Loris Vergier, Luca Shaw Join Santa Cruz Syndicate

Jan 9, 2017 at 17:05
by Pinkbike Staff  
SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA during the launch of the 2017 Santa Cruz Syndicate with Greg Minnaar Luca Shaw amp Loris Vergier. Photo by Gary Perkin

If you've been paying attention to the team rumors that have been swirling this off-season, the names of the two newest members of the Santa Cruz Syndicate aren't exactly a surprise, but now it's official: Luca Shaw and Loris Vergier will be joining Greg Minnaar on the World Cup DH circuit next season.

With 19 World Cup DH race wins under his belt, Minnaar will serve as the team's mentor, imparting his wealth of racing wisdom to the duo of 20-year-olds. What about Steve Peat? He may no longer be lining up to race World Cups, but according to Santa Cruz, Peaty will "remain on hand to share two decades of knowledge on areas such as race preparation, line-spotting and bike set-up."


SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA during the launch of the 2017 Santa Cruz Syndicate with Greg Minnaar Luca Shaw amp Loris Vergier. Photo by Gary Perkin
SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA during the launch of the 2017 Santa Cruz Syndicate with Greg Minnaar Luca Shaw amp Loris Vergier. Photo by Gary Perkin


As for wrenching duties, "Doug Hatfield is now assigned to Luca’s pit corner, while Morzine local PA Roche joins the crew to handle all Loris’ race tech needs. Jason Marsh stays on as Greg’s chief bearing polisher, and team manager Kathy Sessler retains the hardest job at Santa Cruz; keeping this circus on the road, with her unique home-from-home vibe."

Josh Bryceland, aka Ratboy, mentioned his 2017 plans in a recent interview, but for those unable to decipher his thick accent, the gist of it is that he won't be on the Syndicate, but he'll still be riding for Santa Cruz, racing and riding at select events and locations around the world.




bigquotesLuca and Loris are two of the most talented young athletes on the World Cup circuit right now. Having them join the Syndicate marks a whole new era for the team.

I respect the work done by previous teams to bring Luca and Loris to this point in their careers. It's only been a few weeks, but they've already slotted straight into the Syndicate in a way that feels completely natural and positive. It's going to be great seeing how they evolve from here, both as racers and individuals.
- Rob Roskopp, Team Director


Cool calm and collected. Loris Vergier has the right head for racing and won t be stressed at all about being the second to last man off tomorrow.

Interview: Loris Vergier


The big question everybody will want to know is, how do you feel about moving away from Loic? You two have known each other for a long time, but surely it has been hard at times for you because he's been so successful and is such a big personality?

Hard times? He's my best friend, my other brother and long time teammate; when he succeed at such a level, I was the first to be happy (worlds in Andorra or his first World Cup win)! He's an example for everyone, and he's respected for that. I'm where I am cause he shows us the way, and help me to grow as a professional rider. Leaving him as teammate is just spending less time together, in planes, travels etc, but we'll stay friends and that's essential for me! So I don't feel sad, I'm moving into another flat with other roommates, but I'll still laugh with those guys.


Do you feel there is pressure on you coming into the Syndicate? If you look at past riders, we're talking about Rennie, Peaty, Minnaar, Bryceland - they all have at least one world-level title each. Is that a lot to live up to?

The Syndicate is a legendary team, it's a dream to be part of that! (It was mine) At first you're excited and stoked, when you're realising, you're more stressed haha and when you meet, finally, your new team, you're happy and even more stoked. I try to avoid overthinking about titles and stuff, but I'm sure of one thing, we all want to go fast and be happy and they will help you to achieve that!


How have you found the change from the Demo to the V10? They're obviously both well-proven designs, but are very different bikes.

They both won, they're both fast, but I felt directly home on the V10, they've done maybe more than 10 years on it and it's just a beast! A lot different in the spirit, the Demo is made to go fast without doing mistakes, on the V10 you can afford doing dumb stuff and still manage to be fast, it's quite nice!


