Aaron Gwin to Miss Les Gets World Cup with Shoulder Injuries

Jul 8, 2019
by James Smurthwaite  

Aaron Gwin has today confirmed he will miss the Les Gets World Cup next weekend after a crash in the final practice session in Vallnord. Gwin was nursing an injured finger through the weekend but it was his shoulders that saw him forced out after he hit a tree in the woods. He injured both shoulders in the crash and flew home today to see his doctor. Hopefully he will receive some good news and we will see him back racing in Val di Sole on August 3rd.

bigquotesWell here’s what ended the weekend for me. Had been brushin' this tree every lap but got a little off-balance in the dust and nailed it. This was last lap of practice before the race and man was really startin' to feel good that morning. Disappointing start to the season to say the least but we’ll be back. Hurt both shoulders in the crash. Flew home yesterday, gonna go see my doctor today and hopefully get some good news so I can be back soon. Thanks to my team for all the love I’m so bummed I’ve gotta miss Les Gets was really lookin' forward to that one. Congrats to my boy Jack Moir for holdin' it down Saturday with a top 10 I know the struggles you’ve fought through this year and I’m proud of ya dude. Keep you guys posted when I know what’s up.—Aaron Gwin

We wish Gwin a speedy recovery and hope his luck picks up for the rest of the season.

Posted In:
Racing and Events World Cup DH Injuries Intense Aaron Gwin Vallnord World Cup Dh 2019


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114 Comments
  • 157 11
 All I want to see is Gwin to win a world championship. At least that is still in play.
  • 96 20
 Frenchies are too fast now....
  • 44 103
flag chriskneeland (Jul 8, 2019 at 10:27) (Below Threshold)
 Hate to break it to you but Gwin's never going to win a race on a 29er.
  • 23 6
 @jaydawg69: He beat them all at Losinj last year. His one healthy race he came in 6th this year, I guess you can't have a single bad day nowadays....
  • 25 14
 @hamncheez: you are only good as your last race, season, etc. AG seemed to have lost his edge... not sure if it's bike or the mental game. The Frenchie trio and TB are going to be pretty hard to beat this year. Can't see AG doing much this season with all his injuries as that cuts down in training time. More time off the bike --> slower.
  • 46 10
 Well, I like Gwin and I'm leaving him on my Fantasy Team no matter what. Even if that means I drop from 34,341st place, it's my way to show support!
  • 8 6
 @jaydawg69: I like to think he's probably distracted with the whole "team ownership" thing. I don't know the guy, but he seems like he likes the business side of the business. Who knows.. what I do know is that I've had (and probably most people here over 25) patches too, where I felt like I was crashing hard every ride. It does get to you.
  • 7 19
flag chelsearockefeller (Jul 8, 2019 at 12:00) (Below Threshold)
 #gwinnplosion
  • 42 0
 Gwin will be back but it goes to show how impressive it is what Minnaar has been able to do over the years. It's hard to be at the pointy end year in and year out.
  • 13 0
 @dhx42: Also how impressive Gwins dominance was. To be able to win the overall that many times is nuts, since one mistake can lead to a season-ending injury.
  • 8 11
 Champs now is for Maes!
  • 18 0
 Season full of Gwinjuries
  • 4 1
 @chriskneeland:
  • 34 1
 @dhx42: Minnaar had plenty of runs without wins too. Since Aaron's first World cup win in 2011 he has never gone more than 8 races without a win (this is his longest losing streak and it's been blighted by injuries), Greg is currently 11 races without a win and His longest winless streak is 20 races.

