After such a thrilling men’s World Cup Downhill season in 2014…2015 promises to be a real barnburner. Last season was so tumultuous and unpredictable and that’s what made it so exciting. Gone were dominating seasons from the past from riders such as Gee, Gwin or Hill. Throughout most of the season it was a different winner for each race with varying complexities of the tracks. Between weather, terrain variance and up and coming riders finally living up to their expectations it kept the races very unpredictable. All of the top dogs had their say in 2014 and would expect to do so in 2015. They’ve all been training hard throughout the winter and have chomping at the bit to get back on the track. That said, rare appearances in solid qualifying runs from riders such as Eddie Masters and Andrew Neethling as well as a healthy return of 2013 champ Stevie Smith promises a dogfight at the top of the food chain.

Gwin charged hard and hungry in Pietermaritzburg. Gee traded shoes to slide in the slop at Cairns. Brosnan laid down the perfect lines to take Fort William. Ratboy laid down the birds for his first win in Leogang. Hill showed the boys who the man was on the ever demanding Mont St. Anne track. A black eye didn’t slow down Bryceland finally we were given repeat winner on the drag race at Windham. Finally, Sam Hill bested the boys again on another steep and rough track in Méribel. All said, very different tracks all around and very deserving winners at each race.

Consistency was the name of the game for the points on hand at each race. After a tight battle between Bryceland, Gwin and Brosnan it finally came down to the season’s penultimate round at Méribel. Gwin and Brosnan fought valiantly but with Bryceland slotting into third place at the final race he took the overall points championship besting Gwin by 149 points. No denying Gwin’s chainless run at Leogang hurt his chances but luck is part of the overall season and it wasn’t to be that year.

Looking ahead, strong seasons are expected from all of last year’s winners as well as up and coming riders who placed on the podium or showed promise and improvement. Matt Simmonds, Connor Fearon, newly repeat New Zealand champ George Brannigan, Loic Bruni, Mike Jones and other up and comers. It promises to be a riveting 2015 season with hungry riders and changes in venues adding Lourdes, Lenzerheide and Val Di Sole to the menu. Stay tuned for the Vital Power Rankings as well as all race coverage this season!

Mad how this season turned round! Top pic i was watching the podium after A mechanical at round 1. Starting to think about next year all ready, its a while away but i know its gonna come round quick!

A photo posted by josh bryceland (@ratboy_bryce) on Oct 29, 2014 at 12:07pm PDT

Pietermaritzburg 2014 Highlights:

Cairns 2014 Highlights:

 Fort William 2014 Highlights:

Leogang 2014 Highlights:

 Mt. St Anne 2014 Highlights:

Windham 2014 Highlights:

 Méribel 2014 Highlights: