Photo Epic: A Matter of Pride - World Cup DH Val di Sole 2015

Aug 21, 2015 at 13:55
by Matthew DeLorme  
So here we are, at the end of the season on the legendary Val di Sole track fit for the final showdown. While it is bittersweet, the finale sure is shaping up to be a banger. Troy Brosnan edged out his teammate, Aaron Gwin, today by a margin of 0.168 after displaying some seriously brilliant riding the past couple of days. After Gwin's bombastic performance at Windham, it's hard to imagine what he has in store for us tomorrow. While Gee and Aaron are the only two racers here who have previously won at Val di Sole, it's a matter of pride for many of the other key players. Loic has been so close too many times this season, and a win here would be oh-so-sweet for the Frenchman. Ultimately, our sights are set on Greg, Loic, and Aaron for the World Cup overall, to be decided in a single run tomorrow. Barring total disaster for Gwin, it is looking like the season belongs to the American. The question is, will he throw down a mind-melting run tomorrow, or play it safe? Greg is always a threat and he was showing it today with a fourth place qualifying result. Troy, Gee, Loic, and Ratty have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We will just have to wait and see. Whoever wins on this track will be a real life man of steel.

Rachel Atherton had the season locked up some time ago and took Qualis today with Manon only two seconds back. Laurie Greenland chose a safe run, as he also has the season locked up. Alex Marin took qualifying for the Juniors, the battle for second will be heated.

No matter what happens tomorrow, it's going to be one hell of a race.

While the clouds built up and looked threatening all day we escaped the rain for the first time and should hopefully run tomorrow s finals in pristine conditions.
  While the clouds built up and looked threatening all day, we escaped the rain for the first time and should hopefully run tomorrow's finals in pristine conditions.

The season has Greenland s name on it. So does this set of pedals.
  The season has Greenland's name on it. So does this set of pedals.

Jacob Dickson keeping it low and looking to his exit on his way to a third place quali run.
  Jacob Dickson keeping it low and looking to his exit on his way to a third place quali run.

Trillo knew exactly the task at hand today and set the top pace in the junior field to come in first.
  Trillo knew exactly the task at hand today and set the top pace in the junior field to come in first.

Neal Stewart fully flat before heading into the woods.
  Neal Stewart, fully flat before heading into the woods.

AB Devinci s Loris Revelli did the business here on home soil today riding to 6th place junior.
  AB Devinci's Loris Revelli did the business here on home soil today, riding to 6th place junior.

Laurie Greenland has things wrapped up as far as the series goes. He was fastest in timed training yesterday and qualified fourth today. Playing it smart and saving it for the big show tomorrow is wise when things are on lock.
  Laurie Greenland has things wrapped up as far as the series goes. He was fastest in timed training yesterday and qualified fourth today. Playing it smart and saving it for the big show tomorrow is wise when things are on lock.

Jacob Dickson was 3rd on the day for the juniors and keeps his chances alive to move up a spot in the overall.
  Jacob Dickson was 3rd on the day for the juniors and keeps his chances alive to move up a spot in the overall.

Alex Marin deep in thought and possibly stressing a bit before heading up for what would turn out to be the fastest time in the junior ranks.
  Alex Marin deep in thought, and possibly stressing a bit before heading up for what would turn out to be the fastest time in the junior ranks.

It was another top result for Dickson this afternoon with a third but he s going to need to shut Trillo and Crimmins down tomorrow to make his move in the standings.
  It was another top result for Dickson this afternoon with a third, but he's going to need to shut Trillo and Crimmins down tomorrow to make his move in the standings.

Manon Carpenter took second in qualifying today two seconds and change back on Atherton.
  Manon Carpenter took second in qualifying today, two seconds and change back on Atherton.

Tracey Hannah full speed through the new open turns up top en route to 5th in qualifying.
  Tracey Hannah full speed through the new open turns up top en route to 5th in qualifying.

Second at both splits and slipping to third due to Carpenter s strong finishing section Nicole has at least 2.6 seconds to find between the roots tomorrow.
  Second at both splits and slipping to third due to Carpenter's strong finishing section, Nicole has at least 2.6 seconds to find between the roots tomorrow.