So let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have just been used to absolutely relentless domination from Gwin so anything less seems like failure.
  • 2 0
 I think we all want to see that....
  • 4 3
 @humoroususername: The problem is that he negotiated himself into a position where he is being paid at a level of performance that these injuries are preventing him from delivering.
  • 6 1
 @hamncheez: Every rider is paid to perform at their peak level. What you said applies all riders who are sponsored.
  • 2 1
 @hamncheez: what? Lmao
  • 3 10
flag jaame (Jul 8, 2019 at 22:35) (Below Threshold)
 @jaydawg69: +1. I don’t think he will ever win another race.
I hope he wins the world championship one day, but my head says it’s getting increasingly unlikely
  • 3 0
 @jaydawg69: it's interesting to watch how older riders like gwin and Minnaar keep an aggressive attack position on the bike while the younger riders, such as all the frenchies, stand taller and more relaxed and are much more active.
  • 2 0
 @jaydawg69: these commencal riders, though...man.
  • 6 0
 I really want to see AG get well so he can represent well on home dirt at Snowshoe.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: Totally. Giwn's dominance was crazy. More pointing out how hard it is to be a consistent top 5 guy for as long as Minnaar when there are so many things that can go wrong and get in the way.
  • 1 0
 @humoroususername: I am not knocking Giwn but using his recent experience to highlight how hard it is to be consistently at the top. Gwin and Minnaar have both been incredibly impressive. I would also add Troy to the list here soon. Incredible how consistent he has been the past few years
  • 1 0
 @JBinKC: He is paid on a completely different level than other racers. Gwin is making motocross level money. He has a million dollar car, building a ten million dollar house, etc.
  • 4 0
 Gwin isn't winning anything on a 29er. He needs to go back to the tried and true 27.5 ...
  • 1 0
 @speedshifter: After his suspension is over ...
  • 71 1
 Pinkbike, you should have enough footage by the end of the season to do a Friday Fails Pro Edition.
  • 1 0
 Just sling on the Les Deux Alpes footage!
  • 55 2
 Man, what a rough season for him. Sending healing vibes your way Aaron.
  • 24 1
 Ben Cathro's video of last practice session has a bit with Gwin right after he crashes, Gwin asks him if he's ever broken a collar bone and how it felt, I knew right then that was bad news. Would be awesome to see Gwin come back strong and win a race or two or the elusive world champs, I wish him luck.
  • 12 0
 I can't believe he's never broken a collar bone before. Extremely lucky!
  • 4 0
 @jwrendenver: and crashing properly..
  • 25 4
 Keyboard pounderz who ride a couple times a week after work(if at all) writing off 5 time owc winner Aaron Gwin! LOL!
  • 21 2
 I respect his decision to go and get it checked out instead of pushing through the pain and carrying on! Injuries suck.Heal up Gwin!
  • 23 3
 In the comments: people blaming his injuries on wheel size. Yikes.
  • 24 0
 Must be that, and not the 2 feet of dust on a blown out track.
  • 9 38
flag jrocksdh (Jul 8, 2019 at 13:23) (Below Threshold)
 Well there's also many socialist here so can't be too surprised...lol, sympathy hugs
  • 5 10
flag Jimmy0 FL (Jul 8, 2019 at 22:03) (Below Threshold)
 @jrocksdh: im socialist and I vote
  • 12 2
 Damn that reminds me of when he had recently signed w spesh and had an injury n surprising unsuccessful results, but he came the next season n crush it!! N the following season n the next on n so on until now lol. Every athlete has up n downs but he the comeback that says what type of rider they really are!! Get better soon Aaron we miss you on the track
  • 9 13
flag igxqrrl (Jul 8, 2019 at 17:33) (Below Threshold)
 ikr i can't w8 2 c wut is 2 come 1ce he gud.
  • 6 0
 All the Gwin hate seems to present the fact most people have forgotten about his first season with specialized. The year Smith and Gee we’re battling out for the overall.
  • 3 14
flag lalientoxc (Jul 8, 2019 at 18:22) (Below Threshold)
 Get racism comments somewhere else plz@igxqrrl:
  • 13 0
 All the best for the champ!
  • 7 0
 Gwin ‘s days are behind him? Lol

This is an athlete that won a WC chainless against most of the athletes competing right now.

Injuries are just that, injuries. It takes time to heal, recover, train and get back to pace...
  • 2 5
 Gwinn is the best world cup rider this generation has ever seen especially when he rode for specialized not rocky garbage.
  • 7 0
 That sucks. For someone who just wants to ride shoulder injuries are a huge bummer. Here is to a speedy recovery. This whole season has been a rough one for him. But it's what he does with it that's important.
  • 5 0
 I live in the SoCal and despite Gwins lack of usual performance, there's a hell of alot more intense bikes on the slopes and trails then last year here. So maybe his cost to sponsor is worth it for intense despite his losses.
  • 4 1
 Gwin is going to lead Americans for another 4 or 5 years because the other Americans have suddenly plateaued. I can't help but wonder if they've all hit their potential and I stand by my prediction that Luca Shaw will never win an elite race, unfortunately. This past race raised an eyebrow seeing Bruce Klein's performance. It wasn't nearly good enough but it was a big step in the right direction. But it's Aaron Gwin for a few more years, and that's ok with me.
  • 7 0
 Unlucky
  • 3 0
 Uh damn. Never fight a tree usually these fuckers are stronger. Must be quite an impact to damage both shoulders at once. Hopefully it is not to bad shoulder injuries take so long to heal completely. Stay strong!
  • 12 6
 No wins for gwin since he got on a 29r
  • 2 0
 Gwin is an amazing rider, he'll be back. Hope he gets better soon as it is always exciting to see him race. Maybe the Intense isn't the top bike and maybe 29 inch wheels front and rear aren't working for him, however, he's advanced the development of many bikes over the years so I imagine AG and Intense will be working 24/7. Exciting times ahead maybe!
  • 2 0
 This just shows how hard these racers are pushing it.
Every time they ride/train/race are putting it on the edge and any focus loss causes problems,
when these races are so close.
  • 4 2
 Gwin was fun to watch because of his skill and willingness to go WFO. He almost seems defeated before the races start this year and it's just sad. If you aren't 100% ready to win it, its time to step away.
  • 6 5
 AG - I dont care about the comments, I care about my favorite rider though and wish you nothing but speed in healing and in racing. Season after season you have been a complete stud, and not even having nearly the back ground everyone you race has. Keep up the good race, and thank you for your commitment to the sport.

