World Downhill Skateboarding Championship: Open Skate, Austria Highlights
World Downhill Skateboarding Championship: Open Skate, Austria Highlights
The 2025 World Downhill Skateboarding Championship launched its season in Axamer Lizum, Austria, marking the first of five global races. The scenic Tyrolean Alps provided a dramatic backdrop for a 3.3 km high-speed course with steep gradients and tight hairpins, ideal for thrilling competition and technical mastery.
80 Riders from 15+ Countries competed in the event, including 40 in the Open Skate category (8 women). Two long straights, three hairpins, max gradient of 21.8%, known for its speed and technicality. GoPro was announced as the official action camera partner for the 2025 season.
Notable Riders: Harry Clarke (AUS) – defending 2024 world champion. Adrien Paynel (FRA) – strong contender aiming to bounce back from a tough 2024 season.
Andreas Bouclier & Antoine Carlotti (FRA), Owen Fox, Adam Westfall, Garett Belanger, Dexter Manning (USA) – all strong presences. Ashley Winecoof, Selina Theiler, Marieke Wunsche – standout female competitors.
Fastest Rider was Adrien Paynel (2:32.403), followed by Harry Clarke.
Round of 32 > Quarterfinals Top performers included Paynel, Owens, Manning, Clarke, Fox, Carlotti, Bouclier, Barbizzi, and others.
Semi-Finals: Semi 1: Adrien Paynel & Morgan Owens advanced; however, a protest gave Dexter Manning second place instead. Semi 2: A chaotic finish with multiple crashes led to Owen Fox and Carlotti advancing, but Carlotti was later disqualified, giving spots to Fox and Clarke.
Final Standings: 1. Adrien Paynel (FRA) – Took the win with tactical skill and well-timed moves. 2. Dexter Manning (USA) – Led for most of the race, edged out at the end. 3. Owen Fox (USA) – Consistent throughout, benefited from late-race chaos. 4. Harry Clarke (AUS) – Involved in final crash, finished fourth.
Morgan Owens won ahead of Carlotti, Thompson, and Bouclier.
