Eva Lechner (Colnago Arreghini Sudtirol) became the first Italian woman to win a World Cup MTB Race since Annabella Stropparo in 2002, with her victory in Houffalize. Lechner fell off the pace mid-race with a flat tire, but quickly rejoined the leaders, and then charged off the front. "Mentally, I had a problem last week which held me back," Lechner explained. "But I was able to 'reset' myself during this week, and I came into this race at the top both mentally and physically. This win is incredible, maybe the biggest I have ever had."

Lechner is riding a full SHIMANO XTR groupset, including XTR wheels as well as SHIMANO SH-M310 shoes.