So here we are when all is said and done. The 2015 World Cup season is already just a memory; the last jump has been hucked, the final pedal stroke taken, and the ultimate victories have been claimed by the two racers to also take Men's and Women's series by storm. Aaron Gwin and Rachel Atherton continued their obliteration of the competition in a race that deservingly formed the jewel in the crown of a wild, wild ride stretching all the way back to April and the holy slopes of Southern France. Six races later, it seems to have passed too fast to take stock of anything we might have learnt, but there's no doubting that these are the golden years. 20 years from now we'll look back and be proud to have witnessed these times with these legendary riders going head to head, carving out the still relatively early history of the sport with their cut-down spikes. So put on your signed Greg Minnaar jersey, crack open the beers and get a second look at the mind-blowing action on the replay. But first there should be time for one last photo epic...





World Cup racing isn t all glamour. This kitchen setup in a rustic open basement is all you need to keep warm and nourished though.
Because the World Cup isn't all shiny big-rigs and luxury 2 star hotels... This kitchen setup in a rustic, open basement is all any privateer needs to keep thoroughly warm and nourished... We hope.


Andrew Crimmins galloping into the steep right-hander that was to be the undoing of Trillo.
Andrew Crimmins has performed brilliantly all season in the juniors and thoroughly deserved his second place finish in the overall, not least after another great ride to 4th today. Here he gallops into the steep right-hander that was to be the undoing of Alex Marin Trillo.

After a great start to the season Thibaut Laly had some issues of late but finally he managed to get right back in the mix riding to 5th in the Italian dust.
After a great start to the season, Thibaut Laly had some issues of late, but finally he managed to get right back in the mix, riding to 5th in the Italian dust.
Team Les Gets Bikepark s Benoit Cougoureux stormed his was to a personal best of 6th place just 4.9 seconds back in the juniors.
Team Les Gets Bikepark's Benoit Cougoureux stormed his was to a personal best of 6th place just 4.9 seconds back in the juniors.

Alex Marin crashed half way down and could not back up his first place from qualifying in Juniors.
Top qualifier and up at Split 1, Alex Marin crashed half way down and saw his dreams of his first win in tatters. Bring on Junior Worlds.

 I took a bit of a victory lap today. I just kept saying to myself keep it in the bag man . I just didn t want to risk anything for Worlds. Laurie Greenland on his third place finish today at VDS.
"I took a bit of a victory lap today. I just kept saying to myself, 'keep it in the bag man'. I just didn't want to risk anything for Worlds." Laurie Greenland, on his race run.
pic by Beatrice Baar
One small step-down for Greenland, one giant leap into third place. Pic by Beatrice Baar.

Loris Revelli brought home the win for his country in the juniors today. The Italian was a second and change up on second place Dickson.
Loris Revelli brought home the win for his country in the juniors today. In a stunning performance, the Italian was a second 'and change' up on 2nd place, Dickson.

It s hard imagine how good it must have felt for Loris Revelli to pull out that kind of performance on home soil but according to him it isn t half bad.
It's hard imagine how good it must have felt for AB Devinci's Loris Revelli to pull out that kind of performance on home soil, but according to him it wasn't half bad. Congrats Mr Revelli!

Greenland Crimmins and Dickson with the best possible chances of making it as small fish in a big pond next year. Congrats to your 2015 Junior overall top 3
Greenland, Crimmins and Dickson with the best possible chances of making it as small fish in a big pond next year. Congrats to your 2015 Junior overall top 3!


Italian national champ Veronika Vidmann had a great time here on home soil and was on for the podium in the first 2 splits before an eventual and still amazing 8th place finish.
In the women's race, Italian national champ, Veronika Widmann, had a great time here on home soil and was on for the podium in the first 2 splits before an eventual, and still amazing, 8th place finish.

Tracey Hannah rode to fifth place today. Hannah has had a stellar season considering the injury at Lourdes. She finished fourth overall.
Tracey Hannah rode to fifth place today. Hannah has had a stellar season, considering the injury at Lourdes. She finished fourth overall.
Tracey Hannah 5th of the day and 4th in the overall points.
Hannah, 5th of the day and 4th in the overall points.

