Photo Epic: DH Finals - 2018 Val di Sole World Cup

Jul 7, 2018 at 14:57
by Dave Trumpore  



After three days of what seemed like near constant rain, the valley of sun finally lived up to its namesake just in time for race day. With the usual overnight downpour holding off as well after qualifying, the track that greeted riders today was dry, tacky and super fast. Almost a complete opposite of what they trained on during the week and many riders said they struggled for a bit to get used to the added speed and had to force themselves to stay loose and let the bike roll.

The junior men and women were the first to take to the rapidly drying track and with similar results we have seen at prior rounds. Vale Holl once again put double digits into the women'd field with a time that would be competitive among the elites - and for the men, Thibaut Daprela took top honors over Henry Kerr. With a series leader Kye A'hern not qualifying for the finals, Daprela would steal back the series lead with a healthy gap in points as we head into the second half of the season.

Storm clouds would build over the mountain as the elite women took to the track, but they were more of a foreshadowing of the race to come, thankfully. Rachel Atherton would be the first to post what looked to be a winning time, and Emile Siegenthaler and Tracey tried to challenge, but fell short. Tahnee Seagrave struggled to match Rachel's pace up top, but when she heard the loudspeaker halfway down saying she was just 2 seconds behind, she dropped the hammer. Her fourth split cut things to within a second and as a very nervous Rachel Atherton sat in the hot seat, Tahnee crossed the line to take the lead by just a tenth of a second. Last rider down, Monika Hrastnik, also started slow at the splits, but would make time as her run progressed. Looking stronger and stronger as her run carried on, she would eventually bump Tracey Hannah down at the finish to claim a career-best third place.

The day only got hotter, literally and figuratively, as the men took to the track. Any threat of storms at this point had dissipated and the sun was scorching all in attendance - so much so that finding a place in the shade up top to for the rider's warmup routine became the newest challenge. It would be 8th place qualifier Thomas Estaque who would occupy the hot seat the longest. Sweating it out, rider after rider, until Laurie Greenland came flying across the line. Laurie always has strong finishes here and his time was looking good for the win as both Danny Hart and Luca Shaw failed to best it. Loic Bruni was on pace to challenge as well, but a crash while up at the splits and just 40 seconds for the line would dash his hopes once again.

Everyone knew, however, that the biggest threat would be the last man down, Amaury Pierron, who after winning two in a row, was riding a wave of confidence at incredible speeds in practice, and in yesterday's treacherous and rain soaked qualifier. Amaury would be up at split one, then down at split two, and up yet again at the third. Each time his split flashed up on the screen, the hot seat got more uncomfortable for those watching and waiting. Especially for Laurie Greenland, who would grow more and more tense as his first win was within reach, yet so close to being snatched away. The race would come down to the wire, with the final top three only separated by tenths of a second, but it would be Pierron who came out on top to make it three wins in a row, proving he is without a doubt, the man to beat right now.

In the overall standings, Rachel Atherton moves into the lead, following the injury to Myriam Nicole, and Tahnee Seagrave now occupies the second spot. For the men, Pierron took advantage of off-days by Troy Brosnan, an injured Aaron Gwin, and a crash by Lori's Vergier, to distance himself quite comfortably from his competition. Laurie Greenland would vault himself all the way from 5th into 2nd. It's still anyone's race, though, especially for the spots just behind the leaders, and things are surely going to heat up next week when World Cup DH action continues in Andorra.

Intro Outro shot

Tahnee gets prepped for battle the track that lay in wait this morning was a different character to that of yesterday.
Tahnee gets prepped for battle, the track that lay in wait this morning was a different character to that of yesterday.

The last lonely few moments before your weekends work comes together or unravels in front of you. Thankfully Finn s came together and he ticked off his first elite top 10.
The last lonely few moments before your weekend's work comes together or unravels in front of you. Thankfully Finn's came together and he ticked off his first elite top 10.

