Photo Epic: Track Walk - Mont-Sainte-Anne DH World Champs 2019

Aug 29, 2019
by Nathan Hughes  



If it ain't broke, as the saying goes... and Mont Sainte Anne is a venue that certainly doesn't need much tinkering. A staple classic of the WC race calendar, it has been tried and tested by the best for pushing on 30 years and in 2019 we have almost no significant alterations to the 2018 World Cup course whatsoever. This weekend MSA will become the only race track to host a hat-trick of World Championships, and quite a competition it is set to be. In the women's race we have Tahnee Seagrave at long last back between the tape following her early exit over the bars back in Fort William. She will go up against the two women who have been battling it out at the top in her absence; Tracy Hannah and Marine Cabirou. Myriam Nicole will also aim to lay her claim to a medal after sitting out every round so far this season with injury. The defending champ, Rachel Atherton, unfortunately, will not be able to defend the stripes on account of her snapped Achilles sustained in Les Gets earlier this summer.

Meanwhile the two men who have dominated the 2019 season, Loic Bruni and Amaury Pierron, still have one round left to settle their score and perhaps this distraction or alternative focus will open the possibilities for other big names to creep in and snatch the gold, not that a wild card win isn't always on the table at Worlds. Still, we mustn't forget Bruni is getting particularly good at this rainbow stuff, having worn the jersey for three seasons since 2015; he may be reluctant to give it up. In the juniors, the weight of expectation rests upon the shoulders of defending champion Vali Höll and men's series leader, Thibault Daprela, who must both walk the tight rope of not risking too much, each of them regularly proving to be in a class of their own. Worlds never fails to produce the thrills and this year is all but guaranteed to be no different. The rain is currently pouring down on the Quebecois hillside, but the forecast suggests that the bad weather will be out of the way, a disappointment only to Aaron Gwin.




Guess who s back back again
Guess who's back, back again?

Only the essentials in World Champs tool kits
Only the essentials in World Champs tool kits.

Just about everyone is stuffing their tire liner of choice in wheels this weekend to battle the rocks and high speeds
Just about everyone is stuffing their tire liner of choice in wheels this weekend to battle the rocks and high speeds.

Sainte Anne scenes.
Sainte Anne scenes.

Belgium s only hope of a DH World Champion but a strong candidate at that.
Belgium's only hope of a DH World Champion, but a strong candidate at that.

MSA World Champs number 3 is upon us 1998 and 2010 being the previous rainbow years.
MSA World Champs number three is upon us, 1998 and 2010 being the previous rainbow years.

The view from the classic start hut here in Mont-Sainte-Anne.
The view from the classic start hut here in Mont-Sainte-Anne.

The famous whale-tail start-ramp introducing racers to one legendary race way.
The famous whale-tail start-ramp introduces racers to one legendary raceway.

The masters World Champs took place here last week so the track is already well run in.
The Masters' World Champs took place here last week so the track is already well run in.

The cafe no racer has yet found time for a pit stop at during a race run. Maybe this year...
The cafe no racer has yet found time for a pit stop at during a race run. Maybe this year...

The upper slopes before the shark fin where riders will hope to start getting into a rhythm and a fast one at that.
The upper slopes before the shark fin is where riders will hope to start getting into a rhythm and a fast one at that.

The rocks here have taken a beating from pedals derailleurs and bash guards over the years
The rocks here have taken a beating from pedals, derailleurs and bash guards over the years.

The goat strolling down through one the first rock gardens.
The goat strolling down through one the first rock gardens.

The quaint woods of Quebec.
The quaint woods of Quebec.

David Trummer and mechanic Jensen walking the upper slopes. David apparently can t explain his consistently incredible results this year... he s just riding normally . Go figure.
David Trummer and mechanic, Jensen, walking the upper slopes. David apparently can't explain his consistently incredible results this year, he's just riding 'normally'. Go figure.

Martin Maes was back racing last weekend at the EWS now he is swinging a leg over a downhill bike once again. He inspects the first flat out straight with team mate George Brannigan.
Martin Maes was back racing last weekend at the EWS, now he is swinging a leg over a downhill bike once again. He inspects the first flat out straight with teammate George Brannigan.

Some ruts from the previous years rainy races are still alive and well at the top of the track
Some ruts from the previous years' rainy races are still alive and well at the top of the track.

