Bulldog Brook's First world cup win and Val D'Isere. The Mondraker rider took his place in the record books in one of the most exciting races of 2012. Fraser Britton photo

In two seasons

Danny Hart Introduces the New-School Riding Technique at Champéry





Aaron Gwin, clipped in and forward, launches into the rocks at Mont Saint Anne. Colin Meagher photo

With slacker head angles, controlled slides have become a popular high-speed cornering technique. Lapierre's Cameron Cole squares off a monster drift two turns before the finish line at Val Di Sole - one of the World Cup's most infamous corners. Fraser Britton photo

Sam Hill's heels-down-and-back technique made him the master of steeps. His dominance pushed everyone's technical game, and it could be argued that his insights into bicycle geometry and setup wereinstrumental in elevating the performance of the DH bike to the point where competitors could attack World Cup courses that were once considered barely rideable. Fraser Britton photo

Greg Minnaar has been clipped in for a decade. That and his super smooth, over-the-front riding style may give reason for his long career at the top of the game. Ian MacLennan photo

Steve Smith at speed in the rocks at Hafjell, Norway. Fraser Britton photo

Perfect form: Rachael Atherton on fire at Windham, 2012. Colin Meagher photo

Josh Bryceland has been switching between clips and flats throughout the 2012 World Cups. Word in the pits is next year may be Bryceland's podium season. Dave Trumpore photo

Clips or flats for Downhill racing? Either one. Pedals are personal preference, neither has a distinct advantage.

Clips are