17 seconds ahead of the game here today it is of course the mighty VH so far undefeated with 4 wins from 4 races.
17 seconds ahead of the game here today, it is, of course, the mighty VH, so far undefeated with 4 wins from 4 races.

on the final results sheet says Anna Newkirk finished 17 seconds down in 2nd place but had it not been for this massive crash half way down the track she may have been a whole lot closer to Vali Holl.
On the final results sheet says Anna Newkirk finished 17 seconds down in 2nd place but had it not been for this massive crash halfway down the track she may have been a whole lot closer to Vali Holl.

Henry Kerr goes one better than his first podium in Leogang only 1 second off the win.
Henry Kerr goes one better than his first podium in Leogang, only 1 second off the win.

A fresh face to the junior men s podium was Mondraker s Aussie ripper Patrick Butler.
A fresh face to the junior men's podium was Mondraker's Aussie ripper Patrick Butler.

Daprela had some issues on his final practice run but clearly it didn t subdue him in the slightest for the big show.
Daprela had some issues on his final practice run, but clearly, it didn't subdue him in the slightest for the big show.

Another win for Thibaut Daprela who will carry a sizable lead in the junior World Cup series int the next round in Andorra.
Another win for Thibaut Daprela who will carry a sizable lead in the junior World Cup series in the next round in Andorra.

What a difference a day makes. Sunshine all day meant the track was in perfect condition for everyone.
What a difference a day makes. Sunshine all day meant the track was in perfect condition for everyone.

4th on the day in what had been a tough season for Tracey Hannah.
4th on the day in what had been a tough season for Tracey Hannah.

Tracey s run was safe but not with the speed she was looking for today.
Tracey's run was safe, but not with the speed she was looking for today.

It s always great to see a new face on the podium and even better when it s that riders home race. Bravo Vero Widmann.
It's always great to see a new face on the podium and even better when it's that rider's home race. Bravo Vero Widmann.

Rachel Atherton had the big W in the bag all the way up to the finishing field where 0.1s would slip through her fingers.
Rachel Atherton had the big 'W' in the bag all the way up to the finishing field where 0.1s would slip through her fingers.

Val di Sole is not for the faint of heart and Rachel Atherton was certainly relieved in the finish line to have made it down with what at the time looked to be a winning run.
Val di Sole is not for the faint of heart and Rachel Atherton was certainly relieved in the finish line to have made it down with what at the time looked to be a winning run.

Her first in qualifying certainly wasn t a flash in the pan. She may have ended up third but Monika Hrastnik was 6th at the first split 5 seconds back... Before crossing the line 1.6 seconds back. One to watch.
Her first in qualifying certainly wasn't a flash in the pan. She may have ended up third but Monika Hrastnik was 6th at the first split, 5 seconds back... Before crossing the line 1.6 seconds back. One to watch.

A very happy Monika Hrastnik as she crossed the line in 3rd place here in Val di Sole just 1.6 seconds behind race winner Tahnee Seagrave.
A very happy Monika Hrastnik as she crossed the line in 3rd place here in Val di Sole, just 1.6 seconds behind race winner Tahnee Seagrave.

Full gas and lots of aggression first thing in the morning Tahnee Seagrave meant business today in Val di Sole.
Full gas and lots of aggression first thing in the morning, Tahnee Seagrave meant business today in Val di Sole.

Tahnee heard on the loudspeaker mid-track that she was 2 seconds back on Rachel Atherton so she dug deep and there caution to the wind for the remaining minute and a half of track. Upon crossing the line she was nearly to busy checking her winning time to stop for the barriers.
Tahnee heard on the loudspeaker mid-track that she was 2 seconds back on Rachel Atherton, so she dug deep and threw caution to the wind for the remaining minute and a half of track. Upon crossing the line she was nearly to busy checking her winning time to stop for the barriers.

