Your 2014 UCI World Cup winner is: Josh Bryceland.

Josh Bryceland (Rattus Rattus) clinched the 2014 UCI Downhill World Cup title on Saturday August 23. His podium run at the seventh and final round in Méribel (France) secured a comfortable 149 point margin over his nearest rival, and heralds a new era for the 2008 Junior World Champion.

"Knowing the World Cup title was mine for the taking was a whole new kind of pressure," admits Josh. "I found calm amongst my family... not just from Dad being there and the messages from my Mum and sister, but from my Syndicate family too. The crew have all been in this position before and know how to keep things both relaxed and focused in the run-up. They really helped me keep my sh*t together."

"Meribel was a mint track and the crowds were awesome... no better place for my little Ratboy to steal the show," said Peaty, who's watched Josh rise up the ranks for over a decade. "A little slide out up top meant I didn't put in the run I wanted, but my new race bike is running so well that I can't wait to hit the Worlds on it in a couple of weeks!"

Meanwhile, the lads' teammate, Greg Minnaar, managed to pull off a Top 10 finish, which was somewhat amazing given the fact he was recently involved in a serious car accident in California. "This time last weekend I was crawling out of the wreckage of an upturned vehicle" reflects Greg. "There was more tape on my body than on track today, but I'm just happy to still be here racing and see Josh take the title to be honest!"

Greg continued "I've nervously watched Ratty take down some big challenges this season, and none more so than this World Cup title. 'Railing ruts and nailing big things' seems to be his new motto. Everywhere."

Next stop: UCI World Championships Hafjell (NOR) on Sept 7, 2014.

Méribel Results:

1st SAM HILL (AUS)
2nd MATT SIMMONDS (GBR)
3rd JOSH BRYCELAND (GBR)
10th GREG MINNAAR (RSA)
25th STEVE PEAT (GBR)

2014 UCI World Cup Final Standings:

1st JOSH BRYCELAND (GBR) 1187
7th GREG MINNAAR (RSA) 742
19th STEVE PEAT (GBR) 426