At only 18 years old, Lauryne Chappaz is the next generation of the French downhill mountain bike team. In October 2020, Lauryne won the world downhill mountain bike title in the junior women’s category in Leogang, Austria.
At the Chappaz’s, cycling runs in the family ! The father did a lot of cross-country in his youth, followed by the older brother and sister Mélanie (crowned junior world champion in downhill mountain biking in 2017 in Australia), to finish with the younger Lauryne.
“What I love about downhill mountain biking is really the sensations that this sport provides and that you can’t find anywhere else. Mountain biking allows me to get away from everyday life and have fun with my friends.”
The young athlete from Reignier started downhill mountain biking five years ago at the Saint Julien club. She rose to prominence in regional competitions, then in the French Cup, then joined the World Cup circuit and the World Championships. In 2020, she won the Junior World Champion title.
“There is a great atmosphere at the races. Each competition has its own atmosphere. Cycling is like a family. We know each other well, the regional and French riders. It’s good fun.”
A recent member of the Bike Club of Les Gets, she has joined the Les Gets ambassadors club and will be riding with the colours of the resort on the Elite World Tour, and in particular at the 2021 UCI MTB World Cup scheduled to take place in the resort from 2 to 4 July 2021.
“I plan to come and train in Les Gets very often. I would like to improve my tricks and I know that the green run has a lot of tables so it’s perfect. And the black run is crazy!
What I like about Les Gets is that it’s open to everyone and accessible to beginners. It’s varied, natural and you can also do free riding. The Bikepark offers varied and fun trails for beginners and experts alike.”
As far as school is concerned, Lauryne is in her final year of high school. Next year, she intends to do a BTS in Commerce with in mind to open her own shop, if possible in the bike industry.
Main results
2020
World Championships in Leogang : 1st position in women junior category
World Cup in Lousa : 2d position on Saturday’s run and 1st position on Sunday’s run
French Cup : three podiums including two 1st places in Les Deux Alpes and Metabief. She also won the final ranking of the French Cups.
2019
World Cup : 3rd position in Les Gets and 4th position in Maribor, For William, Val Di Sole and Lenderheide.
French Cup : 3rd position in Brassac and 2d position in Metabief
French Championships in Alpe d’Huez: 4th position.