While the Americans were contesting their national series in Utah this past weekend, old rivalries and epic racing were also making noise across the big pond, in Vars, France. Vars, a legendary downhill venue slated for next year's world cup circuit, hosted this year's European Downhill Championships - a very big deal to those racing on the continent.

The first part of a two-race event, this weekend's downhill championships precede next month's cross-country championships in Holland. All the big European names were there, and the racing took place in clear and warm conditions.

And in that heat, Steve Peat (GBR, Team GT) and Tracy Moseley (GBR, Kona/Ford Focus) - two Brits - beat the French in their own back yard. Actually, in the case of Anne-Caroline Chausson (FRA, Volvo-Cannondale) it was literally her backyard, as she lives there.

But A-C sat out the race, reportedly due to Volvo-Cannondale's complete lack of technical support, and watched as Tracy Moseley (GBR, Kona/Ford Focus) beat Sabrina Jonnier (FRA, Team GT) and Celine Gros to capture the title.

Then, Peaty beat Nico by posting a 3:10.33, seven seconds faster than a devastated Vouilloz, who stated "there's no way I could have ridden that course in under 3:12." One British editor called it "England's Glory," and it sure does spell bad news for the vaunted French downhill tradition.

We also have other results (with their fork sponsor as a bonus), so enjoy - and keep following the racing.

Results:
Senior Men DH
1. Steve Peat (GT) 2k Boxxer/BB 4-way rear
2. Nicolas Vouilloz (Vouilloz Racing) BOS/BOS
3. Fabien Barel (GT) BB Boxxer/BB 4-way rear

Senior Women DH
1. Tracy Moseley (Kona) Marzocchi/Fox (Another Brit!)
2. Sabrina Jonnier (GT) 01 Boxxer/BB 4-way rear
3. Celine Gros (Scott) 2k Boxxer/Pro-Deluxe rear

Junior Men DH
1. A Frenchman (Ancillotti) Bergmann/Fox
2. Julien Camellini (GT France) 2k Boxxer/Pro-Deluxe rear
3. Julien Poomans (Scott France) 2k Boxxer/Pro-Deluxe rear

Junior Women DH
1. Celine Gros (Scott) 2k Boxxer/Pro-Deluxe rear
2. Swiss 2k Boxxer/Fox
3. Helen Gaskell (Hope) 2k Boxxer/Pro-Deluxe rear

Men's Dual Slalom
1. Mickael Deldycke (Taillefer Bicycles) Psylo Race/rigid
2. Steve Peat (GT) Psylo Race Tullio/BB 3-way rear
3. Karim Amour (Vouilloz Racing) BOS/BOS

Women's Dual Slalom
1. Celine Gros (Scott) 2k Judy Race/SID rear
2. Nolvenn LeCaer (GT) BB Boxxer/BB 4-way rear 3. Sarah Stieger (Rotwild) 99 Judy 100/Pro-Deluxe rear

—Ari Cheren, covering the world for MountainZone.com