It’s the final round of the 2105 World Cup series this weekend. But don’t be sad, the year finishes at the monstrous Val Di Sole track.

Val Di Sole houses one of the most fearsome tracks in the world, and this year it’s forecast to rain. The riders have been licking their chops all year at the challenge this track will present and we’re sure it’s going to deliver a cracking race.

It’s been the scene of many legendary successes and failures on the past and with the added pressure of the overall standings looming over riders’ heads it’s sure to produce a number of stories come Saturday evening.

The riders are already on the ground and we have their initial reactions here:

Peaty’s back

To quote Rob Warner, the “absolute legend himself” Steve Peat is back in action for Val di Sole. He’s been out of action with an ACL injury picked up in the off season but at Val di SOle he makes his return. If he qualifies, the crowd is sure to go beserk on race day.

Gwin on a charge

Aaron Gwin surely must be favourite to take the World Cup overall this weekend. He has a lead of 135 over second placed  Greg Minnaar and this is a track that he’s won twice at before, including his legendary 2012 run.

Rachel’s lap of honour

Rachel Atherton already has the women’s overall sewn up but will be looking to assert her dominance in the final race of the season. Could we see an Atherton double here in a repeat of the 2008 World Championships?

Bryceland back in form?

Josh Bryceland has been smoking hot in the last two rounds and he’s sure to want to finish the season on a high before World Champs. He’s clearly taking it seriously calling for a riders only track walk in future.

It’s gonna rain

The Valley of Sun is not living up to its name and for the first time we could be looking at a wet Val di Sole race – there will be carnage.

http://twitter.com/ValdiSoleBikeLn/status/634107794174537728/photo/1

The King of Crankworx

Bernard Kerr just bagged himself a tasty $25,000 for winning the King of Crankworx competition. He’s fully focussed on charging here at Val di Sole though.

Wyn’s World

Wyn Masters loves to get looser than a wizard’s sleeve and Val di Sole should provide him with the perfect opportunity. Here’s a Throwback Thursday to his 2010 run.

Curd she do well?

Former Four Cross World Champion Katy Curd has been very impressive in her first full year as an elite downhill racer. How will she cope with the Val di Sole tech?

Four Cross Worlds

As much as we’re all excited for the downhill, let’s not forget that the Four Cross World Championships are happening here this weekend to. They’ll be floodlit on Friday night and sure to provide great entertainment, although they’re unfortunately not televised.