Following the dream... 23rd as a junior in the elite category two years ago Tahnee came in 4th today.
  Following the dream... 23rd as a junior in the elite category two years ago, Tahnee came in 4th today.

Rachel picked up where she left off in TT yesterday and smoked her way to top qualifier just one more time.
  Rachel picked up where she left off in TT yesterday and smoked her way to top qualifier just one more time.

Bruni gets strapped in with fresh lines in mind.
  Bruni gets strapped in with fresh lines in mind.

Brook took a major bundle off the side of the track on his second run this morning and first impressions were that all was not well... At all.
  Brook took a major bundle off the side of the track on his second run this morning and first impressions were that all was not well... At all.

Brook MacDonald smashed his knee cap out of place on his last training run during a crash in pinball alley up top. Luckily it popped back into place but he was still in quite a bit of pain as he pushed on to 11th.
  Brook MacDonald smashed his knee cap out of place on his last training run during a crash in pinball alley up top. Luckily it popped back into place but he was still in quite a bit of pain as he pushed on to 11th.

The Bulldog is one tough son of a gun. After a knee injury in practice that would have left mortals on the side lines he taped it up and rode to eleventh today.
  The Bulldog is one tough son of a gun. After a knee injury in practice that would have left mortals on the side lines, he taped it up and rode to eleventh today.

Sam Blenkinsop was looking solid in practice and took sixth in qualifying.
  Sam Blenkinsop was looking solid in practice and took sixth in qualifying.

Aaron Gwin carries all the pressure this week but it hasn t fazed him one bit. If he lays down the same run tomorrow in the finals he will no doubt be Word Cup Champion.
  Aaron Gwin carries all the pressure this week, but it hasn't fazed him one bit. If he lays down the same run tomorrow in the finals he will no doubt be World Cup Champion.

Troy looked smooth and steady through all of training and his fast and light style seems to work well here. First place in qualifying just 0.16 in front of teammate Aaron Gwin.
  Troy looked smooth and steady through all of training, and his fast and light style seems to work well here. First place in qualifying, just 0.16 in front of teammate Aaron Gwin.

Patrick Thome knows well how to piece together a beast of a track like this with so many technical phases. A top 20 quali today for the Frenchman of CK Racing.
  Patrick Thome knows well how to piece together a beast of a track like this with so many technical phases. A top 20 quali today for the Frenchman of CK Racing.

The fastest Italian of the day Gianluca Vernassa of AB Devinci looked smooth and definitely rapido all day.
  The fastest Italian of the day, Gianluca Vernassa of AB Devinci, looked smooth and definitely 'rapido' all day.

Brendan did his first full run of the week in qualifying and admitted it was eye opening. Arm pump and sore hands making it hard to push through the rough and steep lower sections.
  Brendan did his first full run of the week in qualifying and admitted it was eye opening. Arm pump and sore hands making it hard to push through the rough and steep lower sections.

Josh Brycelnd had what he called a horrible run and still managed to finish 8th. With a clean run tomorrow he should be a contender for a spot on the podium.
  Josh Bryceland had what he called a horrible run and still managed to finish 8th. With a clean run tomorrow he should be a contender for a spot on the podium.

Loris Vergier was on a cruiser in qualification today. Given how he has looked in practice he could do well tomorrow. On a track like this it is best to keep it tidy until race day.
  Loris Vergier was on a cruiser in qualification today. Given how he has looked in practice, he could do well tomorrow. On a track like this it is best to keep it tidy until race day.

George Brannigan was ninth fastest in qualifying today. Can the wild Kiwi make it into the top ten tomorrow
  George Brannigan was ninth fastest in qualifying today. Can the wild Kiwi make it into the top ten tomorrow?

Loris Vergier kept things conservative to land just outside the top 10. Look for him to step it up a few notches in the finals.
  Loris Vergier kept things conservative to land just outside the top 10. Look for him to step it up a few notches in the finals.

Bernard Kerr on the line made most famous years ago by Sam Hill.
  Bernard Kerr on the line made most famous years ago by Sam Hill.