Tahnee was in disbelief as she made her way to the hotseat and later to the top step of the podium. A winning time just 0.12 faster than Rachel Atherton and some of the closest racing we have seen in the women s field this season.
Tahnee was in disbelief as she made her way to the hotseat, and later to the top step of the podium. A winning time just 0.12 faster than Rachel Atherton, and some of the closest racing we have seen in the women's field this season.

bigquotesI’m always puzzling! It just takes me a lot more time than others to piece it together. Most of the time it comes together for race day! I think even if it had been wet I knew where I was going and knew what I needed to do. I still would have given it my all and I’m confident I would have ended up with a good result but I am so glad I managed to take the win! I’m not really used to riding in the dry, it’s been a weird one...It’s been the best win so far because it was so tight and you have to work really hard for it and that’s exactly what I had to do... Rewarding!Tahnee Seagrave


1.6 seconds covered the top three super tight racing on a track as technical as this. More of the same next week please
1.6 seconds covered the top three, super tight racing on a track as technical as this. More of the same next week, please!

Glory and the champers again for Seagrave as the competition between her and Rachel starts to get extra interesting.
Glory and the champers again for Seagrave as the competition between her and Rachel starts to get extra interesting.

Threatening skies rolled in just s the men took to the track but luckily burned off quickly without even a drop of rain falling on the venue for the first time in four days.
Threatening skies rolled in just as the men took to the track, but luckily burned off quickly without even a drop of rain falling on the venue for the first time in four days.

Damage limitation mode for Aaron Gwin who keeps himself in the overall hunt through a run with gritted teeth visibly in pain when he crossed the line.
Damage limitation mode for Aaron Gwin who keeps himself in the overall hunt through a run with gritted teeth, visibly in pain when he crossed the line.

Sam Blenkinsop promo-ing the resort for a solid 14th finish.
Sam Blenkinsop promo-ing the resort for a solid 14th finish.

Finn Iles finally put together the run he has been after all season to take 8th in the final just 2 seconds from the podium.
Finn Iles finally put together the run he has been after all season to take 8th in the final, just 2 seconds from the podium.

Amaury Pierron seems to have one speed these days in practice and it certainly isn t slow.
Amaury Pierron seems to have one speed these days in practice, and it certainly isn't slow.

Phil Atwil continues his come back hucking well past 15 meters and into 15th place.
Phil Atwill continues his comeback, hucking well past 15 meters and into 15th place.

Connor Fearon using every inch of track to smooth out the big rocks and roots.
Connor Fearon using every inch of track to smooth out the big rocks and roots.

One to forget for Vergier and precious points lost towards the overall.
One to forget for Vergier and precious points lost towards the overall.

Mark Wallace was only 1 of a handful of riders taking this inside line and coincidentally or not was in the split where he made up time on the riders in the hot seat.
Mark Wallace was only 1 of a handful of riders taking this inside line and coincidentally or not was in the split where he made up time on the riders in the hot seat.

Troy Brosnan won t be delighted with 10th here in VDS but he ll be back to defend his top step in Vallnord.
Troy Brosnan won't be delighted with 10th here in VDS, but he'll be back to defend his top step in Vallnord.

Brook MacDonald climbed steadily up the ranks after a sketchy start to his run and came away with 9th.
Brook Macdonald climbed steadily up the ranks after a sketchy start to his run and came away with 9th.

Benoit Coulanges fired some warning shots in the TT and come through for the finals with 11th.
Benoit Coulanges fired some warning shots in the TT and came through for the finals with 11th.

3rd place qualifier Hugo Frixtalon couldn t match his incredible form in the mud but still managed a fairly heoic 22nd place finish.
3rd place qualifier, Hugo Frixtalon, couldn't match his incredible form in the mud, but still managed a fairly heroic 22nd place finish.

Thomas Estaque is finally fully healthy and up to race pace and today he checked all the right boxes in his race run to land himself on his first ever World Cup podium in 5th.
Thomas Estaque is finally fully healthy and up to race pace, and today he checked all the right boxes in his race run to land himself on his first ever World Cup podium in 5th.

Commencal 100 is a small team punching much higher than its weight. Both Reece Wilson and Thomas Estaque have taken their debut podium this season.
Commencal 100 is a small team punching much higher than its weight. Both Reece Wilson and Thomas Estaque have taken their debut podium this season.

