A Complete Timeline of 2021 Team Moves [Updated: Danny Hart Signs with Five Ten for 2021]
As we head into the final weeks of 2020 the Racing Rumours are beginning to heat up with news already breaking on the high-profile departures of Loris Vergier, Emily Batty and Katy Winton. We have pulled together all of the departures and retirements so far this offseason and this will be updated as more news comes in
Danny Hart Signs with Five Ten for 2021
Mariana Salazar Forms Her Own Program for 2021
GT Factory Racing to run Michelin Tires in 2021
Riders from the GT Factory Racing team have confirmed that they have made the switch from Schwalbe to Michelin tires for 2021.
Team riders Johannes on Klebelsberg and Wyn Masters both posted pictures of bikes shod with Michelin rubber and the tires can be spotted in the videos posted by other riders too.
We're not currently aware of any other changes from the team in 2021 and expect Wyn and Johannes to be joined by EWS racer Noga Korem and Junior World Cup overall winner Ethan Craik when the official team announcement is released.
Bruce Klein Announces Retirement From Full Time Racing
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Eliot Jackson Signs With Santa Cruz
XC World Champion Jordan Sarrou Signs With Specialized
Veronique Sandler Signs with Santa Cruz
Loris Vergier Signs With Trek Factory Racing
One of the biggest names in World Cup DH, Loris Vergier, announced he was parting ways with the Syndicate mid-December. Now, Trek Factory Racing has announced he'll be on the team for 2021.
Sunn Says Goodbye to Kevin Miquel
Eliot Jackson Parts Ways With Giant
Sina Frei on a New Team Following Successful Stint with Ghost
Dan Wolfe Moves on From Polygon Bikes
YT Bids Farewell to Vali Holl, Adolf Silva & Cam Zink
Remy Metailler & Cube Bikes Part Ways After 4 Years Together
Unior Tools Team Parts Ways With Devinci as Frame Sponsor After 3 Years
Veronique Sandler Parts Ways with Marin
XC World Champion Jordan Sarrou Off Absolute Absalon in 2021
Jordan Sarrou has announced that he'll be moving on from the Absolute Absalon team and BMC for 2021.
Geoff Gulevich Announces Amicable Split with Focus Bikes
Mike Jones Bids Farewell to Mondraker
Phil Atwill & Gaetan Vige Part Ways with Cube Global Squad
Commencal / Muc Off Bids Farewell to Remi Thirion After 8 Years
Commencal has posted a farewell video to Remi Thirion, who first joined its team 8 years ago.
Pauline Ferrand Prevot Parts Ways with Canyon
Canyon has announced that it is parting ways with Pauline Ferrand Prevot for 2021 and beyond.
Pauline has been riding with Canyon since 2017 and in that time has won 3 XCO World Cups, 2 XCO World Championships and the marathon World Championships, all while struggling with iliac endofibrosis.
Luke Williamson & Propain Part Way with No Team Sponsor for 2021
GT Bicycles Says Farewell to Bernardo Cruz After a Decade
Loana Lecomte on Massi for Another Year
Loana Lecomte has confirmed on social media that she will be staying with the Massi Bikes team for at least another year.
The 21-year-old French racer took her first Elite gold medal earlier this year when she beat the worlds best in Nove Mesto. In 2021 she will be hoping to join the French cycling team and head to the Tokyo Olympics for a chance to secure a Gold Medal.
Loris Vergier Not Riding Shimano Components in 2021
Not only will Loris not be racing a Santa Cruz in 2021 but it also appears he won't be working with Shimano. Depending on which rumblings you are following this will either confirm or deny your expectations on Loris' next team.
Louis Reboul Joins Cannondale
Freerider Louis Reboul has revealed on social media this week that he won't be riding with Scott in the new year and instead will be joining the growing list of talented riders on Cannondale bikes.
Adolf Silva Parts with YT Industries After Six Years
After a six-year stint at YT, it has been announced this week that Adolf Silva will be equipped with a new ride next year. We currently don't know where Silva will be heading but we will keep you updated with any news when we hear it.
Lewis Buchanan Shares More Details About His Move Away from Forbidden Bikes in 2021 and he Parts Ways with DHaRCO
After his announcement that he was no longer being sponsored in 2021 by Forbidden Bikes Lewis Buchanan has shared a few more details about the move and some hints as to what to expect about his new setup. Also, the EWS racer has revealed that his program will not be including DHaRCO clothing who jumped on as his clothing sponsor for 2020.
SRAM & Commencal Muc-Off Team Part Ways After 5 Years
First IXS announced they were parting ways with the Commencal Muc-Off team after a four-year partnership, and now SRAM has announced they will be parting ways with the Commencal Muc-Off team after being a team partner for five years.
Katy Winton Parts Ways with Trek Factory Racing Enduro Team After 5 Years
Trek Factory Racing has announced on social media and in a long-form post on its website that it has parted ways with Katy Winton for the 2021 season and beyond.
In her five years with the team, Katy Winton became a regular top-5 contender in the EWS and earned four EWS podiums - two in 2017 and two in 2018. Her 2019 season was disrupted with a bad concussion but she came back strongly in 2020 with two top-5 finishes.
Jose Borges Parts Ways with Miranda Factory Racing
Jose "Ze" Borges has announced he will not be racing with the Miranda Factory Team from 2021 onwards.
