Aged to Perfection: Track Walk - Mont-Sainte-Anne DH World Cup 2016

Aug 3, 2016 at 20:52
by Dave Trumpore  



It's definitely safe to say that the World Cup calendar has gotten a bit routine over the past few years, with the same venues and same tracks getting repeated with little or no deviation from what looks to be a fairly set schedule. While each venue and each race track certainly lives up to the task at hand, some do it better than others, and Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the latter.

Like a fine wine, Mont Sainte Anne has aged for the better and each year it seems just that much more refined than the last. While many riders will admit to struggling here, you will rarely hear of anyone complaining. It is fast, it is scary, it is everything a DH track should be, and for these reasons Mont Sainte Anne is often the race riders look forward to the most.

Having been a mainstay on the WC circuit since the early 1990s, no other venue has played host to top-level racing for as long or had as much influence over the direction of the sport. In 1996, when DH tracks were still mostly fast pedally fire roads and the occasional steep ski slope, Mont-Sainte-Anne decided to completely break the mold. The result was a track that we still follow almost in its entirety today, with only a few changes made each year to evolve alongside the sport it helped to progress. That original track was so long, so rough, and so technical that it achieved legendary status almost overnight. Winning a World Cup was and still is extremely prestigious, but winning Mont-Sainte-Anne is considered the cherry on top.

Whoever wins here this weekend will join a list of previous winners made up of the who's who of close to three generations of mountain bikers. Names like John Tomac, Missy Giove, Nico Vouilloz, Greg Minnaar, Rachel Atherton, Steve Peat, Aaron Gwin, and of course, Stevie Smith.

Welcome to Mont Saint Anne the longest running race on the World Cup calendar and home to the most classic DH track of them all.
Welcome to Mont-Sainte-Anne, the longest-running race on the World Cup calendar and home to the most classic DH track of them all.

Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup 2016

Sam Hill looked more than happy to be back at MSA.
Sam Hill looked more than happy to be back at MSA.

One final cleaning before things get dirty.
One final cleaning before things get dirty.

The joys of international travel. Joe Bowman found his camera broken on arrival and had to get crafty. Hopefully it does nt pour down rain.
The joys of international travel. Joe Bowman found his camera broken on arrival and had to get crafty. Hopefully it doesn't pour down rain.

Corey from Enve was busy at work in the Santa Cruz pits putting together fresh wheel sets.
Corey from Enve was busy at work in the Santa Cruz pits, putting together fresh wheelsets.
Marshy was giving Greg s ride a thorough work over.
Marshy was giving Greg's ride a thorough work over.

Bird s eye view of the good stuff to come.
Bird's eye view of the good stuff to come.

The track in MSA is covered in about a half inch of this fine dust almost all the way down. The corners are going to be fast and loose unless we get some proper rain.
The track in MSA is covered in about a half inch of this fine dust almost all the way down. The corners are going to be fast and loose unless we get some proper rain.

After missing there top dog the past few rounds the Specialized camp is happy to have Loic Bruni back in action here in Canada.
After missing their top dog the past few rounds, the Specialized camp is happy to have Loic Bruni back in action here in Canada.


The World s fastest racers coming into land for the annual big meet on Quebec soil.
The world's fastest racers coming into land for the annual big meet on Quebec soil.

Thirion plus entourage.
Thirion, plus entourage.

Last year s junior MSA victor Laurie Greenland is destined for big things any time now... quite possibly as soon as this weekend.
Last year's junior MSA victor, Laurie Greenland, is destined for big things any time now... quite possibly as soon as this weekend.

Loic said his shoulder feels ready to go but he still doesn t have that perfect feel for the bike after not riding for almost 6 weeks.
Loic said his shoulder feels ready to go, but he still doesn't have that perfect feel for the bike after not riding for almost 6 weeks.

Who s showing who exactly
Who's showing who exactly?

Out of the gate down the famous double kink and onto the MSA lawn for the wild ride ahead.
Out of the gate, down the famous double kink and onto the MSA lawn for the wild ride ahead.

