Fraser Britton

World Championships 2011- Race Day in Photos

Sep 5, 2011 at 5:41



Ths is what staff and riders woke to Sunday morning. The blazing sun we had seen the entire week went away and the clouds roll in heavy.
  This is what staff and riders woke to Sunday morning. The blazing sun we had seen the entire week went away and the clouds rolled in heavy. They got lower and lower as finals approached. By Elite men, it was socked in almost all the way to the bottom.

7 30Am Race Day. Only mechanics and photographers are lurking the pits this early on a rainy World s morning. The eternal choice... cut or full spikes With monumental rain overnight dries are out of the question.
  7:30 Am; Race Day. Only mechanics and photographers are lurking the pits this early on a rainy world championship morning. The eternal choice... cut or full spikes? With monumental rain overnight, dries are out of the question.

The inside of the Monster Energy Specialized team RV is organized and ready. 3 team kits lay in wait for their riders.
  The inside of the Monster Energy Specialized team RV is organized and ready for go time. 3 team kits lay in wait for their riders.

The choice was cut spikes. Just a tiny cut and a bit of ramping but a little goes a long way.
  The choice was cut spikes. Just a tiny cut with a hint of ramping on the front. A little goes a long way. Too little taken off and the tire will roll too slow. Too much and that precious grip that a spike gives you goes away.

Leftovers. Talc and tread schrapnel.
  Leftovers. Talc and tread shrapnel.

Was it the right choice Rirders aren t the only ones getting nervous in the early hours before the biggest race of the year.
  Was it the right tire & cut choice? Riders aren't the only ones getting nervous in the early hours before the biggest race of the year.

Early morning practice and Aaron Gwin was not going easy. Full speed right off the hop.
  Early morning practice and Aaron Gwin was not going easy. Full speed right off the hop.

Tim Bentley gets his whip on with a few hours to go. Anything to put a rider s mind at ease - and having fun takes the edge.
  Tim Bentley gets his whip on with a few hours to go. Anything to put a rider's mind at ease - and having fun takes the edge off.

Blenki styles it over one of the last jumps in his last practice run before becoming a World s Bronze medallist.
  Blenki styles it over one of the jumps in his last practice run before becoming a world's bronze medallist.

Connor Fearon took some time off the last few races to go finish high school. Now that that is finished Connor is ready to hit the circuit full time. Watch this space - Fearon is no joke.
  Connor Fearon took some time off the last few races to go finish high school back in Oz. Now that that is finished, Connor is ready to hit the circuit full time. Watch this space - Fearon is no joke.

Race run for Troy Brosnan. Diving into the finish and a sea of fans after a run that was one big moment in the mud of Champery. World Champion for the second time at the age of 18.
  Race run for Troy Brosnan. Diving into the finish and a sea of fans after a run that was "one big moment" in the mud of Champery. World Champion for the second time at the age of 18.

Josh Bryceland s socks make their way up the fog for his race run. Bryceland went down hard in his run but lived to tell about it and was all smiles with Danny Hart at the bar afterwards.
  Josh Bryceland's socks make their way up into the fog for his race run. Bryceland went down hard in his run, but lived to tell about it and was all smiles with Danny Hart at the bar afterwards.

Hart throws down the devil horns on his way up to the start. Little did he know he d have a much bigger reason to party come 45 minutes later.
  Hart throws down the devil horns and a grin on his way up to the start. Little did he know he'd have a much bigger reason to party come 45 minutes later.

A legend s last run. The race circuit will miss Fabien Barel the best ambassador downhill has ever had. Look at this photo and realize this multiple time world champion is racing with 4 broken ribs ont he toughest track of the year pushing himself to the absolute limit to go out in style. Heal up and enjoy some time off the bike Fab.
  A legend's last run. The race circuit will miss Fabien Barel, the best ambassador downhill has ever had. Look at this photo and realize this multiple time world champion is racing with 4 broken ribs on the toughest track of the year, pushing himself to the absolute limit to go out in style. He wound up in 10th place, ahead of about 85 riders; most of whom are 10 years younger. Legend. Heal up and enjoy some time off the bike Fab.