The Portuguese rider has been racing with the Portugese team for the past six years and his palmares include a second place at the EWS Madeira in 2019 alongside eight other EWS top ten finishes, two podiums in the EWS-E in 2020 and the Portuguese National DH Championships in 2019.
Yoann Barelli Says Farewell to Commencal after 4 Years
Yoann Barelli has announced on social media that he will no longer be riding Commencal bikes.
After announcing his move away from racing and the launch of his new coaching and guiding business, 'Into the Gnar Experience,' earlier this year Yoann Barelli has now revealed that he will no longer be riding for Commencal as a sponsor going forward.
Tom Isted & GT Part Ways, Isted Without a Frame Sponsor for 2021
Tom Isted has announced 2020 will be his last season with GT, leaving him without a sponsor for 2021.
Isted joined GT at the start of 2018 after six years on Mongoose. He has now become a regular face on the FEST series and Audi Nines, and has picked up a top ten result at the McGazza Slopestyle at Crankworx Rotorua.
Loris Vergier Parts Ways with The Syndicate for 2021
In their latest video release, The Syndicate has confirmed the departure of fast Frenchman Loris Vergier from 2020's top racing team.
Emily Batty and Trek Part Ways After 12 Years
Emily Batty and Trek have parted ways, Trek has confirmed in a social media post and long-form post on their website today.
Batty first joined Trek Factory Racing more than 12 years ago when she was still an Under 23 racer on the World Cup circuit. Before then she raced for Trek Store Toronto and she has also raced for the Subaru Trek team in the past but the Wisconsin brand has remained her frame sponsor for nearly all her racing career. In her time with the team, she has earned 15 World Cup podiums and twice finished third at the World Championships.
YT Mob Bids Farewell to Angel Suarez
The end of 2020 sees some changes for the team going into 2021. After 5 years on the Mob, Angel Suarez has made the decision that it’s time for a change. His contract will expire at the end of this month and of course we wish him well in his new chapter.
Lewis Buchanan Parts Way with Forbidden as a Frame Sponsor for 2021
EWS racer Lewis Buchanan has announced that he won't be riding for Forbidden and will have a new sponsorship deal in 2021.
After quickly pulling together his own collection of sponsors for the 2020 season that included riding Forbidden frames and testing out their new prototype enduro bike at the EWS, Lewis Buchanan has revealed that he will have something more long term to ride in 2021 and beyond.
Melanie Chappaz Parts Ways with Hope Factory Racing
The 2017 Junior World Champion, Melanie Chappaz, has announced she will be parting ways with Hope Factory Racing in a social media post.
Chappaz joined the Hope team at the start of 2018 for her first year as an Elite rider. Her best World Cup result with the team was a 9th at Val di Sole in 2019 however she also won the first round of the French Cup earlier this year at Alpe d'Huez.
IXS Parts Ways with Commencal Muc-Off Team After 4 Year Partnership
After a four year partnership that saw Commencal Muc-Off team riders win 10 World Cups, 2 World Cup overalls, and a World Championship among other accolades, IXS announced on Instagram today that their partnership with the team has come to an end.
We don't know who the team's new race gear and protection sponsor is, although the team did comment "Nope" in response to a fan's query about whether it was Ride 100% on their Instagram post.
Camille Balanche Confirms 2 More Years on Dorval AM
Reigning downhill World Champion, Camille Balanche, has confirmed she will be racing with the Dorval AM team for another 2 years.
Balanche announced she was joining the Dorval team at the end of the 2019 season after racing her first full season as a privateer when she had earned 2 podiums and a second-place at Crankworx Innsbruck.
Kathrin Stirnemann Announces Retirement From International Racing
Swiss XC racer Kathrin Stirnemann has announced her retirement from international racing. The Thomus RN Racing rider found the greatest success in XCE (Cross Country Eliminator) where she became World Champion in 2014 and 2017.
Tracey Hannah to Stop Racing UCI World Cups
Tracey Hannah announces that she will stop racing the UCI World Cup circuit after the 2020 season but will still keep competing.
Maxime Marotte & Cannondale Factory Racing Part Ways
Maxime Marotte announced in October that he will no longer be racing with the Cannondale Factory Racing XC team with his future 'not clear yet'.
Madison Saracen & Danny Hart to Part Ways at the End of the Year
Danny Hart and Madison Saracen will be parting ways at the end of this season after Madison announced on October 13 that it will not be renewing Danny Hart's contract.
Dominic Langan, CEO of Madison, said: "I would like to thank Danny for everything he brought to the team over the last three years and I wish him every success for the future."
Danny Hart said:
Danny Hart Signs with Five Ten for 2021
 | I’m mega pleased to have joined the Five Ten team again for the next 3 years! They had my back since 2011, due to team obligations the last 3 years I had to go down a different path, but pleased to finally announce they have welcomed me back to the 5/10 family for 2021!! But what bike am I going to be piloting in 2021?! |
| Five Ten is excited to announce that long time team member and multi-time World Champion Danny Hart is back on the elite team for 2021! After a short stint away due to team obligations, the Redcar Rocket and one of our original clipless pedal riders is back and ready to get sideways while he battles for the top step of the podium. Welcome home, Danny. |
Mariana Salazar Forms Her Own Program for 2021
| Thanks for all these years with Dorval AM team! New adventures for me this season and I am really excited for it. More info soon |
| After many seasons together, our Salvadorian racer Mariana Salazar will be racing under her own efforts, but still supported by DORVAL AM in 2021. Mariana, we will surely miss your big smile and good vibes in the next season, but we wish you many good seasons and podiums with your new colors |
GT Factory Racing to run Michelin Tires in 2021
Riders from the GT Factory Racing team have confirmed that they have made the switch from Schwalbe to Michelin tires for 2021.