Steve Smith in the mix with a 12th.
  Steve Smith in the mix with a 12th.

Mark Wallace cracked the top 10 for the first time in Mont St Anne and is looking on point to do it again here in Val di Sole.
  Mark Wallace cracked the top 10 for the first time in Mont St Anne and is looking on point to do it again here in Val di Sole.

Fighting fit for champs was the goal and today seemed to be another fast paced cruise into the later ranks for Sam Hill.
  Fighting fit for champs was the goal and today seemed to be another fast paced cruise into the later ranks for Sam Hill.

Eddie Masters moves into the theoretical Masters Brother s World Cup Championship lead with a 23rd in qualifying.
  Eddie Masters moves into the theoretical Masters Brother's World Cup Championship lead with a 23rd in qualifying.

Marcelo went steady in qualifying and looks well set on finishing the year in the coveted top 10
  Marcelo went steady in qualifying and looks well set on finishing the year in the coveted top 10.

Wyn will need to step it up tomorrow if he wants to catch his brother Eddie in the overall.
  Wyn will need to step it up tomorrow if he wants to catch his brother Eddie in the overall.

Today AG was bested by Brosnan by a minute 0.17... The question now is exactly how far from his version of full gas was this afternoon
  Today AG was bested by Brosnan by a minute 0.17... The question now is exactly how far from his version of 'full gas' was this afternoon?

Of course Greg had a lot of the answers out on track today riding to 4th but he couldn t help bleeding another 25 points to Aaron Gwin in the title chase.
  Of course Greg had a lot of the answers out on track today, riding to 4th, but he couldn't help bleeding another 25 points to Aaron Gwin in the title chase.

Danny s been enjoying his time out on track and that translated well to a 6th place quali and a good amount of roost on the way down.
  Danny's been enjoying his time out on track and that translated well to a 6th place quali and a good amount of roost on the way down.

After looking super comfortable on track all weekend Brosnan layed down an absolute heater today to snatch top spot and will be last man down the hill tomorrow.
  After looking super comfortable on track all weekend, Brosnan laid down an absolute heater today to snatch top spot and will be last man down the hill tomorrow.

Tracey Hannah showers Dave Trumpore with some birthday raisin confetti. Happy birthday Dave
  Tracey Hannah showers Dave Trumpore with some birthday raisin confetti. Happy birthday, Dave!

Emmeline Ragot was here after her surgery from MSA being a wheel chair champion and chatting with the press today. Heal up quick
  Emmeline Ragot was here after her surgery from MSA being a "Wheel Chair Champion" and chatting with the press today. Heal up quick!

The stage is set and the racing will be Lamborghini fast tomorrow albeit faster than this Lambo. Get ready for a scorching end to the season no matter who comes out on top.
  The stage is set and the racing will be Lamborghini fast tomorrow, albeit faster than this Lambo. Get ready for a scorching end to the season, no matter who comes out on top.

About the Photographers


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.


Author Info:
mdelorme avatar

Member since May 11, 2011
186 articles

47 Comments
  • 128 2
 And the question is... how many different coloured kits does Troy have?
  • 36 4
 Who cares who's gonna win, I'm just super excited to see his new race day outfit! ;-)
  • 9 4
 @DarrenV right?! haha i must say, I think his all black kit has gotta be the best one.
  • 10 0
 like ohh emm gee his kit is like totally vogue, gwins kit is soooo last year
  • 8 0
 I thought they were PJ's. He just wore what he wore to bed the night before.
  • 8 1
 Way more than Gee; apparently.
  • 8 0
 My kit is so bright it looks like my pj's. Everything I say is a cliché.
  • 8 1
 And how come his kit looks so different from Aaron's? I think the Syndicates' kits look more alike than Specialized. . .
  • 2 0
 dam they are so fresh, anyone know where i could get a kit like that?
  • 3 0
 @bcamapgnolo during the practices you will see Troy wear his unofficial kit, but during his race run he will wear his UCI-approved team kit.
  • 3 10
flag jaame (Aug 22, 2015 at 4:00) (Below Threshold)
 Two questions:

1. How come no one told Crank Brothers "Greenland" should be capitalised? If they gave me a set of pedals with my name on, and the first letter was not capitalised, I'd send them straight back.

