Corona, Calif. (August 28, 2017) – A 33 point gap entering the weekend didn’t stop Troy Lee Designs rider Aaron Gwin from putting in the ride of his life and come out with the win in Val di Sole, Italy, taking his fifth UCI World Cup Downhill championship. When it was all said and done, the American rider from California was the clear winner with a 1.4-second gap over second place. Troy Brosnan closed out the season with a fifth-place run, bumping him up to second in the championship standings. TLD’s riders put in strong performances all day with Mark Wallace, Luca Shaw and Jack Moir all grabbing finishes in the top 10.
Gwin had been on a serious charge of late, but with the entering points leader and Gwin posting virtually the same time in qualifying it was time for Gwin to step up. As the fastest qualifier, Gwin lined up as the last rider to face the treacherous and steep course and rose to the occasion, really putting on the speed toward the end of the run. He came across the line 1.407 seconds ahead of second place, clinching his fifth career title.
After winning the Canadian Open DH at the Crankworx in Canada, Brosnan was eager to showcase his speed in Italy. He posted the fastest time in the first split and eventually posted a time that was good enough for fifth. Bosnan’s solid result propelled him into second overall in the standings.
Wallace had started the season strong and after some trouble mid-season was back in with his fourth top-10 finish in seventh. Luca Shaw had some bright moments in the season, including a nice final race in eighth. Moir finished the season seventh in the standings after a solid 10
th place result in Italy.
With the UCI World Cup in the books, the riders now have their sights set on the 2017 Mountain Bike World Championships in Cairns, Australia. The finals will take place on September 10.
Whether it’s helmets or gear, Troy Lee Designs has you covered with its latest
2017 collection. For all the latest, visit your local dealer or visit
www.troyleedesigns.com.
Men’s Elite, Downhill – Val di Sole, Italy
- Aaron Gwin, The YT Mob
- Amaury Pierron, Commencal – Lac Black
- Loic Bruni, Specialized Gravity
- Loris Vergier, Santa Cruz Syndicate
- Troy Brosnan, Canyon Factory Racing DH
- Laurie Greenland, MS Mondraker Team
- Mark Wallace, Canyon Factory Racing DH
- Luca Shaw, Santa Cruz Syndicate
- Adam Brayton, N/A
- Jack Moir, Intense Factory Racing
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17. Charlie Harrison, Intense Factory Racing
42. Brendan Fairclough, Scott-Velosolutions
53. Dean Lucas, Intense Factory Racing
Men’s Elite, Downhill – Individual Points Standings
- Aaron Gwin, The YT Mob, 1149
- Troy Brosnan, Canyon Factory Racing DH, 990
- Greg Minnaar, Santa Cruz Syndicate, 974
- Loic Bruni, Specialized Gravity, 752
- Loris Vergier, Santa Cruz Syndicate, 700
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7. Jack Moir, Intense Factory Racing, 682
8. Mark Wallace, Canyon Factory Racing DH, 641
13. Luca Shaw, Santa Cruz Syndicate, 472
16. Dean Lucas, Intense Factory Racing, 397
20. Charlie Harrison, Intense Factory Racing, 379
**Photos by Sven Martin