Tahnee Seagrave looked mighty wild in search of extra seconds on her race run today... Thankfully she held on for another podium to take third spot in the overall.
Tahnee Seagrave looked mighty wild in search of extra seconds on her race run today... Thankfully she held on for another podium to take third spot in the overall.

Tahnee Seagrave dropping into the final turns on her way to a fourth place finish.
Seagrave warping into the final turns to end a fantastic season for the FMD Racing star..

Monica Hrasnik experiencing slight technical difficulties on the huge step down. The set up was extremely tricky and pointed riders towards two trees while the compression was considerable for anybody except the top men not able to grease the transition.
Monica Hrasnik experiencing slight technical difficulties on the huge step down. The set up was extremely tricky and pointed riders towards two trees, while the compression was considerable for anybody except the top men not able to grease the transition.

Manon Carpenter pushed hard to a 3rd place finish. She is now looking to Andorra in two weeks time where she will try to defend her World Championship title.
Manon Carpenter pushed hard to a 3rd place finish. She is now looking to Andorra in two weeks time where she will try to defend her World Championship title.

Eyes focused like no one else Myriam Nicole tucks out of the final corner en route to 2nd.
Eyes focused like no one else, Myriam Nicole tucks through the dust out of the final corner.
Pom Pon all smiles after taking second today.
Pom Pon all smiles; back to full strength and taking second today.


pic by Beatrice Baar
Rachel Atherton piloting her Fury off the top road gap. Pic by Beatrice Baar

Rachel Atherton bringing home one last win of the season. She was 2.239 seconds up on second place Pom Pon.
Atherton bringing home one last win of the season. She was 2.239 seconds up on second place, Pom Pon.

pic by Beatrice Baar
Atherton gave it her absolute all, despite already having the title, to claim her unbelievable, 26th World Cup win. Pic by Beatrice Baar

Women s podium.
Val Di Sole's top women. Reshuffle the order to Atherton, Carpenter, Seagrave, Hannah, Ragot and Nicole in 6th and you have your final season standings. Congrats to the all the amazing women at the top of the sport.

Could this be the straw that breaks the trophy-cabinet s back
Could this be the straw that breaks the trophy-cabinet's back? Let's hope not Rach.


A sincere and emotional moment between two champions but more importantly friends following Emmeline s announcement of retirement.
A sincere and emotional moment between two champions, but more importantly friends following Emmeline's announcement of retirement.
Though bittersweet this moment was perhaps the perfect ending to the career of Emmeline Ragot carried off stage by her biggest rival of the past decade. The level at the top end of the women s field is so high right now entirely because of these two.
A sad but also perfect ending to the career of Ragot. Carried off stage by her biggest rival of the past decade. The level at the top end of the women's field is so high right now almost entirely thanks to these two.


Emmeline Ragot announced her retirement today and thanked Rachel for the many battles over the years. Fear not she won t be staying away from the circuit as she offered her physio services to all in the coming years.
Emmeline Ragot announced her retirement today, and thanked Rachel for the many battles over the years. Fear not, she won't be staying away from the circuit, as she offered her physio services to all in the coming years.


The calm before the storm in Val di Sole.
The calm before the storm in Val di Sole.

Coming to the World Cup Don t forget to bring your proverbial balls . Reece Wilson saddles up and hucks towards the distant smoothness of the downside on the step-down nobody wanted to case.
Riding at the World Cup? Don't forget to bring your proverbial balls now will you? Reece Wilson saddles up and hucks towards the distant smoothness of the downside on the step-down nobody wanted to case.

Eddie Masters is no w the official Masters Brothers World Cup Champion.
Eddie Masters is now the official Masters Brothers World Cup Champion... 15th on arguably the toughest track on the calendar.
A common utterance in the forest this season was if Phil Atwill stays on his bike he ll have a top result . Well at the last opportunity he managed it... A first elite top 20 for the wildman wildcard.
A common utterance in the forest this season was 'if Phil Atwill stays on his bike he'll have a top result'. Well at the last opportunity he managed it... A top 20 for the wildman wildcard.