After qualifying first at the last two rounds and having disastrous final runs Luca Shaw was able to keep things in check in Val di Sole to snag 4th.
After qualifying first at the last two rounds and having disastrous final runs, Luca Shaw was able to keep things in check in Val di Sole to snag 4th.

Luca Shaw seemed somewhat surprised by his run good to see him back on the podium after misfortune in the last two rounds after qualifying first.
Luca Shaw seemed somewhat surprised by his run, good to see him back on the podium after misfortune in the last two rounds after qualifying first.

Before crashing with just 40 seconds of track to go Loic was on the same tenth of a second as race winner Amaury Pierron. So he knows he has the speed as we head into Andorra.
Before crashing with just 40 seconds of track to go, Loic was on the same tenth of a second as race winner Amaury Pierron. He knows he has the speed as we head on to Andorra.

Loic Bruni gives it all he s got into the finish area after crashing on what was sure to be a podium run. With just 40 seconds of track to go he was on the same tenth of a second as race winner Amaury Pierron so he knows he has the speed as we head into Andorra.
Loic Bruni gives it all he's got into the finish area after crashing on what was sure to be a podium run.

What a day for Greenland almost going the whole hog and taking the win here on arguable the most technical track on the circuit.
What a day for Greenland, almost going whole hog and taking the win here on arguably, the most technical track on the circuit.

Greenland about to match his 2nd place finish here at Worlds 2016.
Greenland about to match his 2nd place finish here at Worlds 2016.

A wild ride for a wild man Laurie Greenland came within 0.52 of his first World Cup win today.
A wild ride for a wild man, Laurie Greenland came within 0.52 of his first World Cup win.

Danny Hart took gold here at Worlds two years ago and today he was again well in touch but just shy of the top step by less than a second.
Danny Hart took gold here at Worlds two years ago and today he was again well in touch, but just shy of the top step by less than a second.

Close but a scant 0.66 too far for Danny Hart who would end the day in 3rd.
Close but a scant 0.66 too far for Danny Hart who would end the day in 3rd.

As Amaury Pierron was up at one split then down at the next the hotseat became a very uncomfortable place to be for Laurie Greenland.
As Amaury Pierron was up at one split then down at the next, the hotseat became a very uncomfortable place to be for Laurie Greenland.

Swings and roundabouts. Amaury Pierron traded times with Laurie Greenland the whole way down but crucially for Pierron the last split was green when he frantically turned round to look.
Swings and roundabouts. Amaury Pierron traded times with Laurie Greenland the whole way down but crucially for Pierron the last split was green when he frantically turned round to look.

Three World Cup wins in row and the feeling is still surreal for Amaury Pierron.
Three World Cup wins in row and the feeling is still surreal for Amaury Pierron.

bigquotesI really wanted this one because I like this track, it’s not the same as Fort William or Leogang, but three is just crazy... To have another one is just crazy. The track was pretty destroyed, it was super hard. It was not easy. It was not easy to race this track. The times are super tight… The conditions were changing all weekend so it was hard to find the pace each run but for finals the track was totally dry so running so fast!Amaury Pierron


The fastest men popping bottles on the podium in Val di Sole.
The fastest men popping bottles on the podium in Val di Sole.

Amaury Pierron pours one out for his fallen teammate on the podium.
Amaury Pierron pours one out for his fallen teammate on the podium.

Team of the day for MS Mondraker with Brook Laurie and Patrick Butler doing the business.
Team of the day for MS Mondraker with Brook, Laurie and Patrick Butler doing the business.

See you next week in Andorra.
See you next week in Andorra.