A couple of French national champions surveying the scene high up on the slopes.
A couple of French national champions surveying the scene high up on the slopes.
This is junior front runner Gaetan Vige s first trip to MSA and we predict it will take more than a sketchy shoulder to slow him down on this wide open classic.
This is junior frontrunner Gaetan Vige's first trip to MSA and we predict it will take more than a sketchy shoulder to slow him down on this wide open classic.

When it s this dry in MSA we are likely going to see some of the fastest speeds on the season and hopefully some quality drifting in and out of these flat loose corners.
When it's this dry in MSA we'll likely see some of the fastest speeds on the season, and hopefully some quality drifting in and out of these flat, loose corners.

The dirt to rock ratio seems to be slipping year after year. It s not quite as rough and rocky as Fort William but it s pretty darn close.
The dirt-to-rock ratio seems to be slipping year after year. It's not quite as rough and rocky as Fort William but it's pretty darn close.

Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup 2016

With more rocks come more decisions. The Athertons take a look at their choices.
With more rocks, come more decisions. The Athertons take a look at their choices.

There are a few more rocks on the top section. Riders will have to really think about what they are doing a little sooner than they used to have to here.
There are a few more rocks on the top section. Riders will have to really think about what they are doing a little sooner than they used to have to here.

Greg Williamson the new British National champ will be looking to crush another top ten here in MSA.
Greg Williamson, the new British National champ will be looking to crush another top ten here in MSA.

In case you get off course and need a reminder......
In case you get off course and need a reminder......
The old track in MSA contrasts quite a bit against the lush green forest.
The old track in MSA contrasts quite a bit against the lush green forest.

Rough and rocky. The first woods will slow things down a touch before they go all warp speed.
Rough and rocky. The first woods will slow things down a touch before they go all warp speed.

Mad Dog Boris might just the best Sam Hill souvenir of them all. He asked Sam to draw him a tattoo after Lenzerheide and now has the result etched into his right arm for life.
Mad Dog Boris might just have the best Sam Hill souvenir of them all. He asked Sam to draw him a tattoo after Lenzerheide, and now has the result etched into his right arm for life.

A few holes are already beginning to show in the berms through the upper woods.
A few holes are already beginning to show in the berms through the upper woods.

Luckily there is enough fresh dirt along the side of the track all way down to help fill in holes and dial in some of the high speed jumps on the open slope.
Luckily there is enough fresh dirt along the side of the track all the way down, to help fill in holes and dial in some of the high speed jumps on the open slope.

Luca no as convinced as Minnaar about how simple a certain line might be.
Luca not as convinced as Minnaar about how simple a certain line might be.

Some sections in the upper woods have been reworked and tightened up. Even a little influence from Leogang seems to have crept in as well.
Some sections in the upper woods have been reworked and tightened up. Even a little influence from Leogang seems to have crept in as well.

Pekoll shows us the moves on the rocky shark fin in the woods.
Pekoll shows us the moves on the rocky shark fin in the woods.

Mighty dark in them there Quebexican woods.
Mighty dark in them there Quebexican woods.
Work has been done to the 27 year old MSA track. More rocks and some tight turns have been added.
Work has been done to the 27-year-old MSA track. More rocks and some tight turns have been added.

The lower part of the all-new boulder zone is a thing of beauty.
The lower part of the all-new boulder zone is a thing of beauty.

The rustic piece has been a sweet source of style for more than a few years.
This rustic piece has been a sweet source of style for more than a few years.

Yes.
Yes.

As ever no rim in safe.
As ever, no rim is safe.

This is a man s track but it would be nothing... nothing without a women or a girl.
This is a gnarly track.

Because Canada.
Because Canada.

Mick Hannah takes a moment to pay tribute to a friend.
Mick Hannah takes a moment to pay tribute to a friend.

Open slope under the gondola. Not too much has changed except that it will be faster after the Steve Smith drop.
Open slope under the gondola. Not too much has changed except that it will be faster after the Steve Smith drop.

The Bulldog is ready some smash some rocks and get wild on some high speed straights.
The Bulldog is ready to smash some rocks and get wild on some high-speed straights.
Blenki working on his duck call for Wyn T.V.
Blenki working on his duck call for Wyn T.V.

Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup 2016

No more bobsleigh bus stop section halfway down... enter the ultra high-speed strip out in the open where speeds will surely get out of hand in a hurry.
No more bobsleigh bus stop section halfway down... enter the ultra high-speed strip out in the open, where speeds will surely get out of hand in a hurry.

Man of the moment Danny Hart has one hell of a CV here at St Anne but of course the win has always elluded him... so far.
Man of the moment, Danny Hart, has one hell of a CV here at St. Anne, but of course the win has always eluded him... so far.

Hashtag squad.
Hashtag squad.

Speeds through here are going to be fast. Blisteringly fast. Some riders are excited about it some not so much.
Speeds through here are going to be fast. Blisteringly fast. Some riders are excited about it, some, not so much.

Mike Jones This is outrageous well be doing 80mph through here. That s your rotors gone in one run.
Mike Jones: "This is outrageous, we'll be doing 80 miles per hour through here. That's your rotors gone in one run."

Nigel was looking manly in his short shorts.
Nigel was looking manly in his short shorts.

Get off line coming into the Steve Smith drop and you may be blowing the tape big time.Nig
Get off line coming into the Steve Smith drop and you may be blowing the tape big time.

This looks nice and smooth from a distance but up close this is one of the fastest and roughest corners on the WC circuit.
This looks nice and smooth from a distance, but up close this is one of the fastest and roughest corners on the WC circuit.

Last year s winner keeping it chill in the summer heat.
Last year's winner keeping it chill in the summer heat.
Sam Dale is might want to think about changing his name to Billy or Bobby.
Sam Dale might want to think about changing his name to Billy or Bobby.

The giant rock roll and hideous time-penalty chicken run.
The giant rock roll and hideous time-penalty chicken run.

Roots on roots on roots. Not something commonly seen on the modern DH track.
Roots on roots on roots. Not something commonly seen on the modern DH track.

The awkward step up over the XC track is looking bit harder pack than last year so hopefully we will be seeing less bard humps and cases from rides struggling to get over the top.
The awkward step-up over the XC track is looking a bit harder packed than last year, so hopefully we will be seeing fewer cases from riders struggling to get over the top.

Manon Carpenter will be looking to strike back hard here in Canada having taken the win in 2014.
Manon Carpenter will be looking to strike back hard here in Canada, having taken the win in 2014.

Some parts of the track haven t changed. The Rock garden is same as it ever was. Rough as sh t.
Some parts of the track haven't changed. The rock garden is same as it ever was. Rough as sh*t.

Needles has raced here long enough to remember when their was dirt on the run in to the rock garden but now a days it seems the rocks are taking over.
Needles has raced here long enough to remember when there was dirt on the run-in to the rock garden, but nowadays it seems the rocks are taking over.

This is where the race is won or lost. Riders come off the open slope at full speed and in race runs are quite fatigued so many a run has come undone through these rocks as riders struggle to stay smooth and on their lines.
This is where the race is won or lost. Riders come off the open slope at full speed and are quite fatigued in race runs; many a run has come undone through these rocks as riders struggle to stay smooth and on their lines.

Nothing but square edged wheel breaking rocks if you deviate from your line by even the slightest of margins.
Nothing but square-edged, wheel-breaking rocks if you deviate from your line by even the slightest of margins.

For now this section is dry and riders can point it down whichever way they like. But if even the slightest amount of moisture hits these rocks the fast and direct lines get extremely sketchy.
For now, this section is dry and riders can point it down whichever way they like. But if even the slightest amount of moisture hits these rocks, the fast and direct lines get extremely sketchy.

It seems that in MSA when you remove one rock from the track three more appear in its place.
It seems that in MSA when you remove one rock from the track, three more appear in its place.

Nicole is a rider who could do real damage in the women s field. The Frecnh champ has missed the podium only once in Mont St Anne since 2011 and was third coming back from injury last year.
Nicole is a rider who could do real damage in the women's field. The French champ has missed the podium only once in Mont-Sainte-Anne since 2011 and was third coming back from injury last year.

Ready and waiting... Do you have your ticket yet
Ready and waiting... Do you have your ticket yet?

YT Mob run on a shoe-string budget. Kinda...
YT Mob; run on a shoe-string budget. Kinda...

