Downhill athlete Andy Prayoga won the Men's Elite class in the first round of the 76th Indonesian Downhill 2026 at Bukit Hijau Bike Park, Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region, Sunday.
The MUD Brothers PVR Industries team rider was the fastest after recording a time of 2 minutes 39.495 seconds on the 1,650-meter track which has a steep and technical character.
"The key to my victory in this first series was focusing on fully recovering from the fracture injury from the previous year and being disciplined in following my physical and endurance training program," Andy said in an official statement received.
Andy was slightly ahead of Agung Prio Apriliano from Astrindo Racing who recorded a time of 2 minutes 40.026 seconds, while third place was taken by Mohammad Abdul Hakim from 76 Rider DH Squad with a time of 2 minutes 41.264 seconds.
The 2021 Vietnam SEA Games silver medalist said he didn't want to repeat the mistake of forcing himself to compete while injured, as it could affect his performance in the following series.
According to him, the character of the Bukit Hijau Bike Park track is able to represent the real downhill challenges and also serves as an adaptation facility for national riders before appearing at the international level.
"Track quality like this is crucial as a means for local racers to adapt before competing at the Asian and international levels," Andy said.
Meanwhile, a surprise occurred in the Men Junior class after privateer rider Dimas Aradhana recorded the fastest time of 2 minutes 39.094 seconds, or better than the record of the Men Elite champion.
The second position in the Men Junior class was occupied by Nazwa Agazani from 76 Rider DH Squad with a time of 2 minutes 39.794 seconds, while Ahmad Nasywa Ridhodin from Sego Anget Racing Team was in third place with a time of 2 minutes 43.830 seconds.
In the Women Elite class, Milatul Khaqimah from the Nokeproof Axess Racing Team emerged victorious after recording a time of 3 minutes 06.531 seconds.
Mila admitted that this achievement was beyond her expectations because she had only just returned to competing after undergoing post-surgery recovery last January.
"This victory is a tremendous achievement for me considering it was my first race after a relatively short recovery period," said Mila.
She beat Ayu Triya Andriana from Alaska Squad who recorded a time of 3 minutes 07.283 seconds, while third place was taken by Nining Purwaningsih from Anindya Racing Team with a time of 3 minutes 13.370 seconds.
Agnes Wuisan, a representative from the 76 Riders organizing committee, said the increased quality and difficulty of the track this season had received a positive response from participants.
According to Agnes, the riders were able to show impressive performance despite having to face a more extreme track than the previous season.
"An interesting phenomenon was seen in the Men's Junior class. They performed more daringly and were able to record times that even surpassed those of the Men's Elite athletes," said Agnes.
After the opening series in Bantul, the 76th Indonesian Downhill 2026 will continue to the second round at Ternadi Bike Park, Kudus, Central Java.