Alexandre Fayolle is one of those riders who looks incredible on track week in week out but usually struggles to find the spotlight with top results. 10th place for the privateer will come as one hell of a nice surprise congrats to him on the epic result
Alexandre Fayolle is one of those riders who looks incredible on track week in week out but usually struggles to find the spotlight with top results. 10th place for the privateer will come as one hell of a nice surprise, congrats to him on the epic result!

Brook MacDonald literally put hurt to the track on his way to 4th.
Brook MacDonald literally put hurt to the track on his way to 4th.
Brook MacDonald might just have MVP status after his knee dislocated in practice yesterday and he rode to an incredible fourth place finish today.
MacDonald might just have MVP status after his knee dislocated in practice yesterday...

Return of the Mac.
Return of the Mac.

Dean Lucas might just have won the big air award on the Italian huck-o-meter on his way to one hell of a donkey-nod and another top 20.
Dean Lucas might just have won the big air award on the Italian huck-o-meter, on his way to one hell of a donkey-nod and another top 20.

A 700mm lens held up by three of the sports finest photographers in the final corner.
A 700mm lens held up by three of the sports finest photographers in the final corner... Schieck, Delorme and Di Lulo cuddle up.
Nathan Huges employed the help of his better half Steffi with shooting in finals. Said Marth of the days work This is hard. It s hot dirty I m sweaty and I want to leave. Hopefully Nate gives her some photo creds.
Add another one and 16mm to that total. Nathan Hughes putting his 4-limbed tripod to good use... "This is hard. It's hot, dirty, I'm sweaty, and I want to leave." said poor Steffi Marth.

Harry Heath looked pinned all week and today he smashed his way to a career best and the kind of result the majority of race mortals can only dream of. Ninth place for the Englishman.
Harry Heath smashed his way into his best result since last time around in Windham.... Ninth place once again for the Englishman.

Greg Minnaar met a bit of misfortune on his run and would finish off the podium.
Despite never having taken the win here, Greg Minnaar looked super comfortable from the outset among the Val di Sole roots.
Up at the split Greg Minnaar would crash in the bottom section of the track. A costly mistake that would push hime from 2nd back to 4th in the overall.
Greg Minnaar made a costly mistake before the first split that would push him from 2nd back to 4th in the overall.


Greg Minnaar knew it would take something exceptional to catch Gwin and went all out but came unstuck in the dust pushing too hard. Still an exceptional season including two wins and coming back from a broken hand gave him 4th spot in the overall.
Greg Minnaar knew it would take something exceptional to catch Gwin and went all out, but came unstuck in the dust, pushing too hard. Still, an exceptional season, including two wins and coming back from a broken hand gave him 4th spot in the overall.

pic by Beatrice Baar
A second, consecutive, immense performance from Loris Vergier saw him rip his way to 7th. Pic by Beatrice Baar.

After a brilliant season for Giant s headline act an apparent mechanical out of the gate left Marcello Gutierrez outside of contention for a top spot this afternoon but still able to nurse it down to secure 8th in the overall.
After a brilliant season for Giant's headline act, an apparent mechanical out of the gate left Marcello Gutierrez outside of contention for a top spot this afternoon, but still able to nurse it down to secure 8th in the overall.
Marcelo had been looking on it all week it would have been great to see him end the season with another trip to the podium but today it wasn t meant to be.
Marcello had been looking on it all week; it would have been great to see him end the season with another trip to the podium, but, today it wasn't meant to be.

Danny Hart was on an absolute heater 3rd at the first two splits but somehow lost the front end unexpectedly coming into the Hell section sampling the dirt and forcing him outside the top 20.
Danny Hart was on an absolute heater, 3rd at the first two splits, but somehow lost the front end unexpectedly coming into the 'Hell' section, sampling the dirt and forcing him outside the top 20.

pic by Beatrice Baar
After a season recovering from injury, Ratboy had a stellar end to the season to finish in the top 5 overall. Pic by Beatrice Baar.
Ratty sending it off the drop and heading into the finish arena. Ratty finished fifth. The big question is how is he going to go at World s We can t wait to see.
Ratty sending it off the drop and heading into the finish arena and onto the podium. We can't wait to see what he's going to go at World's....

