How To Win a World Cup with NO CHAIN

What a crazy race this turned out to be! I give a full play-by-play of the infamous "chainless run" from Leogang 2015.
Thanks to Red Bull for providing the footage!
Instagram: @AaronGwin1
Twitter: @AaronGwin1
Facebook : AaronGwinOfficial

[@arnoncornette3097]

I remember watching this live and just screaming like crazy on my basement! After that I started to remove the chain on every new bike I own to see how effective it would be.

[@Schwermetall]

... and how was the result? 😁

[@iamraaambo_mtb3120]

😂😂😂

[@axkhn4921]

I never saw this live. Seen it years after. Still one of the most exciting sporting events I’ve ever seen. It gets me riled up like crazy. Imagine. He wins with no chain! It snapped out of the gate! 🤯

[@arnoncornette3097]

@@Schwermetall It depends on the bike. During that time I was riding a Commencal meta am, and it was even faster without the chain.

[@ftboomer1]

Did you ever move out of Mom's basement?

[@lalligood]

This should easily become the most popular video that you will ever have on your channel. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@rickcorlett]

This iconic ride transcends the sport and inspires people to overcome their situation. Despite all of the training, dedication and effort things can go horribly wrong, even right at the beginning, and instead of coasting down with an excuse you can dig much deeper and hyper focus on the other variables that you can still control. That you kept going at race pace isn’t surprising. That you kept going without a chain and bested such a tough field of competitors is nothing short of amazing. You are such an athlete.

[@troubii]

Another epic run is your Gwin'ning run at MSA in 2017 in the mud. What a legend! Can't wait to see you smashing the circuit in 2023! Greeting's and support from Belgium.

[@hobmarg]

Would love to see Aaron break down 2017 MSA, one of the best DH race runs ever in my opinion.

[@MTBMcPhee]

+1 for MSA! I've watched that run so many times

[@burnferris]

MSA is absolutely one of my favorite runs to watch. I'd love to hear Aaron's breakdown of that wild run.

[@stevepadilla9729]

You are amazing, But I have to say, well you were a kid. I lost my chain on a run, but not in a WORLD CUP but a local Big Bear cali race. I got 10th over all . That day I learned to use my brakes less and use my suspension the way it was to be used. I of course was ready to stop but the bike kept going. No one believed me that my chain was broken off after a couple turns and I did as "good as i did." they thought it was at the end. When I saw this for the first time someone sent me the link of the Winning Chainless Win, I was cheering you on as if it was happening at the time. Your Run and most all of them will go down in history, mine was just a memory for me and some others that saw it happen. Thank you for sharing your info with us all. my Son watches and tries to ride what you share in your videos.

[@daltonknapton]

One of my fav race runs ever. My fav part is Troy Brosnan's reaction when he comes off the podium and finds out you broke the chain at the start. Loving all the content you've been putting out! Making me become much more of a fan seeing your more personable side

[@jordanhorras8129]

Troy's "MF" line is my favorite, too funny!

[@micaelpereira953]

One of the most unforgettable runs of all time!

[@MultiMick2000]

Ratboy asked you in the finish zone: "where did it happen" thinking it happened at the bottom. When you responded "right after the gate" I think he said "you son of a ..." and was in shock, right? Will never forget that.

[@RiderP411]

That was Troy Brosnan though, his teammate at the time

[@elefantrising]

Greatest DH race I have ever seen. AG you are the GOAT.

[@Andrew.Drennan]

Pretty good life insight early on there. good stuff gwin. It has been fun watching you come back to form and clearly enjoying it. seems like you and eli tomac have found so much joy in these later parts of your career and both succeeding.

[@GermanTabor]

So cool Aaron. Great to hear your recount of this. Legend! Also been really enjoying your riding videos lately, keep it up man they’re so helpful

[@brentcheever1672]

Loved watching this live! Never been so pumped watching a race before! This will be a great series. You should do the Mont Sainte Anne mud/rain run next. Absolutely started dumping buckets toward the end of that race. Insane.

[@ioanparry]

This is a GREAT idea for a video series. Stonking run, incredible composure, MAD talent and technique to be able to do this in a WC race as the last one down. Bravo Aaron, this run will never get old...

[@luca_cometti]

Love this series! can't wait to see more of them

[@jonnysnakes5417]

One of the most epic race runs anyone has ever had. I remember watching it at the time in disbelief, absolute legend

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I also remember watching this run live - and vividly remember Troy's reaction. He used some choice Aussie language while congratulating you. ;-)

[@01FozzyS]

Thanks for the analysis,Aaron! Definitely one of the best!

