THE STORIES BEHIND SOME FAMOUS NAMES' FAVOURITE SHOTS kathy sessler
As team manager of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, Kathy Sessler is a core member of the DH World Cup travelling family. Race fans will recognise her as the blonde American who, come rain or shine, is always in position behind the finish-line hoarding. Her job is integral to the smooth running of the team, from organising sponsors, travel and logistics to looking after the riders’ every need and getting up before the sun to prepare extravagant meals. Always armed with a camera, the photos she takes on race day – in between hollering encouragement at Greg Minnaar, Luca Shaw and Loris Vergier – are a great document of World Cup racing. Here she’s picked out six moments that stand from the 14-year history of the Syndicate.
1. NATHAN RENNIE – FONTANA WORLD CUP 2008
This photo represents the power of Nathan Rennie and what a beast he is on the bike. We were at the opening race of the NORBA series in Fontana, California, and he placed second. I was excited to get this photo, as it was sharp – something I struggle with as an amateur shooter! Nathan was on the Syndicate for five years, between 2004 and 2008. He’s such a funny guy and a great storyteller, and was always making us laugh.
2. JOSH Bryceland, STEVE peat & GREG minnaar – 2014 WORLD CHAMPS, HAFJELL
This is quite an emotional photo for me. Most people will know that Josh was on pace for a gold medal in Norway, didn’t brake for the last jump and landed to flat, smashing his foot. This photo was taken just minutes after he crossed the line (winning a silver medal, by the way), and exemplifies the bonds of brotherhood that the Syndicate riders share. Steve and Greg were instantly right by his side and carried him out of the finish bowl for medical attention. Josh was in agony and shock, and his brothers were by his side.
3. JASON MARSH – PONTE DE LIMA, PORTUGAL, 2016
I like this photo because it shows how hard our mechanics work for their riders and the Syndicate. We were testing in Ponte de Lima and Jason was prepping wheels. It was quite cold and raining, and he was working away, tirelessly, like they all do. The mechanics are the unsung heroes of the Syndicate.
4. PEATy AND MINNAAR – 2009 WORLD CHAMPS, CANBERRA
I love this photo of Steve and Greg. Steve’s spontaneous reaction [to winning] of spraying himself with champagne was priceless. The photo also evokes my memories of that event. One of my riders had the most amazing performance of his career, while the other had a second-place finish with one of the closest margins – 5/100ths of a second separated them. As their manager, I was happy for the victory and sad for the defeat. Greg had a very di cult week, as his grandmother passed away, but he stuck it out and had an amazing ride. A silver medal is always a bit bitter, so Greg was very happy that Steve was the one to beat him.
5. JOSH bryceland, MONT-SAINTEANNE WORLD CUP 2011
I really like this photo because of the colours and composition (and it was sharp, haha!). I like that Josh is dropping into the finish line and you can see the ruts and you know where it’s at.