Mark Wallace making tracks through the loam. Wallace rode his way to eighth place today his second top-10 result this season.
Young Canadian, Mark Wallace, making tracks through the loam on his way to eighth place, his second top-10 result this season.

Gee Atherton couldn t add a win to his Val Di Sole record today. The World Champ finished sixth.
Gee Atherton looked to be on fire in his race run, but couldn't make it a hat-trick of dual Val Di Sole wins alongside his sister. The World Champ finished one spot off the podium.

How many times can Loic Bruni come so close to winning a World Cup We recon that once he wins he is going to keep winning for a long time.
How many times can Loic come so close to winning a World Cup? We reckon that once he wins he is going to keep winning for a long time.
Loic Bruni took second today and second for the overall of the season. Unfortunately that win was still just out of his reach.
Bruni took second today and second for the overall of the season. Unfortunately, that win was still just out of his reach.

Bruni on a scorcher skimming his way into the final turn.
Bruni on a scorcher, skimming his way into the final turn.

Aaron Gwin and another weekend of total domination. A deserving champ indeed.
Aaron Gwin and another weekend of total domination. The man, the myth, the legend... A deserving champ indeed.
The man the myth the legend. While his run wasn t mind melting Gwin took one heck of a win today to become World Cup Champion.
While his run wasn't as mind-melting as perhaps he alone is capable, Gwin took one heck of a win today to become World Cup Champion.


Aaron Gwin after crossing the line knowing that without a doubt the World Cup overall was his for the third time.
Gwin after crossing the line knowing that, without a doubt, the World Cup overall was his for the third time.

Even after close encounters with the track Troy Brosnan still finished third. That was a damn fast run.
Even after close encounters with the track, Troy Brosnan still finished third. That was a damn fast run.

Troy Brosnan started out of the gate with the kind of explosive run that could have achieved instant legend status but for the second consecutive race he found his assault on the top denied.
Troy Brosnan started out of the gate with the kind of explosive run that could have achieved instant legend status, but for the second consecutive race he found his assault on the top denied.

Brosnan took it like a man but a second fail on a second winning run must have stung very badly.
Brosnan took it like a man, but a second denial on a second winning run must have stung very badly.

the look of pain mixed with disappointment on the face of Troy Brosnan.
Troy washed his front end in a corner half way dawn and recons he broke his hand or finger in the process.
The uncomfortable blend of pain and disappointment on the face of Brosnan... Troy washed his front end in a corner half way down and broke his finger punching a big boulder.

What could have been if Troy hadn t ended up with his bars in he dirt.
What could have been if Troy hadn't ended up with his bars in he dirt.

Earth-shattering talent and ground-breaking pace on a bike harnessed for a third time to produce a hat-trick of overall World Cup titles. With 2011 2012 and 2015 trophies already in his cabinet could Aaron Gwin be one season away from snatching the wins record from Minnaar
Earth-shattering talent and ground-breaking pace on a bike, harnessed for a third time to produce a hat-trick of overall World Cup titles. With 2011, 2012 and 2015 series trophies, could Aaron Gwin already be just one season away from snatching the wins record from Minnaar? We're sure Greg would have something to say about that...

Despite all the madness it seems Gwin and Brosnan have developed a pretty authentic bond after 3 seasons as big S pilots.
Despite all the race tension, rivalry and media madness it seems Gwin and Brosnan have developed a pretty authentic bond after 3 seasons as big 'S' pilots.

Too good...
Too good...
... this time at least.
... this time at least.

Aaron Gwin wrapped it all up in a tidy package here at Val di Sole. Now he looks toward the next item to check off his list World Champs.
Aaron Gwin wrapped it all up in a tidy package here at Val di Sole. Now, he looks toward the next item to check off his list: World Champs.

One season four wins. Only in Switzerland and Canada did Gwin show the slightest of gaps in his armor and the rest was pretty much pure perfection.
One season, four wins. Only in Switzerland and Canada did Gwin show the slightest of gaps in his armor and the rest was just pure perfection.
Aaron Gwin your 2015 season World Cup champion.
Aaron Gwin your 2015 season World Cup champion.

Having just two riders proved to be no handicap to the Specialized Racing team and they took the team battle title.
Having just two riders proved to be no handicap to the Specialized Racing team and they took the coveted team battle title.