Andrew Neethling doesn t avoid the massive finish line jump puddle. Rotors sizzle like a motocross in the wet after racing this track.
  The rain got harder and harder as the day went on an this puddle got deeper and deeper. Andrew Neethling doesn't avoid the massive finish line jump puddle as some did. Rotors sizzled like a motocross in the wet after racing on this track.

With this run Danny Hart became legendary. 12 seconds ahead of second place in the rain on the toughest downhill track on earth.
  With this run, Danny Hart became legendary. 12 seconds ahead of second place in the rain, on the toughest downhill track on earth.

Danny Hart. 2011 World Downhill Champion.
  Danny Hart. 2011 World Downhill Champion.



Photos by Fraser Britton


56 Comments

  • + 85
flag jblades (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:46)
 Thanks for all the amazing photos throughout the season Fraser, you did a great job and you take amazing photos. Cheers and keep up the good work!!
  • + 17
flag Fader18 (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:59)
 MAD props to danny, that kid is a monster!
  • - 44
flag maxxisHacksis (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:39) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Is Danny running dual chainrings?
  • + 12
flag chilli06 (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:43)
 no, its a taco guard mate.
  • + 21
flag superspencer (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:48)
 the second chainring was on his spinner bike
  • + 1
flag razorbiker18 (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:49)
 its the bottom chain guide that makes it look like double chain ring....
  • + 9
flag HOJJJ (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:01)
 No he's on about the chairlift pic, its someone elses bike, Danny's is on the chair in front.
  • + 1
flag HomeofMTB-MARIN (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:13)
 the chairlift pic is a giant reign. the warm up bike that he uses at the top to spin on. not his or someones elses race bike.
  • + 4
flag cDizzle27 (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:48)
 Im gutted Barel is retiring, I wouldnt have quit until i started losing speed! hes still got it
  • + 2
flag KURTSUCKS (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:17)
 Fabian Barrel, now that your are done, will you marry me?

hahaha... i love you man!
  • + 1
flag savmeister (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:40)
 @ HomeofMTB-MARIN .. i think you,ll find its a trance x not a reign !!!!
  • - 1
flag scott-townes (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:46)
 James, he crashed and still got 2nd... I'd say he was going pretty damned fast and anyways it's about the rider and not the bike.

Was this broadcasted on freecaster? I wanna see a replay.
  • + 0
flag jamesrusby (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:48)
 I know he crashed, but even so... you can't say Danny Hart did'nt absolutely thrash that course on his giant?
  • + 2
flag rydindirty (Sep 5, 2011 at 13:03)
 Props to Brosnan and Hart especially, his run was the best run /display of bike skills I have ever seen. It has my vote for best Race run ever on a DH Bike.
  • + 1
flag scott-townes (Sep 5, 2011 at 17:04)
 James, where did I say he didn't? And again it's the rider that creates results, not the bike. All the bikes at that level slay really hard so it's up to the rider to bring out the potential those rigs have. But to all those who think that omission is an insult, Danny proved again that he is on another level with Gwin... 11 seconds?! I thought it was a typo at first because that's just mental.
  • + 2
flag mooseman414 Plus (Sep 6, 2011 at 14:52)
 HOLY FFUUCCKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DANNY HART SO INSPIRATIONAL I AM SPEACHLESS WAY TO GO f*ckIN DANNY HART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 18
flag AlexK92 (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:01)
 Fabien Barel, what a man. Racing with broken ribs :O
  • + 8
flag TheTrailSailor (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:25)
 He's going to be missed. Cheers Barel for some great races!
[Reply]
  • + 14
flag gsteeze (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:55)
 looks like brosnons nuts are getting wrecked on his tire
[Reply]
  • + 14
flag knifeprty (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:10)
 Barel = hero.
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag WAKIdesigns (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:35)
 Still can't believe he did it, I mean not him vs other guys - I mean that such a perfect run happened. Looking at it all the way down, there were several points where I was like: it just gets too good, it can't be true, there's no way he can hold that pace, he's gonna fkn crash sooner or later... sorry for such a little faith
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag bikeski95 (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:49)
 Danny Hart already a legend!
  • + 8
flag fitbikelover (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:54)
 always has been! Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag amateur-Soldier (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:00)
 Did anyone feel the tension of the race in these photos? Must've been all the photos of the prep
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag JNS33 (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:16)
 I love this sport.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Sep 5, 2011 at 12:00)
 WOW, simply blown away by these shots. The photo of Jacy gives me goosebumps. Killer work once again, Fraser!
  • + 1
flag trobudden (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:36)
 yeah the caption of the photo of Jacy was spot on. great work Fraser
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag FuriousGeorge (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:12)
 12 seconds ahead?!?!?!?! Holy sheeeiiittttt!!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag sdalsorts (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:31)
 living and training in the north of england paid off for danny... it never stops raining up here! haha
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag bigb73 (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:49)
 Bryceland needs a shoe sponsor bad!!!
  • + 2
flag anarchistx (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:32)
 And a SOCK SPONSOR!!!
  • + 2
flag brit-100 (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:49)
 Josh uses standard Nike trainers that are re-soled with 5:10 style Stealth rubber soles. They're just as good as any other brand of shoe (grip-wise) and still have the look that Ratboy loves.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Bennyy4x (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:11)
 Did anyone see Sam Hill's hair!?
  • + 2
flag likeomg (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:15)
 yeah i thought there would of been more about that.... i wonder if monster have paid him for it?
  • - 6
flag funkymonkey144 (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:54) (Below Threshold) show comment
 What a knob. All I'm sayin' about it.
  • + 2
flag cyrix (Sep 5, 2011 at 18:31)
 I have not seen this and I really want to.
  • + 1
flag wilson12359 (Sep 6, 2011 at 2:18)
 Was a bright yellow looking mohawk,
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag powderturns (Sep 6, 2011 at 20:17)
 wow. those photos did an awesome job telling the story of race day. thanks! would be fun to see the guys cutting loose in the bar after, though the sponsors might not appreciate that...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag lerot (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:25)
 It'was just C-R-A-Z-Y, I'm always wet with weather conditions !

