Latest news with #EliteWomen
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Kiwis dominate Asia underwater hockey champs
New Zealand's Men's Masters, Women's Masters, Elite Women and Elite Men squads celebrate their medal-winning performances at the inaugural ICC in Kuala Lumpu. Photo: supplied New Zealand's underwater hockey side has made history at the inaugural World Championship regional qualifiers in Malaysia. The Kiwis featured in four finals in Kuala Lumpur, prevailing in three, to dominate the Asia-Oceania Inter-Continental Championships (ICC). While Underwater Hockey World Championships have been held since the 1980s, this was the first time a formal regional qualifier was staged. The ICC was introduced in response to the sport's rapid global growth and increasing participation, particularly across Asia-Pacific. The New Zealand Men's Masters, Elite Women (Silverfins) and Elite Men (Blackfins) all brought home gold, while the Women's Masters secured silver. President of Underwater Hockey New Zealand Lisa McCosh said the sport was going from strength to strength in Aotearoa. "The athletes' extensive training prepared them for the gruelling final games against Australia, which were incredible to watch. In particular, the two elite finals that went into overtime displayed an impressive level of athleticism." The event saw the Brosnans of Nelson compete across three divisions. Rebecca and Bruno Brosnan, both Masters players, competed alongside their daughter Chantal in the Elite Women's team. Chantal's team not only claimed ICC Champion honours, but also played what is believed to be the longest sudden-death match in international underwater hockey history. The ICC marks a significant shift for the sport, with countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Singapore building stronger competitive pathways. Elite Men's Coach Emma Rae said it marked a moment about more than just medals. "It's about sharing our love for the game and helping it grow globally." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Malaysian Reserve
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Malaysian Reserve
Monster Energy Athletes Claim Podium Spots at 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes
29-Year-Old Amaury Pierron from Brioude, France, Takes 2nd Place in Elite Men Downhill Race, Rises to Top Season Rankings 20-Year-Old UK Team Rider Jordan Williams Takes 3rd Place LOUDENVIELLE-PEYRAGUDES, France, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stop Two of the 2025 season is in the books! Monster Energy congratulates Amaury Pierron on taking second place in the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, France, this weekend. In the second race of the season, the 29-year-old from Brioude, France, rose to the podium on the challenging track. Also rising to the podium, 20-year-old Jordan Williams from Bristol, United Kingdom, claimed third place in Sunday's final. Williams was joined in the Top Five by 28-year-old Monster Energy team rider Luca Shaw from Hendersonville, North Carolina, in fifth place with a finish time of 3:16.776. Shaw now holds fifth place in season rankings with 294 points. The Elite Women Downhill final concluded with 35-year-old Camille Balanche from Le Locle, Switzerland, in fourth place. The Swiss team rider battled high winds in the upper segment of the track and treacherous conditions in the lower half to earn a finish time of 3:48.776. Balanche now ranks fifth in the 2025 season standings with 305 points. From May 30 to June 1, the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup descended on the iconic trails of Loudenvielle-Peyragudes. In stop two of the season, the challenging and technical racetrack in the heart of the French Pyrenees mountains hosted the world elite of the sport. The action-filled weekend also stoked visitors with live concerts, mountain bike expositions, and fan activations in the event village. In Sunday's Elite Men Downhill final, Amaury Pierron dropped in as the number one qualifier and last rider on the course. Charging into the top section, Pierron managed to build a 0.7-second lead over the fastest rider by the third split of the race. But when the dust settled, the Frenchman concluded the track 1.5 seconds behind the winner with a time of 3:14.729 for a strong second-place finish. 'It was a crazy race this time around in Loudenvielle. We've always raced here in the wet and later in the season. This was dry and really fast. The average speeds were scary, as if there was no limit! Everyone was going really fast all weekend, and I'm just glad to have stayed on my bike in these conditions, get through to the final, and now the podium. So happy with this,' said Monster Energy's Pierron. On the strength of Sunday's result, Pierron now commands first place in the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup season rankings with 440 points. Joining Pierron on the podium, Jordan Williams claimed third place in Sunday's final with a finish time of 3:16.163. After battling a knee injury during the 2024 season, the former Junior Division Mountain Bike Downhill World Champion is fully back in the saddle and now holds eighth place in season rankings with 243 points. 