Is it a big change to switch from RockShox to Fox suspension? Have you had to change your approach to bike setup much because of it?

My approach still stays the same, the switch is finally not that hard, cause it's in a good direction. I love those little things on my bike, it's awesome, and the Fox crew is killing it; they love what they're doing and it shows up on how the suspension works for us.


Looking back at the 2016, how would you sum it up? Do you feel you achieved as much as you would have liked to, or are there some things you look back on and want to improve for next year?

My goal was to be more consistent, when I just look at the overall, I'm stoked, when I look in details I'm a little disappointed, I missed some good races with flats, or crashes. I need to improve that, and at the same time try to level up my speed, step by step.


In your head, what would a good 2017 season look like for you? Is there any particular element or goal you are looking to focus on?

A good season would look like: some podiums, still in the top 10 overall and a cool result at Worlds for once.





The Syndicate’s first UCI World Cup downhill race of the season takes place in Lourdes, France, on April 30.

The complete 2017 UCI DH calendar is:

World Cup
1. April 29-30: Lourdes, France
2. June 3-4: Fort William, Scotland
3. June 10-11: Leogang, Austria
3. July 1-2: Vallnord, Andorra
4. July 8-9: Lenzerheide, Switzerland
5. August 5-6: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada
6. August 26-27: Val di Sole, Italy

World Championships
September 5-10: Cairns, Australia


SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA during the launch of the 2017 Santa Cruz Syndicate with Greg Minnaar Luca Shaw amp Loris Vergier. Photo by Gary Perkin

Follow all the team’s progress throughout the season at santacruzbicycles.com.

Author Info:
pinkbikeaudience avatar

Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,465 articles

203 Comments
  • 287 4
 I all know is I need that "Make syndicate great again" hat.
  • 32 1
 That hat made me laugh so hard!
  • 49 115
flag WAKIresigns (Jan 10, 2017 at 10:43) (Below Threshold)
 Jokes aside it would be damn good to see an American rider on a team from USA.
  • 35 1
 I'd go for the tea bags...
  • 28 1
 @YtseJam: That whole video made me laugh so hard.
  • 9 29
flag Narro2 (Jan 10, 2017 at 10:49) (Below Threshold)
 sorry guys, but what happened to rayboy?
  • 15 1
 Love how on the profile cards on the main picture it has their "drinking ability" score. Haha.
  • 5 2
 @Narro2: he's taking a brake from world cups
  • 4 30
flag sickn3ss (Jan 10, 2017 at 11:05) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIresigns: Agreed. Thankfully, Intense and Palmer are working on that.
  • 10 28
flag taskmgr (Jan 10, 2017 at 11:19) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIresigns: Lopes would be sick on an american team. GO USA!!! oi oi oi!
  • 41 2
 @WAKIresigns: Would be? you mean like Luca Shaw?
  • 12 2
 @WAKIresigns: where do you think Shaw is from?
  • 1 17
flag Husker2112 (Jan 10, 2017 at 12:19) (Below Threshold)
 Yt. Fck it MAGA!
  • 4 0
 @Lagr1980: That Tea Bags LloooooolL
  • 4 0
 @Narro2: To much Tea Bags Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @thestreetsofsf: got to be 21 to be american!
  • 2 4
 @GH29orBust: Agreed. Loris: C- needs improvement, Luca A+ above average. Also have to appreciate the BevMo card in the top photo below the ENVE bar.
  • 1 0
 Luca looks like stevie.
  • 15 0
 I laughed so hard at this video. Made my day for sure. I lost it when Steve had a flashback or Les Gets. The whole video is gold. Love it. And I also want a Syndicate hat! Share this everywhere.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIresigns: The Syndicate is a US team, and Luca Shaw is an American rider.
  • 1 1
 @hardcoredivision: The tea bag...I think...is part of a Scruff Gang ritual of initiating new members. New members get a hot tea bag shot at their face with one of those fly swatter guns. Ben Reid, Rat, and a bunch of other Brits are original members. Minnaar took one to the face, too. Look it up on Dirt. It's silly.
  • 7 2
 @trek81615: Not sure why you say it is an American team. Santa Cruz is owned by a Dutch company and until this announcement the syndicate had only non-American riders.
  • 4 6
 @MTB-Colada: Santa Cruz Bicycles. Headquarters in Santa Cruz, California, USA.
  • 2 0
 @MTB-Colada: Wait, what? Santa Cruz is Dutch??? So, it's a Dutch company with the name of one of my favourite US cities. Dang, I guess I love the Bronson now.
  • 2 0
 To the guys downvoting my comment highlighting Syndicate's own drinking assessments or Loris and Luca, take a moment to look at the Syndicate Academy cards in the top photo. I'm not saying Loris can't handle a few bevvies, I don't know the guy, Peaty is by giving him a C-.
  • 8 0
 @plxmtb @MTB-Colada - I totally get both of your points. Santa Cruz (the bike company) was sold to Dutch holding company, Pon Holdings back in July of 2015. However, they're being run independently as they always have much like Pon's other cycling brands Focus, Cervelo etc.