PS : Blenki have more style on bike that yeasterday's party in the pub. Just awesome ! Huhu ^_^
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mcpayner94 (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:55)
 Danny what an end to the season. World champion. 100% LAD!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag SarahStuttard (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:48)
 What a race!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag haydendmorrison (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:42)
 Great sense of tension in this report, love it
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cmcgary (Sep 5, 2011 at 13:21)
 Sunday morning as I was checking out PB I thought to myself...."Hart's gonna take this," Awesome job.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag olympicdirtsociety (Sep 5, 2011 at 15:35)
 So he rode clipped in for that run?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag captainwrinkle (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:15)
 Where Danny and I live it rains almost all the time...paid off in the end, immense run
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag NAWL (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:02)
 Sick Photos, but I wonder if its as hard and steep as Mount 7 Psychosis race course
  • + 4
flag nickywatts (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:29)
 champery is steeper for longer but there aren't the pedally sections like golden - but danny's capable of winning anywhere now
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag eddie1170 (Sep 5, 2011 at 8:56)
 Larger resolution pictures please!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Kirby16 (Sep 6, 2011 at 13:02)
 Can someone tell me where I can get one of those helmet peak extensions Danny Hart and some other riders were running? Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag brazilian-monkey (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:43)
 Barel Superhero!
  • - 3
flag type-r (Sep 5, 2011 at 17:41)
 sam hill can retire now. hart is taking over the reingh in champery.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag pedroa (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:43)
 Awesome ! Congrats for Danny Hart... ''The god of mud !!'' ²
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag crazy-d (Sep 5, 2011 at 11:57)
 Interesting that Danny's using roll-offs on oakley goggles...i thought oakley only did tear-offs
  • + 1
flag MmmBones (Sep 5, 2011 at 14:39)
 I believe most goggle manufacturers make a lens that is compatible with Smiths roll-off system. I have heard there are some things in the works at Oakley regarding a remote roll-off system IIRC.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag zelmer (Sep 5, 2011 at 9:10)
 Hart - the god of mud !!
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag panzer103 (Sep 5, 2011 at 10:32)
 Awesome Race. Danny did wonderful. However, I feel if it were dry Aaron would of taken it. Still, Danny stole the show!
[Reply]

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