[@santiagobenites]

Talk about a lesson in making the most out of a bad situation. It was also a great lesson in mental focus and the power of positive thinking as well. I was SO amazed and impressed when I first saw that run, and now I'm a big Aaron Gwin fan!

[@walterbrown6388]

Great video and series idea. Looking forward to the rest!

[@hobmarg]

Awesome idea for a video series, and really cool to hear your mindset and you walking through your thought process that happened when your chain broke. Important lessons to learn here (racing and life).

[@Fantic156]

You made your own luck that day .. so inspirational and a great way to show that carrying on and digging deep can bring great results .. You're an awesome rider mate ... 😜

[@SpeedyMckeezy]

To me, this is a lesson in mindset. If you know you're dealing with a handicap, you focus more on the factors that are most important like carrying momentum and braking properly. Incredible job man

[@chrismichael1161]

I think I’ve watched that run about a dozen times in the past 7 years. Best run ever!!!

[@derekbrotherton3462]

Such a sick idea dude, thanks for the insight! Can't wait for 2017 MSA

[@illukka]

probably the most improbable win in cycle racing history. watched it live back then and when he came to the finish line the hairs on my back stood up it was such an awesome moment. Rob and Claudio did great commentary on it too. something permanently etched in history!

[@marijankatic9591]

You're such an inspiration my man :) I clearly remember the Leogang race, as we were watching it live and that win was one of the most incredible sport moments I've seen in my life :) Nice to also see you wearing a T-Rex watch, just got one myself and it's pretty neat :)

[@timsilva1944]

Nice! This answers many questions that I had about this run. Pedal kickback. Tried it years before at Mammoth with good results and a quiet bike.

[@stephenhare7369]

What an incredible accomplishment and storytelling. Such a great metaphor for facing life's challenges! Way to go Aaron.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I’d love to see MSA next!!! My favorite DH run of all times! =) "On fire with no tire" is definitely another one to look forward to.

[@andrehugomedia]

Saw the live broadcast. Most legendary run ever. Fullstop.

[@stewartjackson1821]

Been my hero and who i try to emulate riding for many years now 🙌

[@deedontworry]

What a day that was to remember! Aaron you're from another planet bro! 😅💪

[@meastabrooks1]

Gotta love Rob’s commentary!

[@kingx1814]

Best Race Run Ever!!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@audikris]

Possibly my favorite run ever by any rider. Incredible!

[@robg112]

See your fitting in well with Tennessee.. that mustache :) Great post.. All them MSC purpose chainless races finally paid off.

[@claudiocordeiro3376]

I don't even know how many times I watched this run, it is just IMPRESSIVE. That's a real definition of making the "impossible". CONGRATS. I'll watch one more time to celebrate it with you again. LOL

[@gregstevens2917]

Love it...you're the man.

[@ninex_tim]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@trivialone11]

So Epic! I fell out of reality when I saw that race run. It won't be long Aaron, Hollywood's going to make this in to either a James Bond scene in "No time to Cry" or a Warren Miller style docudrama! ...Um, Hello Discovery Sports you're on deck next season to generate some interest stories. Here's one served up on a platter. No chains attached!

[@jed6594]

This is a great concent, continue the concept. Also more John pls

[@YoYosAmusement]

I remember seeing this, and still go crazy watching it

[@tobiasflath8316]

Legendary. I love the combination Gwin and Specialized. Great work!

[@Dr.Schlitz]

Kudos. One of the best things on a bike I’ve ever seen.

[@tonykasunic1]

Thanks to Aaron for the commentary on this run, just amazing to see it again and hear the process of it. Losing a chain = adding lightness #gwinning

[@todkobik4490]

Wicked cool video!

[@AC-sr3pb]

Great vid! Love the story!

[@iamtimmorley]

Absolutely legendary!!! GOAT

[@alexkarliychuk504]

You're Iron Gwin! Seeing this run, man, perfect feeling your bike and unhuman control makes your run winning!

[@MadeiraTrailsBikeMTB]

You are a legend!

[@FlyingMeta]

Run for the history books 🔥🔥🔥Only time I broke a chain was pedalling between jumps trying to get more speed, and I was already moving fast, ended up taking a juicy stem above the jewel area 😂

[@mtb416]

I literally just tried to finish my XC ride without a chain. Got about 22 feet! As for the mindset/focus on what you can do, very classic first responder outlook. Exactly what we do on a fire/ems scene.

[@Iamgavrilo]

The best run in dh history. Legend!

[@mouthbreathermtb4192]

I saw you twist that throttle after that chain broke…….😂 it’s the only way I can comprehend the first place finish

[@customtobi576]

Aaron, please can you do an analysis like this from your MSA Mud run? Would be awesome! Thanks

[@GwinnerTube]

Workin on it!