Secondly, the Syndicate is indeed an American team. Always have been. When teams register with the UCI, they have a country affiliation and the SCS is registered as being based in the USA. The YT mob, while owned by an Australian (Martin Whiteley), put together by an American (Aaron Gwin), and sponsored by Germans (YT) is actually a Spanish team as that's where Whiteley's management company and residence is.

Everybody's right. Yay!
  • 3 4
 -17 props, wow! really sad and toxic people here, i thought it was pinkbike not 4chan
  • 126 2
 haha the best team video ever bro
  • 34 3
 I liked that zen chick with the team bags..... kinda cute, but i couldn't understand what the hell she was saying.
  • 4 4
 'tea' bags, pun intended
  • 120 3
 LONG LIVE RATBOY
  • 49 2
 god save the ratboy
  • 83 2
 That was one of the best videos I've seen in a while!
  • 4 1
 Definitely!
  • 35 1
 when steve peat remembered his crash Big Grin i literally exploded
  • 7 13
flag crag222 (Jan 10, 2017 at 12:57) (Below Threshold)
 @RedBurn: a little pre cum
  • 6 0
 @RedBurn: yes crashing and letting frenchies win
  • 52 3
 Will be sad not see ratboy racing at world cups, but this is going to be one fast team for sure
  • 53 2
 Rat Boy is such a good brand ambassador. Glad they're keeping him. Santa Cruz should do some sort of global 'Ride with the Rat' tour of bike parks and trails systems.
  • 15 0
 @DGThree: yeah right? I actually kind of want a SC every time I see the guy on a bike. He is the spirit of the sport
  • 12 0
 no problem we ll see him more in 50to01 vids its gonna be perfect
  • 7 1
 @DGThree: Noooooo. Part of what makes Rat and Loose so great is that they do whatever they want and Santa Cruz gives them the thumbs-up. Don't want to script it or anything
  • 8 17
flag thenotoriousmic (Jan 10, 2017 at 13:41) (Below Threshold)
 All mint riders but the personality has gone... it's just another team in an individual sport now.
  • 6 0
 @dancingwhale: Agreed.