#LetsGoAGShow xD
  • 2 0
 He keeps trying to ride hurt and still go for the win. All it takes is being a tiny bit foggy and it keeps resulting in big crashes. Heal up proper and then come back and get it!
  • 5 1
 Let's go Gwin. Get healthy and fast.
  • 5 2
 Yo WTF is going on with Gwin?
So many injuries in so little time, not like Gwin to be out this often.
  • 2 0
 Could be that his head is a little foggy because he's riding hurt, just enough to cause more crashes when you're on the limit. Or it could be that he's having to ride over the limit with his bike package to be competitive. Maybe both.
  • 3 0
 Hope he heals up and comes back stronger, more riders fighting for the top slot makes it more interesting.
  • 1 0
 No time to recover from the injuries,he is tough,but hey man take it a little easier ,it might not be easy with the new team, sponsors ,business,but you are still young ,good luck
  • 2 0
 I didn’t see the previous rider in the way. I’d heard that was the cause of the crash. Anyone else?

Hope recovery goes well.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, Gwin said there was a rider, but it wasn't his fault. Maybe before the footage, but that's a long way back from the crash.
  • 1 0
 Anyone notice the background noise? Sounded like an ominous train track crossing, then BAM! Kinda creeps me out.
Get better soon Aaron! Hoping this is the last of the injures!!
  • 1 0
 That's freaky asf!
  • 3 2
 after seeing in person how fast he actually hits every section, it must have hurt a lot, this is probably the first time I see him seating out a race due to an injury
  • 4 0
 Get well for Snowshoe!!!
  • 5 3
 He should get himself to Intense-ive Care and get checked out! Hope ICU back at the World Cup soon Gwin.
  • 1 0
 Feel bad for Gwin l, keeps getting these smaller injuries holding him back now this. Dude needs a lucky rabbit foot or something Heal fast And come back swinging!
  • 3 0
 Should've hit a pre-production carbon fiber tree instead.
  • 2 0
 "Stay on yer bike Gwinny!!"
  • 1 0
 Its getting so hard to beat minaar it almost looks jinxed!!
  • 1 0
 Does he want me to come and rub it? xx
  • 1 1
 Didn't he say on Cathro that someone was stopped on track? Now the story has changed?
  • 2 1
 DH is too risky as a sport , i quit danger definitly !!!
  • 1 0
 Miss Lets Gets, that's my mistress's name! She's hard too.
  • 2 4
 The Vulcan was back racing the next day after hitting a tree a few years back. And that was a brutal hit, stopping him dead. Just sayin'...
  • 5 5
 gwin disproving the existence of god with every injury
  • 2 1
 But it's all part of the plan!
  • 6 2
 I've never met a single person whos belief in a God meant they now thought they were invincible. Let me guess you've never actually asked anyone why they do or don't believe?
  • 2 4
 @humoroususername: They don't have to ask. They're smarter than every religious person that ever lived. Just ask them.
  • 2 1
 @Session603: Isaac Newton. One of the smartest men that ever walked the earth is dumber than every single person who claims to be an atheist? Cool.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_clergy_scientists

I'll just let you have a perusal through that....
  • 2 1
 @humoroususername: clearly I did not apply sarcasm heavily enough. We are in agreement here, my friend.
  • 1 0
 @Session603: my apologies compadre.
  • 2 0
 @humoroususername: Nothing but love, baby. You're one of the few voices of reason around here.
  • 2 1
 @humoroususername:
Adolf Hitler was a bad catholic...... so were the clergy that supported, helped elect him, and silently watched him destroy millions of lives.
  • 1 0
 @Session603: Not smarter, just generally shocked that people believe an imaginary man in the sky grants them wishes. How you can fit a picture of the universe as we have seen it and to believe you have a privileged place in it is kind of shocking to the rest of us.
  • 1 0
 @friendlyfoe: If you think Christianity is about imaginary sky men granting wishes then your ignorance is breathtaking.

If you're having a hard time understanding Christianity (which you clearly are) perhaps you should ask a Christian about what they believe. I find they're generally happy to explain it.

I get it, though. Seeking understanding won't get you "props" on pinkbike like casually insulting 2.2 billion people will.
  • 1 0
 @Session603: most Christians seem to believe there is an entity in the universe that has a special plan just for them. The imagined self importance is what I find breathtaking.
  • 1 0
 @friendlyfoe: Again, if you had half a f*cking clue what you're talking about you'd know that self importance is the opposite of what Christianity teaches.

Please do continue demonstrating your rampant ignorance. I love reading it.
  • 1 0
 Heel up soon buddy.
  • 3 3
 Yikes Eek
  • 4 7
 This just in. Gwin signs with mongoose next year
  • 2 6
flag CorySmith (Jul 8, 2019 at 22:33) (Below Threshold)
 Mongoose are garbage.
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