Author Info:
davetrumpore avatar

Member since Feb 26, 2008
269 articles

35 Comments
  • 43 3
 The French were born to win world cups. It's what they do. Would really like to see Gwin back annihilating everyone else, but it makes for some great racing.
  • 38 0
 All these frenchies - pierron, estaque, frixtalon - seem to be getting results they never had before... must be something in those baguettes. More likely a combination of young untapped talent finally being unleashed by that monstrous new commencal that seems to be tearing up the WC this year..
  • 5 0
 Yep, it IS what they do!!!
  • 14 0
 Crazy frenchie .. Pieron was literally flying .. he holds no virtual line and just let it go 1000% .. it was an unbelievable run .. amazing Pieron
  • 5 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: That bike seems to be a huge step forwards for them, they are flying on it.
  • 5 0
 @Clarkeh: gwin aside vds had been commencal and mondraker territory the last years. I think claudio eben hinted it that those are the "fast bikes".The number of fast commencal riders is crazx though( deprella, nicole,estaque,wilson,pierron,thirion,fixalton,coulanges after the seitch of dorval)
  • 4 3
 @ryanandrewrogers: Amaury Pierron must have a secret/hidden engine inside the frame Razz Razz
  • 4 0
 @optimumnotmaximum: yea .. including privateer Matt Simmonds .. i guess
  • 4 0
 4 years ago, the British Rat dominated the scene. This year is the French Rat.
  • 19 0
 As man I still can't believe how good that race was. Watching the race made me realise how pro wc dh is right now. The coverage is awesome, riders are really hammering and racing is tight in all categories. On another note for riding kit I love harts and pierrons gear, looks rad. Some of the other stuff is a bit too billboardy. Haha
  • 3 0
 Agreed, Luca's kit is pretty dope too.
  • 19 0
 Dave, Great shot of Bruni giving it his all. You guys do an awesome job, World Cup is the BEST!
  • 17 0
 29” aluminum dh bike...
  • 11 1
 These Commencals intrigue me - are we seeing a similar case to the Ironhorse Sunday where there's a bike just one step ahead of the competition? Or maybe it's being blown out of proportion, and there really is no disparity? Either way, still need to give huge props to the riders as bikes alone don't make winning race runs - as shown by Thirion for example, who can't quite match the pace of Amaurry and the Commencal/100% team (at least currently).
  • 15 0
 Remi is not a good example though. After that horrible crash last year I'm surprised he is on the bike, let alone in top 20. Great guy.
  • 6 0
 Maybe this "Commencal Period" relives 'Sunn Period" with the same Boss wich proposes a new technical approach for bikes and the flair to assemble young riders !
  • 9 0
 Commencal is killing it!Those rear brake adapters on Amaurys bike are huge!
  • 6 0
 Dat pic of Tahnee in race mode, awesome! Great photo artists out there, thank you!
  • 5 0
 I don't about you guys but I'm hopping on the Amaury Pierron hypetrain before it's too late. Choo! Choo!

gfycat.com/ActualFeistyBettong
  • 6 0
 I dig Rachel but it's AWESOME to see Tahnee win straight up. Seeing Rachel just dominating was getting boring.
  • 5 0
 Pierron is a class act. I hope he continues to crush it!
  • 4 0
 Have podiums always been supported by bike frames?
  • 3 0
 For Val D'Sole they are
  • 3 0
 Nice job Man! See you next race encora davanti, with loic's coming hack
  • 3 0
 The shot of a Luca in the woods is POD worthy
  • 2 0
 little gutted for Laurie, but Amaury dont play!
  • 1 0
 Anybody know what kind of gloves Bruni is wearing? Looks like they offer some decent knuckle protection.
  • 5 0
 They are called Blenkin-Stops
  • 2 0
 It seems the minion dhf lost its popularity in elite DH.
  • 1 0
 I noticed the proliferation of DHR's on the front. Hard to fault the DHF's grip, is it just that the DHR rolls a tad better?
  • 2 0
 Alu is not DEAD !!!!
  • 5 0
 Sunn spirit is back with his boss !
  • 1 0
 Is everyone from Commencal on the 29er?
  • 1 1
 heads up to everybody that @unioncigaretteinternational is the best thing on instagram right now
  • 1 0
 Bottle rocket







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