As straight as an arrow as riders speed towards the first section of woods
As straight as an arrow as riders speed towards the first section of woods.

Trek Factory DH is made up of Charlie Harrison and Reece Wilson this weekend.
Trek Factory DH is made up of Charlie Harrison and Reece Wilson this weekend.

Below the green canopy of the forest for the first time.
Below the green canopy of the forest for the first time.

Despicable Dean Brendan and the Aussies.
Despicable Dean, Brendan and the other minions.

You are here.
You are here.

When you turn the exposure down to mimic what the riders see it becomes very clear why the rocks are painted orange
When you turn the exposure down to mimic what the riders see, it becomes very clear why the rocks are painted orange.

Some riders will remember when these rocks were barely visible in this section 2007
Some riders will remember when these rocks were barely visible in this section (2007).

Great to see Myriam Nicole back between the tape in time for World Champs
It's great to see Myriam Nicole back between the tape in time for World Champs.

out o the woods and into the wide open
Out of the woods and into the wide open.

This huck is nothing new but always attracts plenty of attention on track walk.
This huck is nothing new but always attracts plenty of attention on track walk.

Full strength We can t be sure but don t doubt Gwin s commitment to a gold medal.
Full strength? We can't be sure, but don't doubt Gwin's commitment to a gold medal.

Thousands of tires have passed over these rocks and roots over the years.
Thousands of tires have passed over these rocks and roots over the years.

High speed as it gets in the open grass section at the track midpoint.
High speed as it gets in the open grass section at the track midpoint.

It was extra busy up on track this afternoon with all the federations swamping long stretches of the course but the vibes were good nonetheless.
It was extra busy up on track this afternoon with all the federations swamping long stretches of the course, but the vibes were good nonetheless.

After Pom Pon finished with Amaury Pierron s hair he was looking meow like Coolio
After Pom Pon finished with Amaury Pierron's hair he was looking meow like Coolio.

Shaw giving props to one of 2019 s 3 time race winners either for the victories or the hair.
Shaw giving props to one of 2019's three-time race winners, either for the victories or the hair.

Myriam Nicole hitches a lift down the track today as she makes her return from injury.
Myriam Nicole hitches a lift down the track today as she makes her return from injury.

Roots on roots on on of the World Cup circuits oldest tracks
Roots on roots on one of the World Cup circuit's oldest tracks.

Gwin and Mullaly check out the miniature rock garden before the exit of the first woods.
Gwin and Mullaly check out the miniature rock garden before the exit of the first woods.

Without a doubt the fasters section of any world cup track out there
Without a doubt the fastest section of any World Cup track out there.

Yannick Wende s bike went missing last week for Master s Word Champs so after a quick scramble he is now part of the Bolivian team for the real World Champs this week.
Yannick Wende's bike went missing last week for Master's Word Champs, so after a quick scramble, he is now part of the Bolivian team for the real World Champs this week.

The new section of woods added last year is looking a bit more rowdy this year
The new section of woods added last year is looking a bit rowdier this year.

Things are always way steeper in real life than they look on camera The
Things are always way steeper in real life than they look on camera. This rock roll is nearly vertical and let's not forget it was a deciding factor in last year's race for some riders.

The 2016 World Champ scoping the bedrock with young team mate Matt Walker.
The 2016 World Champ scoping the bedrock with young teammate, Matt Walker.

The Stevie Smith drop has a new landing this year.
The Stevie Smith drop has a new landing this year.

Six legged friends of the long grass unlike the dreaded biting black flies
Six legged friends of the long grass, unlike the dreaded biting black flies.

These slabs will be a lot slicker tomorrow thanks to the rain that rolled in this evening.
These slabs will be a lot slicker tomorrow thanks to the rain that rolled in this evening.

Loris Vergier with the two umbrella walking stick technique
Loris Vergier with the two umbrella walking stick technique.

Blenki helping fellow countryman Brook where to go.
Blenki helping fellow countryman, Brook, where to go.

Charlie Harrison spots lines on the entrance to the woods with Andrew Shandro.
Charlie Harrison spots lines on the entrance to the woods with Andrew Shandro.

The big gap Greg Minnaar pioneered a few years back. The landing is just past their feet and the rocks painted orange
The big gap Greg Minnaar pioneered a few years back. The landing is just past their feet and the rocks painted orange.

This is where Amaury Pierron ended up picking himself up off the deck last year.
This is where Amaury Pierron ended up picking himself up off the deck last year.