AG never managed to get the win here on Specialized will he be able to relive the Trek glory days on his Tues
AG never managed to get the win here on Specialized. Will he be able to relive the Trek glory days on his Tues?

Luca Shaw brought me a present I didn t really care to have. Thanks for the punching dolphin buddy.
Luca Shaw brought me a present I didn't really care to have. Thanks for the punching dolphin buddy.

Brage has a sore mit but he still will be racing this week. The young Viking is tough as nails.
Brage has a sore mitt, but he still will be racing this week. The young Viking is tough as nails.

Party in the ice bath
Party in the ice bath?

Guess the rider.
Guess the rider.

Slightly less gearing needed for the DH riders.
Slightly less gearing needed for the DH riders.
With an XC race here this weekend as well and the olympics just around the corner there are some touches off gold on more than a few bikes.
With an XC race here this weekend as well and the Olympics just around the corner there are some touches of gold on more than a few bikes.

All that gold.
All that gold.

Big rotors to counter the big speed
Big rotors to counter the big speed.

Jordi s enormous stash of 40s should keep the crew at the Fox pit busy until the early hours.
Jordi's enormous stash of 40's should keep the crew at the Fox pit busy until the early hours.

Mont-Saint-Anne World Cup 2016

8 inches of illegal contraband smuggled into Canada for Gwin to smoke the field with.
8 inches of illegal contraband smuggled into Canada for Gwin to smoke the field with.

The beast will out.
Handle with care.

Troy Brosnan s mechanic picking up a freshly Sram tuned shock from Evan Warner.
Troy Brosnan's mechanic picking up a freshly SRAM-tuned shock from Evan Warner.

The heat in the pits is pretty intense at the moment prompting more than a few teams to head to the local hardware store for some fans.
The heat in the pits is pretty intense at the moment, prompting more than a few teams to head to the local hardware store for some fans.

Rachel gets a nap and a cool down after track walk in the pits
Rachel gets a nap and a cool down after track walk in the pits

Oh Canada...
Oh, Canada...

Beautiful ain t it
Beautiful ain't it?


MENTIONS: @davetrump / @natedh9 / @mdelorme



Author Info:
davetrumpore avatar

Member since Feb 26, 2008
269 articles

62 Comments
  • 131 1
 Aged to Perfection: Mont-Saint-Anne the MILF for DH tracks
  • 1 2
 you mean GILF...
  • 4 0
 @GotNuts: no no, he means MILF i assure you there.
  • 3 1
 comment of the year.
  • 57 3
 LONGLIVECHAINSAW......STEVIE #1
  • 2 0
 Stevie's segment in unReal movie was titled "Stay Forever Young" was watching it again for the Nth time, I couldn't believe it, it was the weirdest thing to see the title at the start of the segment.
  • 20 0
 Regarding the Sam Dale name change: It should obviously be Billy-Bob. A simple Billy or Bobby doesn't quite capture the full scale of the look.
  • 9 1
 Dale-Sam Dale does the job.
  • 6 0
 add jr
  • 5 1
 someone should tell Sam the truth...........
  • 20 0
 Sammy Dale Jr
  • 1 0
 Keep the dale, and just add gribble to the end of it.
  • 1 0
 @Wesley-Swipes: Nice King of the Hill reference
  • 16 1
 I believe it was 1995 when they changed from the old fire road course to a more "Euro" type course. I remember the rider meeting and the Americans were all freaking out saying it was too dangerous and the Frenchies were laughing. It was a brutal course to ride on shitty 3-4" travel bikes with rim brakes. I blew the elastomers to pieces on my Manitou DH bike on every run!
  • 26 12
 Woah, the course looks gnarly. I think we will see most of the riders on 29ers for race day, so they can go over the rocks faster. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to ride 26 as it will help on the jumps at the end.
  • 66 1
 Yes, I heard some of the riders will switch wheel-size halfway from 29 to 26. The concept of pit-stop has been introduced for this race.
  • 18 25
flag dizzmcfunk (Aug 3, 2016 at 22:47) (Below Threshold)
 which is why they will all be on 650b's
  • 13 1
 When will we be able to figure out a way to combine a 26" wheel with a 29" wheel?!
  • 22 1
 @dizzmcfunk: you killed it...
  • 7 1
 You joke, but with the "Rise of 29er Enduro" how soon before we see a 180mm V10 700c?
  • 2 9
flag Husker2112 (Aug 4, 2016 at 7:00) (Below Threshold)
 Isn't that why 27.5 is so popular?
  • 18 2
 "High Performance" = RATBOY
  • 18 3
 I hope someone knows a good cover up tattoo artist. #regret
  • 36 1
 no ragrets
  • 19 8
 "While each venue and each race track certainly lives up to the task at hand, some do it better than others, and Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the latter."