2. Who is Neil Stewart?

3. Is Brendog going to fall off after crossing the line again?

4. Can anyone stop Gwinner from laying down a gwinsane run? All the evidence gwindicates no. That wasn't a question was it?
  • 23 0
 A bunch of Founders in the fridge for tomorrow... This one is set up to be race of the year! On a beast of a track that really does show the true nature of the sport. The photo coverage has been nothing short of incredible for each round - thank you, Pinkbike and to all the contributing photographers. Also, the video coverage from the teams and Redbull has been superb too! Jury is out on this weekends Redbull Practice Highlights Video music tho'!

It's just a shame that this time tomorrow, the WC will be over. What a season, eh?
  • 4 0
 +1, sad to see the season end, but what a season it's been!
  • 3 0
 world champs though.
  • 1 0
 true!
  • 4 0
 Founders from Michigan in Italy?
  • 3 0
 Founders from Michigan while looking at Italy from Ireland Wink
  • 23 0
 I would give an arm and a leg to ride that track. Probably literally by the time i reached the bottom.
  • 18 1
 What is this hoping for no rain? Let the rain come in and make it a show!
  • 6 1
 I definitely wouldn't mind VDS in the rain...would be nice to see how it shuffles the deck. Always fun to see Hart play in the rain as well...not sure who else shines in those conditions? Brendog? Atherton?

That said, rain means even more sketch...and I certainly don't want to see carnage on the hill
  • 6 2
 But IMAGINE if every run was like Brannigans last race...
  • 6 2
 Maybe I'm alone, but that isn't what I like to see. I suppose Brannigan sort of did it for show, but we want these guys uninjured and in good form. Look at what has become of Stevie because of all of his injuries...it's really set him back. Wouldn't wish that on anyone.
  • 15 0
 sorry to see Emmeline in the wheelchair, not on the track.
  • 3 1
 luckily Pompon is back, making this at least a competition
  • 8 0
 Bulldog really lives up to his name. Also i just noticed how similiar the lapierre kit looks to the bergamont kit.
  • 5 1
 Anybody else notice a certain red/white/blue clad rider on the opposite side of the track in the photo of MacDonald's crash? Gwin's mind powers...
  • 1 0
 "Loris Vergier kept things conservative to land just outside the top 10. Look for him to step it up a few notches in the finals."

How far is this caption from the commentary after his run (but before everyone else's) at Windham?
  • 5 1
 That Lamborghini tractor is probably the only Lamborghini I'd be able to drive without crashing... Or maybe not...
  • 4 0
 4th with a dislocated knee just before (how???????????????????????), PROPS to Brook he killed it !!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 the moral of this article i think is to look ahead down the trail as far as possible.
  • 3 0
 bulldog for the win!!
  • 1 0
 Pfffffffffffff................. scary track......!!!!!!! no 4 the runners obviusly... Smile
  • 2 0
 shits about to get real...
  • 2 0
 far out, kneecap, knee, leg injuries are shit to recover from
  • 2 1
 Not as bad as shoulder.
  • 2 0
 Brooks a beast, fast scetchy and strait pinned.
  • 1 0
 Is Sam Blenkinsop wearing a pair of gloves with printed bare hands on the back???
  • 1 0
 so much big holes in the last big turn! they should make it brand new for next year !
  • 1 0
 Danny! Tienes que volver!
  • 2 0
 that lambo though
  • 2 2
 Is there anyone in these pictures not riding crank bros mallets?
  • 9 1
 100% chance sam hill isn't on crank bros mallets
  • 4 0
 Aaron Gwin and Troy Brosnan both ride HT Components pedals...they are red just like the Mallets, though.
  • 2 0
 and Fairclough on his costum DMR vault pedals
  • 1 1
 Hahahha at Dave yawning!
  • 1 0
 not yawning, he's trying to catch in his mouth whatever it is that Tracy tossed at him







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