The unique vibe about the 50to01 vids is that they are quite humble in actual riding content but still get you stoked as f*ck to go ride with a bunch of mates.
  • 3 0
 @haroman666: exactly. The only other people consistently doing stuff like that are the vanzacs and the kiwis. Don't need to script 50to01
  • 3 2
 Joining the syndicate I think is everyone's dream. Imagine having 3 or 4 bikes all rigged with the newest fox shoxs, Shimano and ENVE components. Having 3 of those bikes is already 30k in bikes. I think 2017 is the year of the syndicate. Good luck to you boys!
  • 3 1
 I'm not saying the new lads are boring mind.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: With Steve and Josh gone it seems you may be right. These kids aren't boring, but they certainly have some shoes to fill in when it comes to tom foolery. Stoked to see Ratty going to straight trail riding though!
  • 52 1
 The year of Loris?
  • 17 3
 Either that or the year of loic and hart
  • 31 1
 My favorite thing about the Syndicate and Atherton racing is that its always been presented as a team to me. Its easy to respect them all equally. On other teams, it always seemed like there was a featured racer and then someone else.
  • 30 0
 Removable chin piece wearing...haha
  • 28 1
 I miss rat boy already
  • 26 4
 I just wish the best for ratboy hopefully he doesn't lose that many sponsors
  • 14 0
 He's gotta do what he's gotta do. He's so iconic and will still have a big presence in the mtb world, I don't think that the move will put off his sponsors.
  • 16 2
 I predict his value goes up.
  • 7 10
 @inter71: based on? that is pretty unlikely
  • 6 2
 @russthedog: Remy Metailler has done pretty well out of riding with style. As long as he keeps in the public eye sponsors will sponsor him. Granted it will be more difficult when you're not racing world cups but it can be done!
  • 3 2
 @slimboyjim: Remy is a rare bird though, its not common
  • 5 0
 @russthedog: ummm totally plausible... just look at travis rice for example,,, he stopped doing contests and his "value" and marketability is higher than its ever been.. plenty of surfers quit competing and are doing just fine, if not better.. e.g. the malloys, rob machado, etc etc
  • 22 0
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEACHING RATMASTER Razz
  • 6 0
 Was that splinter?
  • 19 1
 worst kept secret. congrats guys!
  • 11 1
 worse than yt?
  • 3 0
 @karlLad1: of this round of #teamrumours I guess!
  • 18 3
 It was either Ellsworth or Santa Cruz for Lori's. That's why it took so long to release.
  • 27 0
 yeah that decision was a hard one
  • 9 1
 Working with either Peaty or Lopes was probably the tiebreaker.
  • 10 1
 @Triber66: peaty just barely won. probably cuz he wears a shirt most of the time
  • 13 1
 A dream team, for sure. An awesome mentor in the GOAT for when the youngsters need it, young guns to push the GOAT harder, and many years of potential longevity for a team that values it more than any other. And all cool, approachable guys to boot.
  • 12 0
 Holy f*ck that was the best intro vid ever, I am now excited for the 2017 WC season!

