Autumn is in full-swing now here at home:  it was cold, snowing, and the leaves are covering the trails (making them all but invisible).  I was getting nostalgic thinking back on moments from this Summer, so it’s only fitting that it’s Memory Lane Monday today!  The final round of the World Cup season was a whirlwind of racing, editing, shenanigans, and those “end of season blues/elation”; it was a fair bit overwhelming at times!  I ate pizza for four nights straight, which wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be (but I was happy to get a burger in Morzine come that Monday).

This amazing venue in the heart of the Italian Alps was a remarkable location, and I was constantly mesmerized by the views we were surrounded by.  I knew it was the last race of the regular season (World Championships was two weeks after), and I was just trying to soak it all in!  The racing delivered some insane moments and savage displays of grit and determination.  The thrill of being present to witness amazing feats of athleticism is something I won’t soon get tired off.  Racing courses through my veins, and Val Di Sole was a sublime treat.

As per usual, here is the gallery I put together for the MLM feature this week, I hope you enjoy it!

(Don’t forget, you can click on one photo, and then view them all as a click-through slideshow!)

This is what being career rivals and close friends looks like: @rachybox carries @emmelineragot off the podium in one of the most touching moments the sport has seen.
Two of the hardest working guys around, @mtbisokay and @svenmartinphoto keep their cameras close at hand, as the day isn’t over until all the riders have gone home.
Pippo is a rad dude with impeccable style, and a killer eye for building savage tracks. With forearms like his, it looks like he literally builds by hand too…
I always try to snipe the other Squids in aciton throughout the day, and here I caught @beatricewhatever getting another banger.
Even when @maddogboris tries to be serious, he still has the hint of a smile creeping across his face.
7th Overall winnings will actually cover the cost of a new tooth, with money to spare! #themoreyouknow
If you have a radio handy, you can holler down to your firends in the pits and request a hot ‘za; he even gave me a slice!
@maxwarshawsky was not harmed in the making of this photo; @caseybrowntown isn’t to be trifled with.
@svenmartinphoto is fond of birds.
Sneeky shenanigans tend to definte the World Cup on non-riding days. @tahneeseagrave carries a few unknown gifts during track walk.
Not ideal riding footware. #fierce
After announcing her retirement, @emmelineragot was inundated with hugs and tearful smiles. Here, @gregminnaar congratulates her on a amazing career.
When people get in your shot, sometimes, it starts to feel personal. @mdelormephoto let’s the offenders know that he’s not messing around! (Ed Note: Look at the flower with the bee on it in his hat!)
There can be a fair bit of downtime on the hill at times. Here, Luisa was weaving sticks together while we were in between riders.
@nathhughesphoto really enjoys his local flora, and wanted to see life from the perspective of an Italian fern.
A good perch with a view is the perfect place to take a moment away from the madness; @tommyawilkinson reflects on a wild summer.
Pippo was always around the venue during the event, and awards was no exception, standing right up by the action and receiving some champagne spray for his efforts.
Did someone order pizza…? Track-side delivery is now avalible at all Italian rounds.
These two spent, I kid you not, more than 5 minutes trying to get this selfie juuuusstt rriiiiiighttt. #sorryforpartying
Is this what yoga looks like? Asking for a friends…@kurt.macdonald gets a human rikshaw ride from @caseybrowntown. #safetythird
Welcome to Europe.
Sizing up The Meat Huck.
“Honey, go stand over there and I’ll take a photo of you and the dog…” The podium girls turned a lot of heads out on the hill.
I don’t think we were even talking about something sketchy, @creativeconcept.tv just isn’t used to being in front of the lens I guess…
Can you name the rider associated with each set of legs? #jeggings
When the kiwis tell you to do a wheelie, you do a wheelie.
@ratboy_bryce and @stevepeat get the end-of-year-celebration underway.