“The year 2016 has been an emotional one at Cycles Devinci. The season started with great promise, as Stevie Smith was once again in World Cup winning form after several seasons marred by injuries.
Things were bright on the Enduro scene as well; Damien Oton secured the second place in the EWS overall standings. There was also Magnus Manson’s unforgettable podium finish at the World Championships in Val Di Sole Italy.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in early May, Stevie Smith was lost in a motorcycle accident in his hometown of Nanaimo, BC. This sad news was hard on everyone at Devinci and it also had a major impact on riders and fans all over the world. Steve’s contribution and commitment to the Devinci brand, but most importantly to the sport, will always be remembered.
Unable to put together a team that met our expectations, we took the decision to step away from UCI Downhill racing for 2017. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but we hope to return to World Cup racing in the very near future.
Our involvement in racing and the Devinci Global Racing Team has always been one of our top priorities. Although we are taking a short break from DH racing, our Enduro program will be going strong with Damien and Theo on the EWS circuit. We will also continue to support many great athletes and programs around the World in all cycling disciplines in their quest for the podium.”
#longlivechainsaw
MENTIONS: @devinci
This is clearly about business politics and the reason could be anything for them to cancel next season.
There is no way for any of us to know what those close to him went through or are going through. Im sure the entire WC DH team (mechanics, drivers, all of them) were deeply affected and its completely possible critical people in the program were simply beaten emotionally and didn't want to continue as assembled. You cannot expect a team to jive the same and just move on after a big lose. Every minute of their days at work were probably stinging reminders of what happened.
We have to assume they made the best decision based on the circumstances and how those involved in the program felt.
We as partakers in the sport will move on. We have to let Devinci Racing move on how they see fit.
It may seem harsh but even if Stevie would have loved the DH team to have continued (which he probably would have liked indeed) it isn't just his call. It is a team. And if the whole team is still mourning, a fresh new rider who just hasn't been as deeply involved will continue to feel like an outsider. You can't have that. For those knowing the history of Metallica (rock band), you don't want to put anyone in that Jason Newsted position.
So if Devinci feels they need more time, I can absolutely see that as a human, emotional decision. Not just business.
With all Respect ; KEEP ON RIDING
In other sports there is whats called a draft. Why not move into the lower ranks, snatch up some talented riders, give them the tools/ support to really prove that they have what it takes; rather than wait for a Messiah on a bike.
This is what YT is founded on and just look at what they get in return.
I hope they decide to shift their WC budget to grass-roots stuff around Canada and the other markets they want to gain share in. If local racers keep winning on their bikes they will continue to enjoy the popularity they currently have.
I'm never giving up my Troy, Wilson or Spartan. Miss you Stevie.
#longlivechainsaw
Also, factor in the fact that Devinci sells a lot of bikes to the United States and a few into Europe and they probably have a healthy US bank account full of money they don't need to convert.
That said, why spend money when there will be no ROI.
Completely understandable decision.
Nope.
A word like "Smith" is so ubiquitous - and has so many meanings and uses - that they could EASILY make a bike by that name; and (if the family objected, which I STRONGLY doubt would happen, more likely seeing it instead as a respectful tribute) it'd be easy to argue, if DeVinci were so inclined, that it's "just" a name, and that they have no control over whether people CHOOSE to connect it to a particular rider.
First about the name Smith. You are definitely wrong here. Yes its ubiquitous, but that doesn't give a company unrestricted use of the name. The laws would look at the context of how its being used, and what's implied by the use of the name, and in this case, if the bike company who used to sponsor Steve on their DH team, produced a downhill bike called the Smith, it would be quite obvious what they were doing. An argument saying "its just a name" would never hold up in court. Imagine if a shoe company started producing basketball shoes call the "James", or a soccer cleats called the "cristiano". That would be ridiculous.
Second about his family. Do you really think his family would be OK with a company 1) continuing to profit off their dead relatives name? and 2) would be OK not getting compensated if they did? You are crazy if you think his family would just see it as a nice tribute.
#longlivechainsaw
Someone close this year noooow please
P.S Are you interested in sponoring riders? (joke)
Yeah, I know that thought is horse shit. But I can dream right?
"Although we are taking a short break from DH racing, our Enduro program will be going strong with Damien and Theo on the EWS circuit."
I mean no offense to Enduro, its cool and all, but it has nothing to do with DH. The fact that they have a good enduro team has no bearing on how I feel about them dropping DH.
#longlivechainsaw