Val Di Sole one broken finger away from complete demo-lition this afternoon.
Val Di Sole; one broken finger away from complete demo-lition this afternoon.


Men s podium.
'All the lads', as they say.

While Gwin doesn t chug the bubbly he sure does have the spraying technique down.
While Gwin doesn't chug the bubbly, he sure does have the spraying technique down....


Your overall World Cup top 3
... Lord knows he's had enough practice.
Drink up Loic... Your time will come very soon.
Drink up Loic. It's been an incredible year and we can't wait to see what you bring to the table for Champs...
Wyn Masters was a hit with the kids post race.
High-five on some absolute, top-draw, first-class, race action to round out the season.

Swap MacDonald for Minnaar and you have the 2015 season overall podium.
Swap MacDonald for Minnaar and you have the 2015 WC overall podium and in correct order.

pic by Beatrice Baar
Sunset on a phenomenal race season... Thanks to the best riders on the planet for putting on an all-time show, and thanks to all our readers here at Pinkbike, we hope you've enjoyed the ride! Pic by Beatrice Baar.

And that s wrap from Val di Sole.
And that's wrap from Val di Sole and the World Cup for another year... Never fear, World Champs is just two weeks out.

About your Pinkbike World Cup Photography Team


Dave Trumpore • Age: 35 • Years Shooting: 4
Dave spent the bulk of the past 17 years racing professionally before realizing that despite qualifying for the random World Cup final here and there, the next generation was just way too fast and way more talented. Upon hanging up his racing boots in 2010, it would be a few years until Dave picked up a camera and started shooting the odd race here and there as a way to stay in touch with all the friends he had made over the years, and the rest as they say is history. In just a few years time his photos have graced the pages of just about every MTB magazine and major media outlet, while his commercial client list includes a who's who of the cycling industry, and he is lucky enough to shoot regularly with some of the best riders on the planet. Currently at Pinkbike, Dave shoots the Downhill WC and the Enduro World Series as well as contributing to the occasional editorial story.


Matthew Delorme • Age: 40 • Years Shooting: 8
Matthew DeLorme is just one of Pinkbike’s motley crew of World Cup Photographers. He currently lives out of a Ogio bag, and calls the road his home. Delorme works for Trek Bicycle, covering their MTB racing programs. He can usually be found laying in the dirt trackside, cracking jokes and saying things that make little to no sense. He enjoys capturing accessory moments and the journey every bit as much as catching the action shot.


Nathan Hughes • Age: 28 • Years Shooting: 2
Nathan Hughes was snared as mainstay Pinbike media crew for the 2013 World Cup season and has been trapped behind the lens and the keyboard ever since. In between the biggest bike events of the year Nathan can be found on client shoots, making far-off travel stories and trying to catch a moment to spin the pedals himself. A great appreciation of the wilderness, the fear of a normal life and the quest for the perfect picture will have him hooked and looking to raise the bar for years to come.

Thanks also to Beatrice Baar for some incredible additional imagery!

Author Info:
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Member since Jul 19, 2007
313 articles

86 Comments
  • 184 1
 Such a good photo report. I felt like I was really there! Amazing photos as usual so props to the photographers!
  • 17 1
 All 7 races were exciting,explosive and intense.another season another year of memorable wins....i bid farewell to miss Emmeline Ragot and let's not forget Mr Bernat Guardia on the racing circuit....all the best for you both...thank you for your speed and memories
  • 84 2
 So proud of my sport. The riders, the fans, the photographers.. Fuck football and thank you for an amazing inspiring season. Classy and rad.
  • 4 1
 I kept clicking the little green button, but I'm getting this weird error message...
  • 66 5
 Gwin is a living legend. How does he do it, especially on a 120mm travel bike? Total, total, champ.

Roll on the world championship. Gwinner deserves to gwin it.
  • 12 39
flag dawsonpink (Aug 23, 2015 at 5:54) (Below Threshold)
 120mm? With a Demo? That's cool. Thanks for sharing that info. I'm guessing it's all about precision of the rear end at speed. Would never have guessed that. Do a lot of guys do that?