Memories of Aaron Gwin s 2017 winning run and his inside line on this berm shortly before the finish area.
Memories of Aaron Gwin's 2017 winning run and his inside line on this berm shortly before the finish area.

Finishing touches on the final jump still going down
Finishing touches on the final jump still going down.

Charlie Harrison ready to go for a stronger than ever before - team USA.
Charlie Harrison ready to go for a stronger than ever before - Team USA.

Of the great British hopes for this weekend and the only non Frenchman to take a win in 2019.
Of the great British hopes for this weekend and the only non-Frenchman to take a win in 2019.

Suspension getting the usual once over before the beatings begin
Suspension getting the usual once over before the beatings begin.

Only superfans will know Jack Moir famed mostly for his insanely fast mountain bike racing is also one of the best spin bowlers in the world.
Top Ashes spin bowler, Jack Moir, relaxing in the pits.

Lots of bike prep going down with special attention being given to the brakes that will take a beating on this high speed track
Lots of bike prep going down with special attention being given to the brakes that will take a beating on this high-speed track.

John Hall working on the bike that Aaron will almost certainly not ride this weekend while AG s race machine hangs on the tent wall behind.
John Hall working on the bike that AG will almost certainly not ride this weekend, while Aaron's prototype race machine hangs on the tent wall behind.

Brendan Fairclough picking upon his custom suspension decals and beyond happy to be back at World Champs for the first time in 4 years
Brendan Fairclough picking upon his custom suspension decals and beyond happy to be back at World Champs for the first time in four years.

Stoked to be back in the mix... Aaron Gwin returns to the scene of his 2017 obliteration of the field in the wet having missed the 2018 with injury.
Stoked to be back in the mix... Aaron Gwin returns to the scene of his 2017 obliteration of the field in the wet, having missed 2018 with an injury.

DH World Champ 2039.
DH World Champ 2039.


Regions in Article
Mont-Sainte-Anne DH Park

Author Info:
nathanhughes avatar

Member since Jul 19, 2007
313 articles

63 Comments
  • 24 0
 ''It's great to see Myriam Nicole back between the tape in time for World Champs.'' It's great to see ACC back as well.
  • 4 0
 Well spoted ! I hadn't recognised her. Thanks ! And yes, great to see her.
  • 15 1
 Downhiller math.. how does the once fastest man on a bike, come back from a long injury stretch, with so much expectation upon (probably half from himself) and not go full steam into another injury-causing situation? This is a tricky one for Gwin I think.
  • 9 0
 Sam Hill did it last time the World Champs was at MSA. He only did 2 world cups that year due to injury then came and won the Worlds by over 2.5s. It's do able, but Gwin hasn't had much luck for the champs in the past.
  • 1 1
 @Hydro390: but didn't it rain after he came down? Impressive still
  • 5 0
 @ORTOGONAL555: think it was wet for all riders
  • 16 1
 I'd love to see Maes kick asses again. It pissed so many people off last year
  • 8 1
 I'd especially like to see him do it in a half shell with goggles and a water bottle in the frame.
  • 1 0
 @MTBrent: On his enduro bike... ha
  • 12 0
 I might get another flashback episode, but isn't it Anne Caro walking besides Pom Pom? If so, glad to see her back!
  • 2 0
 I was actually asking myself the same question
  • 2 0
 @nicoMF It is her. She is working for Commencal. Not sure what is her current health status but being ill doesn't mean to stay inactive. I'm glad she is still enjoying working - and hopefully riding - for the bike industry.