And Guru Rat! What was in those tea bags eh?
  • 17 4
 Great stuff but what about a woman in the team??
  • 13 2
 they'e got one that makes them feel at home away from home
  • 2 0
 @vhdh666: shoulda had her in the vid!
  • 2 0
 @jrocksdh: in the video at 1:47
  • 13 0
 Roastbeef Bro !!!
  • 1 0
 WHAT DID YO HAVE FOR BREAKFAST !?!
  • 10 0
 That video had me giving big belly laughs. And I barely have a belly to laugh with!
  • 3 0
 Enough with the boasting already! Wink
  • 1 0
 @slimboyjim: Well your username... Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @TomCastellani: I'm older now...
  • 10 0
 Best team presentation video ever!!! The guys are going to kill it like crazy!
  • 11 1
 I still think balfa is making a comeback with a big signing soon
  • 23 1
 I heard they signed Super T and Steve Romaniuk.
  • 9 0
 I wonder who Iron Horse will counter with?
  • 8 0
 Greatest Team vid ever! God save the Rat!
  • 3 0
 great vid!!! then I saw rat boy!.....and went form great to Freaking awesome!!!! hahahahah ....Syndicate's one of best videos without a doubt!!!! good luck Loris and Luca new team new motivation!!! cant wait for new season!!!! Yiiiiiiiiiiiiiihaaaaaa!!!!!!
  • 7 0
 Peaty was a bad lookin' bloke of a Drill Sergeant!
  • 23 0
 I hope he stays in character for the full season, the pits would be hilarious.
  • 8 1
 Best feel good team video ever
  • 6 3
 Not surprised to see The Rat move on at the same time as Peaty retires. He is quite the personality and a great talent but seems to be lacking the focus necessary to compete in today's UCI DH Series. Long live the Syndicate!!!
  • 15 2
 I don't think he ever came back psychologically from the destroyed ankle
  • 15 0
 @korev: it was a foot mate and he won msa the following year which is something you can't do unless your 100% back.
  • 5 0
 I don't think I have smiled and laughed so hard at a bike related video in a long time! This is going to be a farking great season.
  • 6 2
 Shits real, real vergier fast! Santa cruz just kicked it up a knotch........ Cant wait for racing, some good tracks this year!
  • 3 0
 Kicking that new K-nowledge
  • 2 0
 ahahhahaah this looks likes going to be an interesting session this year i new peaty would be doing something am going to miss the rat tho what a guy all the best to santa cruz Smile
  • 5 0
 Holy expletive! Very nice for Loris and Luca.
  • 6 1
 The futures bright The futures syndicate.
  • 3 0
 Great news, cant wait for upcoming season ! And well, this means, that Troy will be most likely riding for Canyon this year...
  • 4 0
 I miss Ratboy already...I was always looking forward to watch his run because he was always so rad and stylish!
  • 6 2
 In other news, Miranda Miller joins Specialized and confirms they're using Ohlins
  • 5 1
 So Greg's the GOAT but still a Private. Promotions must be really tough to come by.
  • 1 0
 A friend saw them riding in Santa Cruz while they were filming this stuff. He said, "I think I know how to ride a bike - I'm not sure what they were doing, but it wasn't mountain biking." hahaha that last 20 seconds is so rad.
  • 4 0
 very funny and well made !! thanks syndicate
  • 3 0
 Lmao... that was funny as hell. cant wait for the season its gona be great!
  • 5 0
 Yes!!!
  • 3 0
 Someone plz remind me why is there a month off in May wcdh again? Sea otter or something
  • 4 1
 Sea Otterz on 4/20 in 2017, bruhhhhh.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: well then must be another reason..def need a wc b/w france n scotland.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: I seem to remember a big break last season too....
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: yep, wondering why? Season starts then has 1 month break after 1 race.
  • 5 2
 Next up??? Loic (just waiting for his contact with Specialized is over). You'll see!!!