Team riders Johannes on Klebelsberg and Wyn Masters both posted pictures of bikes shod with Michelin rubber and the tires can be spotted in the videos posted by other riders too.
| New year...new shoes. Stoked to be rolling on Michelin rubber going forward, impressed with the first rides on them! |
| Love my new Michelin tires! They fit well on the GT Sensor! |
We're not currently aware of any other changes from the team in 2021 and expect Wyn and Johannes to be joined by EWS racer Noga Korem and Junior World Cup overall winner Ethan Craik when the official team announcement is released.
Bruce Klein Announces Retirement From Full Time Racing
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| Happy New Year y’all. As 2021 begins, I have decided to step away from my racing career. I have spent the last 10 years of my life dedicated to mountain bike racing and enjoying all the incredible opportunities this path provided. All the friends, fans, media crew, sponsors, and good times along the way have made for memories I will never forget. Starting at the bottom and working all the way to the top level of this sport is an experience I am very proud of. To everyone involved throughout the years, that this career has graced me with the chance of interacting with, a massive thank you for all the good times! It’s been a hell of a ride |
Eliot Jackson Signs With Santa Cruz
| I’m on @santacruzbicycles!!! It feels so good to finally say those words. Santa Cruz has always been my home away from home. The thing I think about most is how they have always supported me even when there was nothing in it for them. Taking me into their pits at world cups to help me with my bike, supporting my World Cup Stats project on patreon, the Roskopps having me over for Christmas dinner, the whole Syndicate team always treating me like one of their own, I could go on haha. I have so much going on, from starting a foundation to presenting for Red Bull to racing at Crankworx to doing video projects. At the core of it, I wanted to be with someone who believed in me just for being me and that has always been Santa Cruz. We have a ton of cool stuff planned for the year and you’ll see me out on the bike in videos, photos, at Crankworx and other random stuff. I am so excited. Lets goooooo!! |
XC World Champion Jordan Sarrou Signs With Specialized
| Really excited to join the Specialized Factory Racing family! It’s the next chapter in my career and I’m super motivated to carry the stripes as high as possible. Let’s rock 2021, I’m sure it will be Epic. I’m back where it all started. |
Veronique Sandler Signs with Santa Cruz
| Hyyype! Can’t even tell ya how stoked I am to be riding for Santa Cruz Bicycles for 2021 and beyond. I can’t wait to work on some exciting bits with these guys alongside these dreamy companies Title, Five Ten, WTB, Giro and SRAM. LETS GOOOO! |
Loris Vergier Signs With Trek Factory Racing
Photos in article by Greg Germain, Matt Delorme, and Ross Bell.
One of the biggest names in World Cup DH, Loris Vergier, announced he was parting ways with the Syndicate mid-December. Now, Trek Factory Racing has announced he'll be on the team for 2021.
| I got the opportunity to jump on a project with a brand that I always looked up to and that fit what I desired and needed as a racer and took it! I’m 24, slowly starting to reach the goals I’ve set myself, and I found the team, the brand I trust to achieve them! |
| I’m fired up to have Loris joining the TFR program, I know he will fit in well with our crew. I’m proud of what we have accomplished the past few years of racing and look forward to seeing what we can do next season and beyond. Bring on 2021! |
Sunn Says Goodbye to Kevin Miquel
| After 3 exceptional seasons together, it's time to say goodbye to some of our enduro team. We are extremely proud of Kevin Miquel and what he has achieved with us to become one of the greatest French riders on the circuit, and the guys behind the scenes, Mathieu Durand (team/athlete manager) and Michel Gonnet, for their involvement over the past 3 seasons. It's now time to look ahead to the future and something new for 2021. We can't wait to tell you more! |
Eliot Jackson Parts Ways With Giant
| My time under the Giant tent has come to an end! The past 4 years have been awesome. As I look through all my old photos, it’s hard to pick out just 10 as I feel like there were so many different turning points and accomplishments. The act of even getting on the team was something I’ll never forget. The long hours at Interbike trying to find a ride, betting my season on the hope that I would be on Giant the next year, training harder than ever because I knew what it would mean. 2017 was my first year on the team and it was all about racing. I got my first top 10 at a World Cup, I won the first split at Ft William in qualifying and I got 3rd at Crankworx. 2018 was my year of seeing what other things a bike had to offer. I went to Transcascadia, traveled a lot and discovered my love-ish(emphasis on the ish) for trail biking. 2018 was a year I’ll remember for the rest of my life because it was so pivotal. 2019 was the year of random. Presenting at the World Cups and getting a top 10 at Crankworx Whistler. 2020 was nothing if not “productive” I’ll be forever grateful for the people at Giant for giving me the space to learn and explore this year. Throughout all of this, it has been with some of my best friends, endless conversations and laughs, some of my highest highs and lowest lows, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m crazy excited about the future and I’ll always enjoy popping my head in the Giant Factory Team pits. Thanks for the great times! |
