Memory Lane Monday – Andorra

This is it folks, the last one!

Andorra marked the final event of my year, the World Championships, the race for all the glory.

It was a bitter-sweet week, as it was filled with amazing riding, hilarious banter, and majestic views, but it also marked the moment we’d all part ways until the following year. At the end of it all though, the whole week was something I’ll revel in for a long time, with enough stories to write a small book.

Thanks to everyone who has tuned in for this series, it’s been a lot of fun creating these galleries and getting to relive the season each weekend as I compiled the content! Here it is, the closing piece for the 2015 World Cup season:

These three are always up to something, and this NSFW moment during track walk is a prime example. @stevepeat sharing a few odds and ends with @ratboy_bryce and @steelcitymedia.

@french__jesus roaming around during a few spare moments away from the bike stand and tool chest.

The winner and her mechanic; @rachybox and @joekrejbich made for an unstoppable force in 2015.

Just hours away from race-time, and ultimately a bronze medal, @ratboy_bryce takes time to meet-and-greet with his stoked fans.

Don’t lose a bet with a Squid. @tommyawilkinson learned the hardway that welching on a bet doesn’t happen on the World Cup Circuit. @maddogboris presides as the officiator of punishment, while @rachybox checks his work and @svenmartinphoto makes sure to document the shaming.

Photographers are a tight-knit bunch. Seb Scheik doesn’t have instagram (a hotly contested issue), but @maddogboris seems to like him all the same.

@maddogboris getting right into the mix on the first day.

Early starts are just part of the job, but this 7am start was a bit much. @tommyawilkinson and @jamesallenphotography stroll down to the track as the sun begins to rise.

Those who know, know; Blackjack is an animal and knows how to party. #onelifebru

The pits are always a great source of entertainment…

He may be a team manager these days, but @pager7211 is still faster than most mortals on two wheels.

The SRAM lounge is a little slice of heaven for athletes and industry folk alike. @andrewcrimmins enjoying all the offerings.

Always stoke and smiling, @veroniquesandler was pumped to race.

Being sick is never fun, but being sick on raceday is the worst: @cole.lucas, suffering.

Friend and ripper, @gianlucavernassa enjoys his morning, with some appropriate inspiration in the background.

Physio and general badass, @lauraaarobson is probably suggesting that Martin Maes should get an instagram account and not mess up my captioning theme…

This is @mayhemmedia. m/

@connorahoyhoy cruising by en route to smash out some practice laps.

Sandra Rubesam was not someone I was familar with before Andorra, but she won me over with her riding and the fact that she practiced in a tie-dye hoodie. Here she warms up in the sun with her partner. To see what she gets up to: @thundercaaat

Wildman; Mechanic; DJ; @charlie_collins gets the stereo bumpin’ to start the day.

@duncanphilpott provides a helping hand, making sure @rachybox is never carry a glass-half-empty.

This is how tattoos are made: @maddogboris asked @rachybox to help him with his next piece.

The nervous tension before the biggest race of the year hangs in the air around the pits. @steffimarth takes some time to gather her thoughts.

@maddogboris gives newly-crowned World Champion @rachybox a champion’s carry out of the arena.

Shout out to the family and friends who keep everyone on track and moving forward!

I had forgotten about this moment entirely. There can be long pauses in the riding, and we get bored. Luisa was quietly entertaining herself and I thought it would be funny to shout, “Rider!” while she was chimping…sorry Luisa, false alarm ; ) ! (It was funny)

His World Champion jersey was fresh out of the packaging, but @lauriegreenland_ wasn’t able to revel is its brand-newness for long, as @gee_atherton accidentally got some blood on it while contratulating him on a job well done…at least it’s Champion’s Blood…!

One of the nicest people on the circuit and an all-around talent on a bike, UK racer @katycurd took to pacing about to try and keep warm during the cool Andorran morning.

In case you didn’t know; @svenmartinphoto posts up and gets ready to mine for bangers.

Dan, TM of @athertonracing, is always hustling to keep the machine runnning, but maintains a great sense of humor through it all.

World Champs is a particularly cool event, because riders’ family and friends make the trip to cheer and celebrate. Here, Ratboy’s sister dons his kit in consideration for 2016.