I recall she mentionned in an interview at EWS Les Orres a month or two ago that she had been riding and giving her input on the bikepark, not sure if it was only in 2018 or she had been able to do it in 2019 too.
  • 1 0
 Yes, it's AnneCaro with Pompom.
  • 1 0
 no mention of the legend that is ACC in the caption? PB, i am disappoint.
  • 12 1
 You can try scare me with photos of huge drops, jumps and rocks. The most intimidating thing in all of those pics is still Brook McDonald's legs though.
  • 3 0
 I wish someone would get him a pair of shin guards. Not to protect his shins but to protect the rocks.
  • 1 0
 Shins any carpet layer would be proud of!
  • 10 0
 Not a word on the mysterious BMX gold medalist, MTB goat, on Myriam's left ?
  • 5 0
 I generally alternate between pinkbike and a couple of cricket websites, especially now during the ashes. I just want to say that you comment about Jack Moir really messed my head up for a few seconds. Especially when the photo directly below the comment looks like top ashes spin bowler Jack Leach. Genuinely I just said "wait WTF is going on?" out loud.
  • 5 0
 I thought I was the only Downhill/ Cricket Fan
  • 2 0
 @howsyourdad: There can't be too many of us. And I wasn't expecting any of them to be swedish.
  • 1 0
 @howsyourdad: not at all!
  • 12 0
 What messed with my head is all this talk about test match cricket when he's clearly wearing his white ball kit.
  • 1 0
 @Maxcommencemal: Logged in just to up-vote that
  • 3 0
 @GeeHad: i live in Sweden but am a Brit. TMS youtube channel is a godsend. Quite often listen to it on the chairlift on the way up to do some DH runs.I get some odd looks
  • 2 0
 Another DH/cricket fan here!
  • 1 0
 I've spent the best part of this week trying to forget about the 3rd Test and avoid all things cricket. Thanks pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 @howsyourdad: I would say any former colony is gonna have some interest in cricket...and we are all on pinkbike so that stands to reason where our interests also lies....but enough about cricket and the ashes...its rugby world cup time now
  • 1 0
 what is this "cricket" of which you speak? links please?
  • 2 0
 A pitcher (bowler) throws a ball at a batter (batsman) standing in front of a wicket, which is like a... couple posts.. With something on top of them... If the bowler hits the wicket, his team gets to bat, but if the batsman hits the ball he sprints back and forth between the wickets (oh yeah, there's a second wicket in there) and scores runs while fielders grab the ball and throw it back to the pitcher (do not try to tag the batsman out). Like in baseball, each team gets a set number of turns at bat, after which the game is over. Your likely question is, why does this take days to accomplish?

www.vice.com/en_au/article/z4p3z8/explaining-cricket-to-americans
  • 2 0
 @BigAlfonz: Well as a neutral, allow me to say that (a) that was the best day of cricket I've ever watched and (b) "you was robbed"; Stokes was plumb in front. Someone/something is watching over Stokes... that boundary overthrow in the ODI final and now this. Don't get me wrong, he's gifted and I'm a fan, but he's also one lucky SOB.
  • 1 0
 @bikeskibikeski: Wicked Googley it, mate
  • 2 0
 @howsyourdad: so, like whackbat? got it.
  • 9 0
 The Australian team looks like a bunch of tourists visiting the place
  • 3 0
 Bulldog's shins are a mess!
  • 3 0
 Is it just me or does Jack Moir look like Keegan Wright?
  • 1 0
 what's the reason for the new landing at the Stevie Smith drop?

Epic photos as always!
  • 4 0
 The level at world champ is quite different from world cup, there's no qualies and the level between the best and the last is quite big.
  • 6 0
 Looks like the local graffiti dude just needed some space to place his divine art on.
  • 4 1
 @dudeism: Right? Like the rest of the photos are "Ahh MSA... what a classic and historic venue. What's this? Oh look, the local meth enthusiasts seem to have left their own personal touch on the landing of the Stevie Smith drop... moving along."
  • 1 0
 I think people were landing in ruts in previous years and it got sketchy. Now it'll make a big thump noice and shoot splinters
  • 2 0
 Di Caprio wrenching for Trummer.
  • 1 0
 Lol.. preparing for a new role as a hells angel?
  • 1 0
 I thought my shins are busted. Brook Macdonald please wear shinpads you monster.
  • 1 0
 Going to be a such a race !!
  • 9 0
 I heard they’ve got a timer and everything..
  • 1 0
 I didn't know that The Privateer was wrenching for Devinci now.
  • 1 0
 THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME!
  • 2 0
 That Aussie outfit! WTF!
  • 1 0
 Looks like Blenki eats his spinach
  • 1 0
 straight as an arrow, haha, someone needs to google archers paradox...
  • 1 0
 Amazing that Blenki can reach that pole from the track
  • 1 0
 They should do " Best beat up shin contest" Bull Dog for the win!
  • 1 0
 Did Johannes von Klebelsberg find a replacement cook in time for Worlds ?
  • 1 0
 does that first mechanic have half of his head shaved?
  • 1 0
 Cabirou & Bruni
  • 1 0
 Stoked!!!!!!!!!!!!







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