Sina Frei on a New Team Following Successful Stint with Ghost
| Thank you Ghost Factory Racing family for these adventures we had! Three successful years together which remains in good memory. U23- Overall World Cup Winner, World Champion, European Champion, Winner of the Women’s Team World Cup ranking... and so much more! I‘m grateful for everything I could learn and what we achieved as a team - that means a lot to me! I‘m thankful for the support I got from the sponsors, the hard work from our staff and the good times with my teammates - I wish you only the best for the future! Stay tuned to hear more about my new journey very soon, Meanwhile, here are some of my favorite pics of the last three years! xx Sina |
Dan Wolfe Moves on From Polygon Bikes
| I want to give a massive shout out to the entire UR Team for all the support this year. It was my first time experiencing a team setup. What I underestimated was the friendship and connections that are built. With Fabien Cousinie on the steering wheel I’ve never met a more motivated person, definitely got the best out of me and the rest of the team. It’s hard to not challenge Cous Cous to a sprint when he keeps saying he’s retired. @miamgalita you are the cement that holds the whole team together, you had so many things to juggle but you never dropped a thing. Jon Stout you have the patience of a saint and your calm approach while on the spanner’s was amazing. To all the riders Joe Breeden, Sam Reynolds, Tracey Hannah, Mick Hannah, Vinci Vodan you’s are all incredibly talented and lovely people. The bunch of you genuinely are a great example of what being professional means. You always have time for your fans. Massive thanks to all the team's sponsors as well. I loved my kit on and off the bike. |
YT Bids Farewell to Vali Holl, Adolf Silva & Cam Zink
| We have won the World Championships together. We have flipped into Rampage together. We have even double flipped an E-MTB together. We take a bow before these exceptional athletes and say farewell as they embark on the next adventures of their careers. It's been a pleasure to be a part of your journeys Adolf Silva, Cam Zink, Vali Holl. |
Remy Metailler & Cube Bikes Part Ways After 4 Years Together
| After 4 awesome years together with Remy Metailler the time has come to say goodbye. It was an awesome journey together with you. From sending monster gaps to smashing insane urban downhills. From Red Bull Rampage to so many videos on YouTube, you never failed to entertain. Thank you for the great memories and the outstanding content you produced. We wish you all the best for your future, keep on scrubbing Rem Dog. |
| Thank you Cube Bikes for four years! Our relationship has come to an end. Signing with Cube at the end of 2016 was very exciting as the brand was huge in Europe, but still pretty unknown in North America. Cube trusted my ideas and gave me the freedom to pursue my vision of free riding on their bikes. From Red Bull Rampage and Urban Downhill to finding new lines on my favourite trails in Squamish, I have had so much fun on my rides! I'm really proud of the work we have done together over the past four years. It's been a great experience and it has been super cool to see the bikes evolve the way they did, and I have learnt a lot along the way. Thank you again for your trust and support. Cheers, Prost, Santé, Salud! |
Unior Tools Team Parts Ways With Devinci as Frame Sponsor After 3 Years
| After three successful years, we are announcing today that Cycles Devinci and Unior Bike Tools will be parting ways starting in 2021. The last three seasons have brought us unforgettable memories. From Dakotah Norton’s first World Cup DH podium to Keegan Wright’s performances at Crankworx, from Jure Zabjek’s and Tanja Zakelj’s top-10 World Cup & World Champs results, to Damien Oton’s impressive win at Megavalanche, we are proud of our accomplishments under the Unior Devinci Factory Racing banner since 2018. Unior Bike Tools and Cycles Devinci will still be on the racing scene in 2021, and are both looking forward to announcing their respective plans in the new year. As 2020 draws to a close, we look back on all the good times this great partnership has brought us. We would like to thank all the athletes, staff and sponsors who made this amazing journey possible. Thank you! See you at the races… and the after-parties! |
Veronique Sandler Parts Ways with Marin
| A selection of my fave clips on my Marin Bikes, thank you for the last 3 years of good times! New things are coming for me in 2021, but I couldn’t have asked for a more awesome family to have shared my riding career with so far. From giving me the opportunity to go from working at Pizza Hut to having my absolute dream job, they believed in me from the start and always supported my moves. A genuine bunch of legends, thank you guys a million for all the laughs, bants and sick times, gonna miss you! |
XC World Champion Jordan Sarrou Off Absolute Absalon in 2021
Jordan Sarrou has announced that he'll be moving on from the Absolute Absalon team and BMC for 2021.
