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.
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.
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?
It's just a shame that this time tomorrow, the WC will be over. What a season, eh?
That said, rain means even more sketch...and I certainly don't want to see carnage on the hill
How far is this caption from the commentary after his run (but before everyone else's) at Windham?