2012 UCI World Cup, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa - DOWNHILL FINALS

Rob Warner does the talking on this one. Greg Minnaar, your World Cup downhill race winner today. Photo by Gary Perkin

Aaron Gwin was down just 0.008 in qualifiers and then 0.632 in finals...just over a half a second in the first two timed races this season. Boy are we in for a battle this World Cup season. Photo by Gary Perkin

20 years of hijinx and Rob Warner never grows up. That's why we love him. -Sven Martin

It was an incredible day for the Hannah family. 1st for Tracey, 3rd for Mick. -Sven Martin

Mick Hannah looked relaxed and race-ready all week and it showed today. Back on the podium after a few years, trying to find his pace and helping his United Ride Morewood team to their first Team win. Photo by Gary Perkin

This fan was looking for "Big Air," who was last rider left on the hill. He kept himself busy with lots of blowing. Nice to see the whole family out, kids and all. -Sven Martin

Jason Marsh preps Greg Minnaar's race rig with some custom tweaks before finals today. Sometimes it's best not to believe all that you read on the internets. Photo by Gary Perkin (RICHNESS!)

Fox Racing Shox mastermind, Justin Frey and the winner. -Sven Martin

All in the details. With the hard work behind him, Monk Dawg sweats the details on Aaron Gwin's bike. Photo by Gary Perkin

Jill Kintner had to be told that it was her first World Cup podium after crashing in her run. Now that monkey is off her back, the only way is up. Photo by Gary Perkin

It's a shame this was overlooked for TV camera placement. This is what PMB is famous for. The hi-speed, blind gully and massive tables. Even the pedal section would have been fun to watch the riders suffer in. Cedric the entertainer. -Sven Martin

It was a big stats day in PMB. 100 World Cups starts for Steve Peat! I thought I'd honor the big man with a trademark pan through the crowd. A Peaty Pan if you will. Photo by Gary Perkin (YEAH PEATY!!!)

He is so old school that he is new school again. -Sven Martin

This week was a rocky road for Andrew Neethling, who rode with a broken hand and finger. Although he has had a solid start with his seventh, he missed the podium by less than half a second. -Sven Martin

Hijinx ruled a relaxed Santa Cruz Syndicate pits today. Photo by Gary Perkin

Once again, just like last year, Gee was the fastest in the middle section. He said he should of run a bigger gear as he spun out early. Top four riders only 1.3 seconds apart, I have a feeling it's going to be tight all year. -Sven Martin

Manon Carpenter, less than one second off the win, has made a huge improvement to her program and riding. It will be interesting to see how Tracey and her fare when Atherton, Pugin, Jonnier and Moseley are all back. -Sven Martin

Bryn Atkinson will ride protected as a top 20 rider in Val Di Sole. He's jumping for joy. -Sven Martin

Much respect to Cous Cous and the Hutchinson Morewood United team. When the winning team is still having to buy some of the team parts, you know that heart goes a long way and money doesn't mean everything. Fitting win in Morewood's hometown. -Sven Martin

The three musketeers. We are gonna miss the Gary at the next World Cups. -Sven Martin (YES WE ARE!)

Rob Roskopp in the audio. With all that's going on in PMB - sick dad and home turf pressure etc - Greg Minnaar rose to the occasion and closed a local hero, fairy tale weekend in front of the One Life Minnaarmy! Photo by Gary Perkin

I know Greg is religious but his win today made lame men walk and turned water into brandy. Miraculous day indeed. Photo Nick Muzik

As the sun set over Pietermaritzburg, Greg Minnaar went to drug testing and then straight off to the hospital to see his dad in ICU. Get well soon from all of us, Jazzy Jeff! Photo by Gary Perkin

So for a variety of reasons - too many for this caption - this will be the last time in 2012 that I trudge out of a press room in the dark with my Vital partner, Sven. To quote Isaac Newton, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Thanks for watching it's been emotional. Photo by Gary Perkin (All the thanks goes to you big G! Enjoy the new ride.)