| Two years ago with @julien_absalon we made a bet to build something together to reach the highest level, we have achieved it. Very proud to have been able to share these magical moments within the @absoluteabsalon_bmc team. On contract until the end of the year, I will be able to tell you more from January 2021. Thank you to all the staff who believed in me. I wish you all a Happy New Year. |
Geoff Gulevich Announces Amicable Split with Focus Bikes
| It is with a heavy heart, I announce my parting with Focus Bikes. Focus, has been an absolutely amazing brand to ride for and represent. It was an amicable decision to separate and I have nothing but admiration for everyone at Focus Bikes. Thank you, Focus Bikes, for the amazing 3 years!!! I have put together a compilation from the past three years, of my favourite trails and shots, from around the world. I hope you enjoy the shots and stay tuned for my new partnership announcement, in the new year. |
Mike Jones Bids Farewell to Mondraker
| What an amazing 3 years it has been with the MS Mondraker Team can’t thank these guys enough for the last 3 years! I’ve learned a hell of a lot over the past 3 years with this team and the experience and depth of everyone involved! New things for me next season, going to be taking a different approach to things and a new adventure that’s for sure! I will keep you all updated with the plans and the people involved! Once again thanks to the MS Mondraker Team and Mondraker Bikes for all their support over the years and good luck in the future! |
Phil Atwill & Gaetan Vige Part Ways with Cube Global Squad
| Thank you for the ride Phil Atwill and Gaetan Vige! It has been a pleasant couple of years with the two of you! We wish you all the best for your professional and personal future! |
Commencal / Muc Off Bids Farewell to Remi Thirion After 8 Years
Commencal has posted a farewell video to Remi Thirion, who first joined its team 8 years ago.
| To All The Good Times, Cheers Mitch. 2013: Remi Thirion, a fast and extremely talented rider became a part of our team. He trusted us from the beginning and no one knew then that it was the start of a very long story between us, as well as the ‘real' beginning of the Riding Addiction structure. A few months later he gave us a moment we’ll never forget. Rémi won the Vallnord World Cup! His first podium and World Cup win, our first World Cup win in the Elite Men's category. Rémi has played a huge part in our team growth. He grew up with us, bringing us several podiums, contributing twice to winning the World Cup DH Team Of The Year and all with his kindness, passion and ambition. 2020: By taking the bronze at Leogang World Championships, He finally got the medal he was chasing for so many years. Only a few days later, he came second in Maribor for the first World Cup of this unexpected season, showing once again that he’s one of the most skilled riders in the world. Today: A story ends and a page turns after spending eight years together. It’s definitely the most difficult news we have to write as Rémi wasn’t just our rider, he's a true friend and he will remain part of our family. We can never thank him enough for everything. Thank you again, Mitch, we wish you nothing but the very best for your next chapter. We love you! |
Pauline Ferrand Prevot Parts Ways with Canyon
Canyon has announced that it is parting ways with Pauline Ferrand Prevot for 2021 and beyond.
Pauline has been riding with Canyon since 2017 and in that time has won 3 XCO World Cups, 2 XCO World Championships and the marathon World Championships, all while struggling with iliac endofibrosis.
| Pauline has enriched Canyon enormously since 2017 - and I'd like to emphasise I don't just mean that in sporting terms. Of course, we were delighted with every one of her wins: on the road, in cyclocross and especially her two current cross-country World Championship titles. But Pauline is more than the successful racer we all see: she is a stunningly positive character and a true ambassador for the sport. Pauline is a role model: she stands up, she fights, she doesn't lose sight of her goals. I wish her all the best for her sporting and personal future. |
Luke Williamson & Propain Part Way with No Team Sponsor for 2021
| With 2021 fast approaching I can now officially announce I will no longer be racing for Propain Factory Racing, thanks go to all those who’ve played a part in helping me out the past two years. Unfortunately, I currently do not have a team or bike sponsor lined up for next season but still plan to come out swinging in Maribor come April. Onwards and upwards as they say… |
GT Bicycles Says Farewell to Bernardo Cruz After a Decade
| It was such a hard decision to change because I can honestly say that GT was super important to help myself to have my house, my car, to build up my life. I just have to say thanks and to be thankful for all of these years, to all of these good moments and good memories. You guys for sure make part of my history and this is going to be forever. The best thing about GT for me is that it's not just about good results it's about having fun with the bikes, having fun with friends. This for me means love because when we love bikes we just have good times and good moments with friends. This is the most important thing about GT. You don't have to be the fastest guy or the best guy you just have to have your bike, have good times with friends, and enjoy the moment. That's why I love GT so much. |
Loana Lecomte on Massi for Another Year
Loana Lecomte has confirmed on social media that she will be staying with the Massi Bikes team for at least another year.
The 21-year-old French racer took her first Elite gold medal earlier this year when she beat the worlds best in Nove Mesto. In 2021 she will be hoping to join the French cycling team and head to the Tokyo Olympics for a chance to secure a Gold Medal.
| One more year with this amazing Massi Bikes team! |
Loris Vergier Not Riding Shimano Components in 2021
Not only will Loris not be racing a Santa Cruz in 2021 but it also appears he won't be working with Shimano. Depending on which rumblings you are following this will either confirm or deny your expectations on Loris' next team.
| Au revoir Loris Vergier! It’s been an awesome ride, on and off the bike. Relive some great highlights of the end of the WC season with the Syndicate's latest episode: No Time To Cry. |
Louis Reboul Joins Cannondale
Freerider Louis Reboul has revealed on social media this week that he won't be riding with Scott in the new year and instead will be joining the growing list of talented riders on Cannondale bikes.
| A new chapter just started! Glad to join the Cannondale Mountain family! Stoked is real. |
Adolf Silva Parts with YT Industries After Six Years
After a six-year stint at YT, it has been announced this week that Adolf Silva will be equipped with a new ride next year. We currently don't know where Silva will be heading but we will keep you updated with any news when we hear it.