Cheers,
Beer
  • 2 1
 It will be a great year for us spectators and for them... for sure. #MTBLife
  • 4 0
 hahahahahah that video was top awesome
  • 4 0
 April 30??? I can't wait that long!!!
  • 4 1
 Cool that santa cruz is finally investing into their local santa cruz trail sytems...new owners givn back big $.
  • 3 1
 Hard not to love this and at the same time feel for those two poor bastards having to put up with those shorts and Peaty's breath
  • 3 1
 Loris in the Syndicate!!!!!! That's the best news from silly season ever!!!!! Best of luck to Loris! Come out of the shadows and crush!!!!!
  • 3 0
 When art imitates life...best of luck in 2017 to a team with great personality!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIresigns: seriously don't understand the mega down-vote on this comment. When did national identity and pride become politically incorrect? WTF guys.
  • 2 0
 Sad about Bryceland stepping out, but I'm loving the 50/01 videos. Keep em coming. C'mon the Rat!
  • 4 0
 Awesome video.
  • 3 0
 Esto es una noticia de hace un mes.
  • 4 1
 maahhh fak it. Now I need to get a Santa Cruz. Damn!
  • 4 1
 I thought for a moment Danny would start racing DH when he showed up Big Grin
  • 4 1
 Best team video so far....
  • 4 1
 Hahaha its funnier the more times you watch it!.. ratboy looks so stoned
  • 4 1
 This was everything. Thank you SC. THANK YOU.
  • 2 0
 Stoked for Loris. Time to move out from behind the vestments of the "First Pope of Downhill".
  • 2 0
 Syndicate embodies the best of DH. Cant wait for them to kick ass this year,
What will Ratboy be doing this year?
  • 1 0
 Really entertaining ! Loved the fact that Peaty and Josh took part of the video in such a brillant way. Best of luck to all the crew for 2017 !
  • 1 0
 I've never seen someone who rides as closely to Greg's style as Luca. Perfect mentor. And Loris could go WC speed on my 2012 status with basic suspension and janky brakes
  • 2 0
 made me smile quite a lot ,thought brycelands bit was brilliant,things should be interesting over the next few seasons
  • 2 0
 the best part is was ratboy, gave a huge smile, he gets to chill and stay in the syndicate
  • 2 0
 Peaty saying "you looking to surrender already" to a Frenchman is just plain wrong! But hilarious.
  • 1 0
 Love how Ratboy transfers his thoughts directly to the minds of the boys. Super funny. My favorite part. I want more!!!!
  • 4 1
 fucking pump
  • 2 0
 Beyond LOVE!!! How fun, nice job boys!!!
  • 3 0
 Make the hat, please!!!
  • 3 0
 video of the year !!!
  • 3 0
 Grrrrrrr-8!
  • 1 0
 With Victorien as a middle name I expect Loris will be topping the podium soon!
  • 2 0
 Acting is top draw, if only the Globes was next week, dang.
  • 3 1
 I told you Loris was seen skiing with a SC hoddie !!!!!!!!! Big Grin
  • 4 0
 It was a toque,eh!
  • 3 1
 Oh.... this is best hahahahaha But i am miss original Members already
  • 3 0
 Ratboy Stonelove !!!
  • 3 0
 SO good!
  • 2 0
 Huge shoes to fill...OG syndicate is irreplaceable...1love to young gunz!
  • 2 0
 Best forking video yet, awesome editing guys.
  • 2 0
 Haha Ratboy as George Harrison
  • 1 0
 Best teampresentation ever!!
  • 2 1
 Best team video I've ever seen!!!
  • 1 0
 Cant wait to see the results.
  • 2 0
 Syndicate 2017 FTW!
  • 2 0
 fuck yea!
  • 1 0
 I still think Man United have a good chance at winning the league.
  • 2 1
 That was mint! Ratboy reminded me of Ace Venturer.
  • 1 0
 Shake Weights! Hahahahahahahaaaa....
  • 1 0
 The RAT is the Dustin Dollin of MTB. Respect!
  • 1 0
 Anybody knows the name of the song please?
  • 1 0
 that little turn got so smashed
  • 6 5
 Ratboy looks so stoned, Syndicate OG
  • 2 1
 Yeah, make Syndicate Videos still great!
  • 2 0
 Mint.....
  • 2 0
 That is one stacked team
  • 1 0
 And here us regular mortals have to polish our own bearings... Wait what?
  • 2 1
 This is what AWESOME means!!!
  • 1 0
 The best! Always the best.
  • 2 0
 haha awesome
  • 2 0
 That was a fun video.
  • 2 1
 that video was the best thing like ever
  • 2 1
 first video in s long time i watched 3 times! LOL
  • 2 1
 i lost it when he says : "BROO?" Big Grin
  • 1 0
 We want the Rat! We want the Rat!
  • 1 0
 Man...all these team announcements and I have zero rideable bikes
  • 2 0
 Made my day!
  • 2 0
 2017 is now!
  • 1 0
 AGAIN the SAME WC venues ..... FUVK IT !!!!!
  • 1 0
 @goffhorner. Ha! Ha!!! My thoughts exactly!!!!
  • 1 2
 The question is why on earth Madskill is in this vid?
(even he rides for Santa Cruz)
  • 2 1
 Why not?

I like how they set it up with Luca saying "all I wanted was a day out on the bike"...referencing Danny's last video. Wink
  • 1 0
 @Pininator: Simply because this is supposed to be Syndicate team's video.
  • 1 0
 @A-Ig: Embrace it...its a good thing. Wink
  • 1 0
 I don't like change ????
  • 1 4
 Awesome! Great move for both of these young guns. Hope this adds a shot of life into the Syndicate with departure or Steve and Josh.
  • 6 8
 Alright alright alright.
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