'It was insane – it was just so fast!' said Monster Energy's Williams, adding: 'I did not expect to land on the podium here. It's been a while trying to get up to speed after my knee injury last year, and to do it here on this track in these conditions is wild! Huge thanks for all the support and for the team getting me back on track. I took a few risks and that paid off! Very stoked!' The action continues next weekend with the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, in Saalfelden Leogang, Austria, from June 5 to 8, 2025. For more on Amaury Pierron, Jordan Williams, Camille Balanche, Luca Shaw, and our team of mountain bike athletes, visit Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for updates from the 2025 mountain bike season. For interview or photo requests, contact Kim Dresser. About Monster EnergyBased in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at CONTACT: Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E:
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Monster Energy Athletes Claim Podium Spots at 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes
29-Year-Old Amaury Pierron from Brioude, France, Takes 2nd Place in Elite Men Downhill Race, Rises to Top Season Rankings 20-Year-Old UK Team Rider Jordan Williams Takes 3rd Place LOUDENVIELLE-PEYRAGUDES, France, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stop Two of the 2025 season is in the books! Monster Energy congratulates Amaury Pierron on taking second place in the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes, France, this weekend. In the second race of the season, the 29-year-old from Brioude, France, rose to the podium on the challenging track. Also rising to the podium, 20-year-old Jordan Williams from Bristol, United Kingdom, claimed third place in Sunday's final. Williams was joined in the Top Five by 28-year-old Monster Energy team rider Luca Shaw from Hendersonville, North Carolina, in fifth place with a finish time of 3:16.776. Shaw now holds fifth place in season rankings with 294 points. The Elite Women Downhill final concluded with 35-year-old Camille Balanche from Le Locle, Switzerland, in fourth place. The Swiss team rider battled high winds in the upper segment of the track and treacherous conditions in the lower half to earn a finish time of 3:48.776. Balanche now ranks fifth in the 2025 season standings with 305 points. From May 30 to June 1, the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup descended on the iconic trails of Loudenvielle-Peyragudes. In stop two of the season, the challenging and technical racetrack in the heart of the French Pyrenees mountains hosted the world elite of the sport. The action-filled weekend also stoked visitors with live concerts, mountain bike expositions, and fan activations in the event village. In Sunday's Elite Men Downhill final, Amaury Pierron dropped in as the number one qualifier and last rider on the course. Charging into the top section, Pierron managed to build a 0.7-second lead over the fastest rider by the third split of the race. But when the dust settled, the Frenchman concluded the track 1.5 seconds behind the winner with a time of 3:14.729 for a strong second-place finish. "It was a crazy race this time around in Loudenvielle. We've always raced here in the wet and later in the season. This was dry and really fast. The average speeds were scary, as if there was no limit! Everyone was going really fast all weekend, and I'm just glad to have stayed on my bike in these conditions, get through to the final, and now the podium. So happy with this," said Monster Energy's Pierron. On the strength of Sunday's result, Pierron now commands first place in the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup season rankings with 440 points. Joining Pierron on the podium, Jordan Williams claimed third place in Sunday's final with a finish time of 3:16.163. After battling a knee injury during the 2024 season, the former Junior Division Mountain Bike Downhill World Champion is fully back in the saddle and now holds eighth place in season rankings with 243 points. "It was insane - it was just so fast!" said Monster Energy's Williams, adding: "I did not expect to land on the podium here. It's been a while trying to get up to speed after my knee injury last year, and to do it here on this track in these conditions is wild! Huge thanks for all the support and for the team getting me back on track. I took a few risks and that paid off! Very stoked!" The action continues next weekend with the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, in Saalfelden Leogang, Austria, from June 5 to 8, 2025. For more on Amaury Pierron, Jordan Williams, Camille Balanche, Luca Shaw, and our team of mountain bike athletes, visit Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for updates from the 2025 mountain bike season. For interview or photo requests, contact Kim Dresser. About Monster EnergyBased in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at CONTACT: Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Monster Energy