| After long 6 years is time to say goodbye to YT Industries for 2021. What a hell of a ride it was, thanks for good times. |
Lewis Buchanan Shares More Details About His Move Away from Forbidden Bikes in 2021 and he Parts Ways with DHaRCO
After his announcement that he was no longer being sponsored in 2021 by Forbidden Bikes Lewis Buchanan has shared a few more details about the move and some hints as to what to expect about his new setup. Also, the EWS racer has revealed that his program will not be including DHaRCO clothing who jumped on as his clothing sponsor for 2020.
| I’m sad to be moving on from DHaRCO and it wasn’t an easy decision. It’s been so awesome to have DHaRCO onboard this year. From having my own custom jerseys and a unique style of kit that stands out was awesome. To see more and more people wearing it was great and I’m stoked I could bring some light and awareness to how rad the brand is. I honestly recommend ya’ll check out the gear as it’s the best feeling and breathable kit I’ve ever worn and plenty of colours to choose from and they do the raddest looking woman’s gear for you ladies out there! Thanks to Mandy and the crew for all the support this year, it’s been awesome! |
SRAM & Commencal Muc-Off Team Part Ways After 5 Years
First IXS announced they were parting ways with the Commencal Muc-Off team after a four-year partnership, and now SRAM has announced they will be parting ways with the Commencal Muc-Off team after being a team partner for five years.
| @myriam_nicole, @remithirion, @amaurypierron4, @thibautdaprela, @gaetruff, @tibaldog and the rest of the RA family — We’ve been there with you as you’ve chased trophies, titles and rainbows. We’ve witnessed the ultimate highs, and watched you endure the lowest of lows. Those long recoveries, and subsequent triumphs won’t soon be forgotten, nor will the winning streak that set the downhill world alight in 2018. True stories that reflect the passion and professionalism that you bring to the downhill pits week in and week out. Thank you for 5 amazing years of partnership. Your friends at SRAM wish you every success the future may bring. See you at the races. |
Katy Winton Parts Ways with Trek Factory Racing Enduro Team After 5 Years
Trek Factory Racing has announced on social media and in a long-form post on its website that it has parted ways with Katy Winton for the 2021 season and beyond.
In her five years with the team, Katy Winton became a regular top-5 contender in the EWS and earned four EWS podiums - two in 2017 and two in 2018. Her 2019 season was disrupted with a bad concussion but she came back strongly in 2020 with two top-5 finishes.
| In five years with Trek, Katy Winton established herself as a perpetual contender and consummate leader. She took the podium on enduro’s biggest stages, and helped lead one of the most tight-knit and talented teams in the sport with incredible enthusiasm and determination. Katy and Trek will be parting ways at the end of 2020, but we cannot thank her enough for everything she gave to the team and the burgeoning world of enduro. |
| I'm so grateful to Trek for taking a chance on me as a young gun back in 2016 and giving me the opportunity to race for them. Their support has been huge in my development as a racer and athlete. We've enjoyed a lot of success, and I'm gutted that our partnership has come to an end. Change can be a good thing though, and although I'm still finalizing what that looks like, I'm not done yet. Come hell or high water I'll be racing. It's in these times that you find out what you're really made of, and I'm looking forward to it. Wherever I land next, I know some of my best racing is yet to come. |
Jose Borges Parts Ways with Miranda Factory Racing
Jose "Ze" Borges has announced he will not be racing with the Miranda Factory Team from 2021 onwards.
The Portuguese rider has been racing with the Portugese team for the past six years and his palmares include a second place at the EWS Madeira in 2019 alongside eight other EWS top ten finishes, two podiums in the EWS-E in 2020 and the Portuguese National DH Championships in 2019.
| It is time to move on to new challenges, with a lot of pity that I leave behind an excellent brand in which I am proud to be Portuguese and to have represented for 6 years. I just have to thank you for these long years of excellent moments. Many thanks to all Miranda Bike Parts staff, especially João Miranda, and also the Miranda Factory Racing team for all their support. As for the future, I still won't be able to reveal, soon everyone will know. Thanks. |
Yoann Barelli Says Farewell to Commencal after 4 Years
Yoann Barelli has announced on social media that he will no longer be riding Commencal bikes.
After announcing his move away from racing and the launch of his new coaching and guiding business, 'Into the Gnar Experience,' earlier this year Yoann Barelli has now revealed that he will no longer be riding for Commencal as a sponsor going forward.
| Big thank you to the whole Commencal Bikes team in Andorra. In addition of making rad bikes you guys are rad people. 4 years have passed and seeing the progress we have made was an amazing experience on its own and I’m pumped to have been part of it. It’s been a hell of a ride, and I’ll always be a big fan of the brand and the People within it. Thank You Max Commencal, Yannick Commencal, Nico M and Nicolas Brizin, Arthur, Pierrick, Jb Liautard, Léon Perrin, Yvaral Villier and Elodie, Boris, Jordan, Tiziano, The Cécile Ravanel, my Buddy Kevin Miquel…. Everyone. Saying goodbye brings so many rad memories and feelings, tough moments, lots of laughter haha. It’s all part of the journey, but it’s always hard to leave. I wish you all the success, all the victories and all the champagne showers (Max likes those haha)! Shred on team, I’m pumped |
Tom Isted & GT Part Ways, Isted Without a Frame Sponsor for 2021
Tom Isted has announced 2020 will be his last season with GT, leaving him without a sponsor for 2021.
