcing constant adjustments in grip, timing, and trust. It’s the kind of race where the smallest mistake could cost you seconds, or worse. But for Pivot’s Enduro team, it was a weekend that highlighted their speed, depth, and durability. Back in action for the first time this season, Edward Masters returned to racing form with a vengeance. His day was marked by clean, consistent stage times until a mechanical on the final stage dropped him from a potential top-20 to 33rd. Even so, Eddie’s composure and pace signaled one thing loud and clear—he’s back. Matthew Walker built on his momentum from Poland with a breakout ride in France. A blistering 2nd place on Stage 2 anchored his best result of the season—14th overall—and proved that Matt’s connection with his setup is dialed. His performance echoed the hallmarks of Reynolds’ Blacklabel 309 Enduro wheels: razor-sharp handling, responsive acceleration, and trail-smoothing compliance when the going gets rough. Morgane Charre, ever the benchmark of consistency, looked locked-in all day. Despite a slow leak in her front tire on the final stage, she rode smart and held onto 2nd place—securing her third consecutive podium in as many rounds. Morgane’s ability to ride the edge with such control speaks to the confidence that Reynolds BL309 wheels deliver in critical moments. Designed with asymmetrical carbon rims, Industry Nine Hydra hubs, and a finely tuned carbon layup, the BL309 is built for racing at the sharp end—fast, light, and relentless. With three strong rides, the Pivot Enduro crew landed 2nd in the team standings for the day and currently sits 2nd overall in the series. The momentum is real, and the wheels beneath them are playing a critical role in keeping it alive.
Peak Performance in the Pyrenees: Reynolds Wheels Fuel Pivot Factory Racing in Loudenvielle
Downhill: Tough Weekend, Stronger Foundation
The Loudenvielle DH track was brutal—not just in terrain, but in how little room it left for error. Fast, narrow, and dry, it demanded perfection from top to bottom. Riders had to push hard just to qualify, and crashes were plentiful. Roger Vieira, growing more comfortable aboard the Pivot Phoenix and his Reynolds DH wheels, charged hard in qualifying but narrowly missed the cutoff. Still, his riding showed increased confidence and speed—momentum that continues to build after his historic debut in Poland. Remy Meier-Smith had the pace, but minor mistakes in both qualifying rounds kept him from advancing. It was a frustrating result, but one that doesn’t tell the full story. Remy’s aggression and precision in practice point to better results ahead, especially with the reliability and precision tracking of Reynolds DH wheels underneath him. Jenna Hastings took a tough hit in practice, washing out in a high-speed berm. While she avoided serious injury, she made the wise call to sit out the weekend and focus on recovery. Meanwhile, injured teammates Bernard Kerr and Ryan Griffith continue to heal. Ryan is recovering well, and Bernard—now in splint braces on both arms—is already setting his sights on returning to action. Until then, their support from the sidelines continues to fuel the team’s spirit. Reynolds DH wheels, engineered for the harshest courses in the world, stood up to everything Loudenvielle dished out. With a layup focused on high-impact durability, lateral stiffness for pin-point accuracy, and a weight profile that won’t hold riders back on acceleration, they’re the ultimate tool for racing on the edge.
Peak Performance in the Pyrenees: Reynolds Wheels Fuel Pivot Factory Racing in Loudenvielle

Onward to Leogang

With Loudenvielle in the books, the Pivot Factory Racing crew sets its sights on the next challenge: Leogang, Austria. The terrain changes, the altitude shifts, but the goal stays the same—ride fast, ride smart, and trust in the gear that gets you there. Reynolds is proud to support Pivot Factory Racing at every round. From technical alpine enduro stages to high-speed DH chaos, we build wheels that thrive where the stakes are highest.
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