Before we begin, please bow your heads. We will take a minute of silence in loving memory of the victims of the great chainless massacre, forever remembered here on June 14, 2015. The downhill world may never be the same again. Thanks for exploding our minds Aaron Gwin.
| I'm really happy to be able to confirm my level on the bike... This season I'm feeling good and the track this year was better for me, definitely I preferred the new section in the wood and the fresh section before, it's all a lot more testing for all riders. I made some mistakes in the first and second woods, but nevermind, I'm happy!
Remi Thirion |
| It doesn't feel real, it feels so weird right now, but I'm so stoked! I've been around the top 10 here before and I thought I'd be happy with that again, but qualifying so well I thought 'ah this is it!' and I wanted to do it. I'd been riding good the last few races, but was unlucky, crashing in the first one and flatting at Fort William, now this has boosted my confidence so much and I can't wait to keep it going
Connor Fearon |
Check out all of our World Cup DH pics here.
About the PhotographersDave 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.
"Did Aaron Gwin just put SRAM and Shimano out of business with a race run? "
No - source; everyone who is not Aaron Gwin or Neko
I would like to hear how Gee managed to annoy you?
Gee dont smile to the camera, he doesnt like media, and he took multiple wins from your fav rider, is that why you feel annoyed?
How he did it across that straight in the wind who knows, maybe it lifted a bit but who cares, he fully deserved that, fully lit ? Exploded more like!!!
So many great performances from the others too especially Connor.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12347375
BTW Great photos and coverage!
Second, I cannot imagine how Gee ever annoyed anyone, the guy has always been the epitome of mountain biking. I have to question all those upvoted that comment, is it just a question of nationalism/disrespect/incivility/ignorance?
Can't say I have ever felt anything but respect, to all pro downhill racers. One of many things that seems to increasingly in short supply: respect.
Anyway.... what a beast.
Personally I'm grateful we have such classy representatives of the sport. To be massively skilled and a great competitor, yet humble, kind, and principled takes a special kind of person. If I had kids I wouldn't really want them idolizing athletes in general (or just about anyone, honestly), but if they wanted to be more like AG I'd be pretty okay with that.
Looking at the results, a bunch of guys in the top 10 didn't have great split 1 times. Gwin, GM, and Gee were able to pull a ton of time back in the middle and end of the course. Think that supports your theory since those are probably 3 of the more savvy racers out there right now
As for the Gee bashing, how the f*ck can people not respect a man who has competed in Rampage? And races as hard as anyone out there? Have they not seen the crashes he has taken en route to where he is now? Or watched the quarry bombing video of him and Dan? Another super talented rider, who might not be as much of a personality as others, but should pretty much have earned the admiration of 'fans' of the sport.
It is sad that first his problem was "Muricah", then "Specialized" now "God". Some people's life mission is the search for stained underwear of good men. They must find proof that they are not as bad as they often see themselves in the mirror. Idealizing is a necessary step in life, everyone kid, even university student, needs role models, but at some point I believe, everyone should grow to be more aware of such mechanism in their heads, learn to use them deliberately so it starts to plays for you, not against you
Cheers!
With all due respect to Danny Hart (I think he's bloody mint as a competitor and a rider), it's getting really old now when every time a raindrop lands on a race track everyone loses their shits with how Danny Hart will rip the entire field apart, as if everyone else doesn't even know which way to spin their cranks when it's muddy. Let's not forget Gwin was right behind Danny in sectors 1 and 3 in 'that' race.
A lot of people seem to think that only riders leading a certain lifestyle (and riding style) should be mint downhillers, thus the general dislike/hate for Gee and Aaron.
They're not 'exciting', but surely if calm and collected demolishes exciting then that's pretty damn exciting in itself.
Seems like a nice gesture to me.
Had he signed with RedBull, he'd probably still be there.
The sign that says "Price Money" not Prize Money
p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2015/02/13/2004/s1200_syndicatejerseys.jpg
Back to Josh, what is "50:01"?
Hat's off to Gwin I honestly couldn't believe that happened. His prayers have been answered and dedication and complete devotion has earned him that.
you are correct -> wizzard af AUT (as in Austria) :-)
it is not about finding out where the worldcup took place, it is about correct basic information about the country the media guys write about.
...now i am off chasing some `roos ;-)
It's odd, most of the Germanic people I know are aren't at all like the serious, no sense of humour stereotype. I guess you must be the exception
This track has done so much to establish his legendary status in victory and defeat...definitely a track that has earned him a lot of fans that would be indifferent to him otherwise.
www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/2014-Sea-Otter-Classic-Pit-Bits-2nd-Edition,7434/Updated-Specialized-Hillbilly-and-New-Slaiughter-Tire-Sea-Otter-Classic,74258/bturman,109
Who's faster on the same track?
www.pinkbike.com/video/261255
@scriz, I am turning 34 this year and I don't ride road bikes, yet I have already developed dash-dot morning pee. 10 more years and I won't be able to trust any of my farts.