[@Ric2707]

just unbelievable! Big Respect! Greetings from the Black Forrest/Germany

[@erwinalbsone859]

for the love of the game 🤙 thank you 🙌🤘

[@3dflyer87]

Legend.

[@jonasgustaf4464]

Yooo, this is so insane! Did you change the brand of the chain after the race? I think I would have!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

INSANE!!

[@alexanderosherow2064]

legendary run, one to remember when something doesnt go right on the trail

There should be events where everyone runs without chain, it would be so much fun!

[@neilharris4984]

I used to race a series in Wales in the UK and on some of the tracks after the race we would all do a chainless run down the track. With out a doubt the most fun run of the weekend.

[@edredmazda]

Bio your muddy Mont Saint Anne run bro! I feel that was just as if not more legendary!

[@davedave9194]

After all the previous mechanicals on this track,Jesus said enough is enough Aaron's gonna win today! was rooting for aaron all the way down!Best run of all time!

[@trevorwaterfield8649]

Only you bro could do it.👍👍👍👍

[@fadjarroosdianto6079]

One of three epic run in DH history.

[@deeppurplefan]

Still amazing 7 years later!

[@Alanvictoryoung]

I have been riding chainless 24/7 ever since that legendary run!

[@carlcarlson7654]

No chain, still within a second halfway down, wins. Absolute maniac.

There's a video from 2011 of Lee Lewis winning a BMX race after breaking the chain on the first turn. I've watched these two videos so many times but I'm still amazed.

[@patrikscherer1618]

Hi Aaron Pat here.I will just ask if you was thinking about whole series on this topic like mindset or just what is going in your mind in critical situations or just analysis of your best races for me personally,is more interesting going throught critical situations and managing not so good times.Maybe also why is bike important and setup.Because you switching the companies so much and for me mortal person is like-if fits i sits :)

[@bobstenson6881]

Agreed. More input on these past race runs would be awesome. Even non WC. The fun ones, the bad ones.

[@orestisvas7277]

That is a damn cool monitor right there

[@R3ddyyg]

Basically in those first seconds, you went "Fuck it, we ball" and won the damn race

[@conwaystern2500]

Troys reaction still makes me laugh

[@dannydownhillmtb6513]

You are a legend and a massiv inspiration!!! Thanks Aaron!

[@GwinnerTube]

Thanks dude! 👊🏼

[@mamt1476]

Otro pedo esa corrida por el GOAT

[@austinado16]

Awesome man! Way to keep your sh!t locked down and get it done. Also, riding FASTER through the most difficult section of the course with those giant brass balls a clanging? Well, aerodynamically, that doesn't pencil out😎

[@rider6.0]

Yay!!!! Amazing!

[@ora_street_mission_band]

@Aaron - where you cross chained when you took off? Or just a regular snap?

[@peddlinpaul6081]

Couldn't have asked 4better commentary 2boot 👌

[@ericsharp5079]

I’ll never forget watching that shit! Screaming my head off from the gate!

[@brunobio-marino2352]

You confirmed yourself a champion

[@briancrumpacker]

Aaron, I know that you train for the duration to maintain a race run, but I have to wonder that if you would have been able to hammer the pedals down during the flat section, would it have left you with as much strength to nail the bottom section like you did?

[@EJames22]

Such an epic run but my heart still goes out to Connor Fearon lol

[@Schabo1234]

7 years ago....time flies ! Nothing else to say about this run!

[@mouthbreathermtb4192]

1:00 Blue Steel Juan!!!! A mechanic's mechanic !!! Is he a model in 2022?

[@KasiPee]

sick

[@yspegel]

Makes me wonder..... You preserve more energy when not peddling, would you otherwise put too much effort in peddling and should you preserve more if you can paddle?

[@redball4093]

Never quit. Cool story.

[@diyrneed]

i have the same studio monitors on my desk. presonus eris. theyre good.

[@technodrone313]

this one is up there with the time sam hill flew down the course and ate shit at the bottom lol

[@johndef5075]

On my youtube feed the video under this was a reaction to the song Unchained Melody😅

[@thisishere3071]

very cool

[@andriy_moskalyk]

U are the best

[@Butzelbatzer]

no chain = less weight = Worldcup win ... the next bike trend: no chain no breaks

[@GoldSK96]

Skill vs equipment

[@sergeimichigan6593]

"Game mode" 😁👍

[@karacsonyiaba9760]

In romania is a race called Chainless run ispired by your run in 2015

[@fadjarroosdianto6079]

Don't forget your win in Mont Saint Anne in the rain, while previous rider ride in dry track.