Gwin!!! Keep it rollin' at World Champs. Good luck man!
  • 6 44
flag melonhead1145 (Aug 23, 2015 at 6:55) (Below Threshold)
 The Demo has 200mm Travel....
  • 56 0
 guys he was just joking because of gwin running his suspension so stiff that he uses only 120mm of the travel ... but don't worry, he's also using his 200mm Wink but just not that often
  • 23 1
 I think it's sarcasm, in reference to how stiff Mr.Gwin runs his suspension. Just sayin. ✌
  • 18 0
 When Rob asks about how much travel does a DH bike has.
  • 4 0
 Through some sections you couldn't even see his shock moving. Insane.
  • 4 3
 @chyu Totally man... Rob needs to know roadies dont watch dh wc
  • 2 1
 he just drops some blue pills into the fork before his run...thinking about it that may explain the color of the knobs...
  • 3 0
 How much travel do you reckon he actually gets through? Super firm or super progressive? I doubt he ever bottoms it. Going through those compressions Claudio pointed out he was only using half of the travel. And how does he make it grip when it's so hard! Gwinsane!
  • 15 1
 if you really want to know how much travel he uses just play sherlock an look at the details Smile ... i guess it won't work with the mobile version of pinkbike as the photo resolution is really crappy (at least on my android). for example the pic with the bikes standing in front of the podium gives you a good idea of the used travel ... it's all about the o-rings Wink
the vitalmtb slideshows are a good option to compare different riders - good photo quality in fullscreen.

If you take a look at videos of gwin, where he is braking hard (for example in the finish area, or leogang in the last woods, before the outside line) you can see that he is also sitting relatively deep in the travel (probably at 2/3).

He is for sure running something around the mid-setting at low-speed in combination with a very stiff shimstack - that's the basic stuff. Spring rate is higher than average (for WC riders) and should be relatively progressive - but not as crazy as most people think.

To give you an idea - gwins set-up for MSA 2010 on yeti (clicks from closed position):

"Fork: Fox 40 Fit RC2 w/ Kashima Coating
Low Speed: 8 clicks
HS Speed: 14 clicks
Pre Load: Zero
Rebound: 12 clicks
Spring: Green
*Special Tuning: Custom Compression valve stack. If a consumer's valve stack is rated a 5, then Gwin's is a 9 for firmness."

Yes it was a different fork model, but the green spring wasn't that stiff at all. But you can see, that the shimstack is nearly twice as stiff as normal - that's a HUGE difference.

A very stiff shimstack with little preload (on the shimstack, which means many clicks out) works much finer in terms of grip and small bump sensitivity than a normal one fully closed - while giving more ride height and g-out control. (please don't go and close your HS adjusters haha - it won't effect things positively).

hmm ... god save the freaks ... and gwin ... and the rat.
  • 14 0
 lol with all that suspension stuff i forgot to say what i actually wanted to point out.

it's also about his riding style.
if you take a look at brook - he is always bombing and hucking trough everything - which looks great, but this also makes his suspension do much more of the work compared to gwins.
gwin has a bmx sx backround - he is sometimes riding like if he was on a rigid bike - absorbing all the landings and humps, even if it's not necessary.
he always looks way more active than other riders - he tries not to work against the terrain - like if he was floating - and that makes his suspension look bored.

The Lourdes run is a good example. Look how much travel he is using in some corners and in the finish area. But he is absorbing the hits and landings so smooth on the track, that the suspension looks way stiffer.

www.singletracks.com/blog/downhill/video-aaron-gwins-crazy-fast-winning-run-at-the-lourdes-world-cup

