Loïc
Bruni
France
·
MTB
Date of birth | May 13, 1994 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Cagnes-sur-Mer (near Nice), France |
Age | 32 |
Nationality | France |
Career start | 2013 |
Disciplines | Mountain Bike Downhill |
Everything seemed predisposed for Loïc Bruni to become a big name in downhill mountain biking. His father, Jean-Pierre, was one of the European pioneers in the discipline, collecting national and international titles throughout his career. Loïc watched and learned, succumbing to the passion of mountain biking from an early age.
In the wake of fellow French Riviera 'neighbours' Nicolas Vouilloz and Fabien Barel, the young boy from the Côte d’Azur soon showed off his downhill talents in junior races on the French circuit, as well as the French National Series.
Picked up to ride for Team Lapierre Gravity Republic as a junior in 2011, Loïc, or 'Brownie' as he's been nicknamed, went on to become junior champion in France. He announced his arrival on the world scene in 2012, when, still a junior, he claimed his first podium in the Elite World Cup at Windham in the United States and also took the junior World Championship.
In 2013, his first year as an elite athlete, he once again stepped up on the podium in Val di Sole, Italy, before scoring a second place in the World Cup in Leogang, Austria, finishing fourth overall for the World Cup that season.
These days, the sight of Loïc on the podium is a familiar one, and in 2015 he celebrated a second-place finish overall in the Downhill World Cup. And armed with a brand new custom ride, Loïc’s incredible speed earned him the top spot at the Downhill World Championships in Vallnord, Andorra, pitching him as a credible future World Cup title contender.
In 2016 he continued his impressive form, taking three podiums in the DH World Cup.
Despite an injury-hit 2017 World Cup campaign, he was able to put together form and fitness in time for the World Champs in Cairns, spoiling the Australian party to bring home gold for a second time – an incredible achievement at his young age. The following year, as well as taking the World Cup win at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Loïc again saved his best form for the season-ending race – finishing 2018 as World Champion for the third time.
Loïc is a modern athlete who leaves nothing to chance when preparing for a competition. His professionalism at his age is impressive, and the natural talent he possesses promises even more titles in elite racing.
Loic at Les Gets in France
© Karolina Krasinska/Red Bull Content Pool
Celebrating on the podium at UCI DH World Cup in Loudenvielle
© Bartek Wolinski/Red Bull Content Pool
Not stumped by this one is Loïc Bruni
© Nathan Hughes
If it's good enough for Loïc Bruni...
© Bartek Woliński/Red Bull Content Pool