Isted joined GT at the start of 2018 after six years on Mongoose. He has now become a regular face on the FEST series and Audi Nines, and has picked up a top ten result at the McGazza Slopestyle at Crankworx Rotorua.
| So this will be my last year riding for GT Bicycles. Just wanted to say thanks for the 3 years of support just want to say thank you to Mork Noble and Steve Spencer. At the moment I don’t have a frame sponsor for next year so I’ll be on a GT but not on GT. |
Loris Vergier Parts Ways with The Syndicate for 2021
In their latest video release, The Syndicate has confirmed the departure of fast Frenchman Loris Vergier from 2020's top racing team.
| It was a big decision for me not to re-sign with the Syndicate for next year. I came on board with the team four years ago, and since then I had the opportunity to work with some of the best brands ! I wanted to grow as an athlete and I ticked that box. I’ve worked with beautiful individuals that helped me along the way, that’s why it was emotional to leave that little family behind. But one thing I learned is that racing is fierce and you need to keep moving at all times, that’s why I followed my guts and did exactly that. The next chapter is bright but I’ll always be grateful for those magic years, thanks to my teammates, Laura, Steve, Sess, Joe, Marshy, Doug PA and obviously Santacruz and all the sponsors that came with it ! It’s been one hell of a ride |
| This one’s a little bittersweet as it’s the last with Loris Vergier. It’s been a pleasure to race alongside you for the last 4 years my bru. Watching you come in as a young (and very enthusiastic) Frenchie and leave as a World Cup winner is an honour. |
| 4 years as teammates sure flew by, and a lot of good memories. From bitter rivals in the junior days to close friends, thanks brother. |
| Back in 2017 The Syndicate recruited a young Frenchman into their ranks... - None of us knew much about Loris Vergier at the time, other than the fact he'd ironically just beaten his future team mate, Luca Shaw, to the Junior Overall that year. So the boy was fast, but what else? - The first Xmas camp in 2017 was off to a slow start, with everyone feeling things out and exchanging the usual pleasantries, until one hungover morning we began to shoot the launch video... On a quiet public park, dressed as school boys, whilst being berated by coach Minnaar, It was that moment when we realised the quiet young man was actually just as weird and wonderful as so many of the riders that have preceded him on the team. It was on. - Seeing you rise as a rider and a reveller has been a pleasure this last four years. From making your first noises, to all the way up to your first Elite World Cup win, it's been a hell of a time. We're going to miss your kooky quirks, the borderline insane puzzling, your humble approach to being no1 and most of all that positivity which rubbed off on all of us even during the low times. Hopefully one day, we'll find another rider that looks at us the same way you look at a fresh jar of Nutella in the morning. - You'll always be welcome over at The Syndicate pit, whether it's for a quick coffee or a puzzle, hec we might even lend you Jordi from time to time. - Don't ever change mec, we'll see you around. |
Emily Batty and Trek Part Ways After 12 Years
Emily Batty and Trek have parted ways, Trek has confirmed in a social media post and long-form post on their website today.
Batty first joined Trek Factory Racing more than 12 years ago when she was still an Under 23 racer on the World Cup circuit. Before then she raced for Trek Store Toronto and she has also raced for the Subaru Trek team in the past but the Wisconsin brand has remained her frame sponsor for nearly all her racing career. In her time with the team, she has earned 15 World Cup podiums and twice finished third at the World Championships.
| After 12 years with Trek, Emily Batty is on to a new adventure For more than 12 years, the Trek family has been incredibly privileged to call Emily Batty one of our own. She is a role model and fierce competitor who worked tirelessly to put more kids on bikes, all while securing World Cup podiums. Though Emily will be seeking adventures elsewhere, her tenure with Trek will always be remembered for the passion and spirit she brought to every race. Emily is one of the greatest advocates of our sport and it has been an honor to have her aboard for so many years. We wish her all the best in the coming seasons of racing and beyond! |
| It’s been a wild ride. So excited for the next chapter in my career. I’ll see everyone at the races in 2021. |
YT Mob Bids Farewell to Angel Suarez
The end of 2020 sees some changes for the team going into 2021. After 5 years on the Mob, Angel Suarez has made the decision that it’s time for a change. His contract will expire at the end of this month and of course we wish him well in his new chapter.
| I’m super thankful to all the YT family!! Being part of the Mob since its inception has been a dream-come-true for me and from the beginning I learned so much about racing. I had some of the best moments of my career but also with the shoulder injuries we went through the worst moments, but the team and sponsors have always stuck with me and believed in me. I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing people in the team that I can call my friends and that is something that won’t change. I had my best season in 2020 but apart from the racing, doing the YT Mob World Tour last year is something I will never forget and I’ll always be thankful to have been a part of it. I’ve had lots of fun with this team doing what I love, but now it’s time for a new challenge. Thank you for the GOOD TIMES!! |
Lewis Buchanan Parts Way with Forbidden as a Frame Sponsor for 2021
EWS racer Lewis Buchanan has announced that he won't be riding for Forbidden and will have a new sponsorship deal in 2021.