at least that's what i think
  • 16 0
 Well, I guess I feel pretty stupid now, but thanks for making me laugh at myself with all your great comments.
  • 4 1
 thanks for the breakdown muzzle. you really know your stuff hey!
  • 1 1
 One of the short interview, Rachel Throop said pump more air into your fork to make it stiffer.
  • 45 5
 Such a tuff season for Loic mentally, damn I hope he wins World Champs! well him or ratboy!
  • 33 9
 Really rooting for Gwin to win champs! Only thing he hasn't won yet and it would be a great end to his season!
  • 31 2
 Gwin is such a good sport. I'm rooting for him at wolrd champs.
  • 11 1
 Yeah seems like a super chill, professional guy. All those guys on the podium have pretty cool and unique personalities.
  • 8 1
 His comments after the race about not wanting to know how Greg did because he races to win and not to play it safe - not what his fans/sponsers want to see etc. Well said sir - I f***ing love you man.
Good luck for the world champs.
  • 26 1
 Another great season in the books! Gwin is in his own league but there were also a lot of riders that really stepped up this season. Marcelo, Brendog, Mark Wallace, Connor Fearon, Loris all had breakthrough seasons which was great to watch. Thanks to Redbull and PB for the amazing coverage.
  • 22 5
 Clearly Gwin isn't in his own league as in the last 2 races Troy has had issues. Troy definitely has the speed to match, if not beat Gwin. I reckon he'll float his way to a win at world champs
  • 7 1
 Heard troy actually broke his finger..
  • 5 0
 agreed - although Troy has had a win he hasnt completely broken through yet, and when he does he will be very difficult to stop. The same with Bruni, when he starts winning he will be difficult to stop. Also Ratboy seems to be recovered and charging again, Minnaar will want to get world champs after loosing out on the WC overall. Plus many other riders who are capable of good results not having a great season this year who will be pushing to get the world champs win - Hart, Gee, McDonald, Hill. Cant wait for world champs, gonna be good.
  • 3 0
 Looks we are seeing the new crop of talent coming up right now. Loris, Dean Lucas, Luca Shaw, Connor, Troy, Bruni, Wallace and Greenland will surly be in the top talent in the next 4 to 6 years. Next year should be very very exciting. As I see guys like Loris and Connor really starting to put together consistency.
  • 3 0
 Talking about talent...whats going on with Steve smith? He was doing awesome just havent been able to recover from those 2 injuries. But why? The rat seems to be fully recovered and he was injured less than a year ago.
  • 18 0
 Pinkbike again with a FANTASTIC coverage of the World Cup. Many thanks to all the team for this! And the coming of the World Championchips and the 2016 racing season!
  • 17 3
 Troy. If he didnt crash the last two rounds he may have taken the overall title. I cant wait to see him at Champs. Racing is about staying on your bike, but how in the hell do you crash the last two races and still come 6th and 3rd. Next season could be interesting if he keeps the speed up and stays on his bike!
  • 4 0
 Pretty amazing if you ask me. What a beast!
  • 2 0
 he should put rocks in his pockets
  • 13 2
 A funny story ... I was lucky enough to meet Aaron Gwin at bootleg canyon last March, what a great guy. We talked for a few minutes and I wished him luck for the upcoming season and shook his hand. Later, I told my wiife and some of my friends that he would win the downhill championship this year because he shook my hand! I know he really won due to his amazing skills on a mountain bike. So Aaron, if you're reading this, I'll meet you at bootleg canyon next March and shake your hand again. Ha ha.
  • 8 0
 Every time I see these races and someone (typically Loic or Greg or Troy or whoever) puts down a scorcher I think to myself...well that's it, they just can't go faster, they just can't....and then they (typically Aaron) do. I'm not one for 'watching other people exercise', but the DH World cup is simply spectacular stuff with superb athletes....oh and the photos are pretty good too ;-)
  • 10 0
 such a great season, and a great race to finish it. Its a shame Ragot is retiring, I love that photo of her and Rachel - amazing. What a sport!
  • 7 0
 Amazing photos as usual, but I can't help but be sad that the season is so, so short. Seven rounds isn't enough for a world class sport!
  • 1 0
 But in that Wynn Masters high five shot, best use of a crank bros eggbeater pedal, eh?
  • 8 0
 Loïc was so fast and smooth but Aaron is just the best and I'm really happy for his come-back
  • 6 0
 Awesome photoset, that picture ok Rachel carrying off Emmeline shows you just how much love and respect there is between the competitors and fans alike i feel!
  • 9 1
 Still hoping for Hill in the world champs. Just saying.
  • 7 0
 Another amazing season capped off with a brilliant photo essay.
  • 4 0
 Thank you pinkbike once again for an incredible photo epic. Gutted the season is over. At least we still have champs, rampage and hardline left this year!
  • 5 0
 Those podiums are sweet! How did I not see them before?? Congrats to all who stood on them
  • 2 0
 Yeah, are those old GT Fury podiums? Or Sanctions? Judging by the rear triangle and the size of the pivot...
  • 5 0
 Great job PB Best ever coverage this is art. I am a XC fan but this great!!!
  • 3 1
 "All I do is Gwin, Gwin, Gwin no matter what..." Big Grin . Too bad for Loïc, I hope he or Hill will take the win during the world champs!

