7.85-second Victory, Aaron Gwin Shuts Down the Val di Sole World Cup

Aaron Gwin made history today with an unforgettable win in Val di Sole by 7.85 seconds. Gwinconceivable! -Sven Martin

Women's podium in order of result: Rachel Atherton, Myriam Nicole, Emmeline Ragot, Floriane Pugin, Morganne Charre. -Sven Martin

Gwin and Greg continue the chat they began yesterday about cutting the leader's jersey in half... -Sven Martin

A tall man needs a tall setup... -Sven Martin

Greg Minnaar, although 7.85-seconds behind Gwin, has raised his game and changed his riding over the last two years. He is not afraid to attack and adapt. Downhilling's most consistent high performer. -Sven Martin

Meet Boris "the crazy German." Big thanks to him for helping us out this weekend, with some of his shots making it on Vital too. Living the dream, haircut courtesy of Brook MacDonald. -Sven Martin

Rachel Atherton dug deep today and made it happen, drawing from past experience to give her a win in her first World Cup of 2012. -Sven Martin

Sam Hill, 100% wide f&*^ing open, 2-shot sequence. He will be a threat all year long is trying to get a 2nd corner named after him in Val di Sole. -Sven Martin

Gee Atherton, third place in the roughest conditions, just a few short weeks after a broken leg. -Vanja Kodermac

Marc Beaumont pipped Gee in quali, but today it was the other way round. The two team mates go to Fort William and home soil, each learning and feeding off the other. -Sven Martin

Marco Milivinti, fastest Italian rider making the home team proud with a solid 33rd place. -Vanja Kodermac

Miriam Ruchti of SC-INTENSE formally requesting a name change to the Sam Hill corner. -Vanja Kodermac

Emilie Siegenthaler gets some work done before practice this morning. I think everyone was feeling beat up come race run time. -Sven Martin

Cam Cole finally back on a DH bike after suffering a bad broken wrist at World Champs last year. What a feat to come back so strong on a track like this. 5th place wonder. -Vanja Kodermac

Fox Racing Shox's Justin Frey was a busy man this week. His riders swept the podium! -Sven Martin

Women's 2011 winner, Myriam Nicole, had a strong and aggressive run, letting it all hang out. While not a victor, she was 2nd place today and holds on to 3rd overall. -Vanja Kodermac

Loic Bruni with a blistering 11th place finish overall and fastest junior. He holds on to the junior leader's jersey going into Fort William next weekend. -Vanja Kodermac

New Zealand danger man, Sam Blenkinsop. 8th place and leader of the +11 second club. -Vanja Kodermac

Danny Hart finding big air on a track that offered very little. half a second off the podium today. Home soil awaits next weekend. -Sven Martin

Jason Marshy, Greg's mechanic tells us about race day prep. Bring on the big meats! -Sven Martin

French wonder woman, Morgane Charre, with what must be her best World Cup finish ever, 5th place. -Vanja Kodermac

Beaumont gives a little BACK to the fans. -Vanja Kodermac

Back in black. GT Factory Racing is the new team leader. (Hey Damian, note the cork!) -Vanja Kodermac

After-race party Syndicate style and Vital-approved! -Vanja Kodermac

Emmeline Ragot 3rd place today, but still the World Cup leader by 48 points. -Vanja Kodermac

Gwin confirms the win, checking the timing board looking for the green lights. EYES OF FIRE! -Sven Martin

Morning of the race. Gee Atherton did well to overcome his recent injuries; a broken leg after South Africa, a big crash in Leogang last weekend, then a big crash on Friday receiving stitches and some bruising. His first aid prep bag is bigger than most others day bags. -Sven Martin

Great riding all weekend for young Remi Thirion. 5th place qualifier and 9th on race day! -Sven Martin

Florian Pugin, also coming back from injury after South Africa, wishes she was a little stronger for the track this weekend, but earned a podium ride nonetheless -Sven Martin

Minnaar (in audio) and Atherton have to go BACK to the drawing board for Ft William where they have both won before. It is going to be a huge battle that you can be sure of. -Sven Martin GIVE SVEN AND VANJA LOVE IN THE COMMENTS FOR THEIR FANTASTIC WORK!