Doesn't that say that Mont-Sainte Anne doesn't do it as well as others?
  • 6 2
 this^
  • 12 1
 I'm not sure why I'm getting down votes... I'm not saying the course is subpar, I'm just bothered by the statement.
  • 11 4
 @mountainbiker24:" one of the latter "means the 2nd part of the previous statement is the truth of said thing , thereforein this statement the author is saying...Mount Saint Anne does it better then the others!
  • 6 6
 @velocitycycles: The former would be the first, as in the courses that do it better. The latter would be the others.
  • 2 6
flag dfiler (Aug 4, 2016 at 8:43) (Below Threshold)
 "While each venue and each race track certainly lives up to the task at hand, some do it better than others, and Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the latter."

lol, my brain broke on this too
former = "some"
latter = "others"

In other words, some do it better than Mont-Sainte-Anne
  • 11 1
 @dfiler: latter is second half of a comparative statement.

Former = all do it sufficiently

Latter = of those some do it better than others

MSA is the latter
  • 7 2
 @davetrump: I am really glad we all got this worked out.
  • 1 5
flag dfiler (Aug 4, 2016 at 13:04) (Below Threshold)
 @davetrump: That's what was intended but not the only way to read it

Don't worry, we still love ya. The article and photos are awesome!
  • 14 1
 Longlivechainsaw Msa won't be the same
  • 8 1
 While I have no doubt they will indeed be flying down the track, I think old Mike Jones is a little over confident...
Mike Jones: "This is outrageous, we'll be doing 80mph through here. That's your rotors gone in one run."
  • 8 2
 Major props to Josh Bryceland and Sam Dale for being such fine representatives of this sport!
  • 3 0
 They look like the gipsy lads from the Snatch movie
  • 7 0
 Hahaha Bernard Pivot!
  • 4 1
 elle va pas parler à tous le monde celle là mais j'approuve à 100% !
  • 3 0
 I had missed this one when reading the sticker on the stanchion. No non-french (or acquainted) will find it funny at all. Nevermind!
  • 7 1
 80mph is around 130kph. I am looking forward to seeing tyres bursting ...
  • 9 5
 How lovely Mannon is, more pics from her please
  • 1 0
 Nobody gets out alive!!
  • 4 0
 Awesome! Downhill is the greatest sport!
  • 5 1
 And the award for the biggest cock goes to Mad Dog Boris, nice tat.
  • 1 0
 Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...
  • 2 0
 This race is gonna be bonkers!!! Hope everyone makes it out safe and in one piece.
  • 1 0
 The track looks amazing. The perfect blend to test a rider, roots, rocks, berms and the odd jump. All at breakneck speed. I hope the rain stays away.
  • 2 0
 Wohooo racing weekend is almost here,can´t wait!
  • 1 0
 Yeah! Theres nothing like glacier polished East coast granite, especially when wet. This is gonna be fun.
  • 1 0
 the all-new boulder zone !!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Lucky Gee brought his umbrella along....
  • 1 0
 How does Sam Hill not get a mention in the past winners here...?
  • 2 0
 Manon is so hot Big Grin
  • 1 0
 AOH HELL YAH
  • 2 3
 Didnt see Hart in there,think He's still sitting at the airport?
  • 6 0
 yeah he is mate - with his back to the camera and with the sea in the background - looking into the abyss
  • 1 0
 @fingerbangextreme: He will search for a long time the abyss... it's not a sea but Saint-Laurent river ! Maybe he will find the monster of the river Wink
  • 1 0
 @fingerbangextreme: it isnt quite the sea yet, its a bit brackish, but still just a river. Everything is bigger in Canada.
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