Btw I've been waiting for Hill to make us another legend run like in 2008 and I'm still waiting, I hope we will have the chance to see him take the win there!
  • 6 0
 One more race then withdrawals.
  • 2 1
 BEST sport in the world with equally good coverage Smile hope we all realize these are special times in DH racing...so many top quality contenders with different styles and some amazing upcoming talents...kinda want them all to win :/
  • 4 0
 What a season! Thanks for the photos PB. You guys are on it... a real asset to mtb!
  • 3 0
 The UCI needs a longer season. 10 races plus the worlds, that would be sweet. However, I guess $$$ has the final say.
  • 2 0
 was super gutted for minaar when he went down. Frown

also bummed to see Emmeline retirement announcement. was hoping for another year of her battling Racheal
  • 3 0
 Awesome coverage Pinkbike, thank you very much!
  • 3 1
 Reckon Gwin is pretty happy dropping MX as his main sport and switching to DH
  • 2 1
 I just have to say Ratty is the champ. Fully alive and bubbling with mountain bike love, excitement and pure unadulterated fun factor 100. Look out 2016.
  • 1 0
 Thank you Pinkbike Vital and all the media dudes for wicked coverage this year. In comparison to when I started riding in the 90's the coverage is amazing.
  • 1 2
 Not nearly enough photos of finish line/presentation girlies as the teaser on the front page would suggest (unless that's actually Rob Warner in high heels which is why they couldn't show the whole photo and I REALLY don't want to know!). I feel slightly conned, like the clickbait images to get you to watch all those fail videos on Youtube.

Otherwise great content again PB, the next best thing from being there or watching the Red Bull coverage. Well done!
  • 1 0
 Aaron Gwin is the man. Met him walking around Windham. Talked for a couple about how blown out the course was, shook his hand and he signed my beer cooler. Total bro.
  • 2 0
 Awesome coverage Thanks Pinkbike !!!
  • 3 0
 Aaron doesn't drink?
  • 6 1
 no room for any distractions in a winners chair.
  • 2 0
 donkey-nod- ha! took me a second tho!
  • 1 1
 For feck sake. This was the one wc race This year I was off work for. And of course I thought the race was today and missed it
  • 1 0
 So it's all gone again, just the world champs left this year and boom!!! Another year gone Frown (
  • 3 1
 Well world cups over time to pay attention to my relationship again.
  • 1 0
 So did Troy literally punch a boulder, or did he hit it on a rock when crashed?
  • 1 0
 Amazing season and top notch coverage from Pinkbike and your photographers. Thank you for all your coverage.
  • 2 0
 So how did Santa Cruz do in the overall team standings?
  • 2 1
 without trade team status do they even get counted in the team overall or does that just apply to pit accommodations, etc.
  • 1 0
 Santa cruz did not have a team this season
  • 1 0
 Great coverage! Amazing photos as always. Beatrice Baar with some serious bangers!!
  • 3 1
 Aaron Gwin!!!!!
  • 1 0
 that moment when his camera costs more than his bike
  • 1 0
 Hey PB, do you plan a re-cap of 2015 season? Something like best of WC.
  • 1 0
 GWINZILLA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 That pic of Rachel off the plank....WOW....
  • 1 0
 Did pinkbike make a Gwin/Jesus joke photo caption!
  • 1 0
 i just love downhill bikes so much
  • 1 0
 Here comes the annual pinkbike lull until sea otter
  • 1 0
 specialized: winning WC team and they're only 2 riders Big Grin next level !!
  • 1 3
 Minnaar won here in 2010, you should correct that caption in one of his photos.
  • 4 0
 He didn't. Only Beaumont, Gwin, and Gee have won here
  • 1 0
 @sessionman Idiot
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