After quickly pulling together his own collection of sponsors for the 2020 season that included riding Forbidden frames and testing out their new prototype enduro bike at the EWS, Lewis Buchanan has revealed that he will have something more long term to ride in 2021 and beyond.
| It’s been a fun time riding on Forbidden frames but I will not be riding them in 2021. I had a fun year of shredding and learning a lot from running my own deal that I was able to build on a lot. Proud to feel like I built the brands profile and awareness massively as well as my own. Stoked on what I was able to achieve and pretty excited on 2021. Can’t say anything on my deal for 2021 but I was after more of a long term thing and I’ll be stoked to share that news with you sometime in January! Thanks to all involved with me this year |
Melanie Chappaz Parts Ways with Hope Factory Racing
The 2017 Junior World Champion, Melanie Chappaz, has announced she will be parting ways with Hope Factory Racing in a social media post.
Chappaz joined the Hope team at the start of 2018 for her first year as an Elite rider. Her best World Cup result with the team was a 9th at Val di Sole in 2019 however she also won the first round of the French Cup earlier this year at Alpe d'Huez.
| 3 years of work, fun, meetings, laughs, tears, 3 awesome years with you Hope. I am beyond sad to leave the team for next year as well as Santa Cruz, Ohlins and 100%. I can never thank you guys enough for what you have done for me and how you helped me to live my passion with fun and professionalism. I can’t say anything yet about where I’m going and with whom I’m gonna work but I can tell you a thing, it’s gonna be siiiick |
IXS Parts Ways with Commencal Muc-Off Team After 4 Year Partnership
After a four year partnership that saw Commencal Muc-Off team riders win 10 World Cups, 2 World Cup overalls, and a World Championship among other accolades, IXS announced on Instagram today that their partnership with the team has come to an end.
We don't know who the team's new race gear and protection sponsor is, although the team did comment "Nope" in response to a fan's query about whether it was Ride 100% on their Instagram post.
| After a successful 4 year partnership with @commencal_mucoff, we are riding separate ways. The future burns bright for this crew and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to sponsor a team with true grit and passion for a sport we are equally addicted to. Their dedication and relentless ambition can be seen in the amount of wins they took home, which doesn’t even take into consideration the countless number of podiums that these savages swept over the course of our partnership. 2 World Cup Overall (@myriam_nicole 2017 & @amaurypierron4 2018 ) 1 World Champion (@myriam_nicole 2019) 2 Junior World Cup Overall (@thibautdaprela 2018 & 2019) 2 Team World Cup Overall (2018 & 2019) - 6 Elite Men World Cup Wins 4 Elite Women World Cup Wins 10 Junior Men World Cup Wins No doubt as a brand and team, we feel that the last 4 years have been the strongest to date and together we were able to create quite a buzz in a noisy industry. We wish @commencal_mucoff the best of luck and hope that they are considering adding more shelf space for the medals and trophies they'll be claiming in the years to come. |
Camille Balanche Confirms 2 More Years on Dorval AM
Reigning downhill World Champion, Camille Balanche, has confirmed she will be racing with the Dorval AM team for another 2 years.
Balanche announced she was joining the Dorval team at the end of the 2019 season after racing her first full season as a privateer when she had earned 2 podiums and a second-place at Crankworx Innsbruck.
Kathrin Stirnemann Announces Retirement From International Racing
Swiss XC racer Kathrin Stirnemann has announced her retirement from international racing. The Thomus RN Racing rider found the greatest success in XCE (Cross Country Eliminator) where she became World Champion in 2014 and 2017.
| I have to tell you some news: tomorrow I will race my last big international XCO race at the European MTB Championships. Racing bikes is my life but it's time for a new chapter. I will tell you more about my future plans soon but first, I wanna enjoy my last big race on home soil and on one of my favourite tracks. I'm truly grateful for the huge support of the RN Racing Team the last four years. being part of this family is very special. Also big thanks to Swiss Cycling which started to support me when I was a 15-year-old girl and helped me to become a better rider. I‘m so lucky to be surrounded by so many good people, family and friends, helping me over the years and also now with this decision. Thank you!!. |
Tracey Hannah to Stop Racing UCI World Cups
photo credit: Dave Trumpore, Gary Perkin and Ross Bell
Tracey Hannah announces that she will stop racing the UCI World Cup circuit after the 2020 season but will still keep competing.
| After 9 years racing for the UR Team I have decided to stop racing World Cups. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I joined the team when I was 22 years old, Fabien took me on with no expectations and zero pressure. During my first year on the team I won the first round of the World Cup series in South Africa. I was having an amazing first season on a pro team. At the 6th round I crashed hard and was seriously injured, I broke my femur, collarbone and had some internal injuries. Within the same 12 months I would go on to break my collarbone 2 more times. Ever since the moment I had a pro ride I have never wanted and never have given less than the best I possibly can. I have battled fear, injury, disappointment, insecurity, and failure to get up, keep going and be competitive for the podium. For the past few years I have had constant full time coaching and a weekly training schedule, most of my off season is spent “not doing” things so that I don’t get injured, sprain something or lose the ability to be able to perform 100% in training. It has come to the point where I am not in a place to give entirely everything in me to this level of racing anymore. It is an extremely high stress environment and I have high expectations and put pressure on myself at every single race to perform. To be one of the best in the world consistently takes meticulous weekly preparation that lasts over a span of sometimes, several off-seasons. Each season you learn something new, something that you only have the chance to train for during the next training time, every race you go into details about what went right, what went wrong and how can I better myself. My ultimate goal in racing was to win a World Cup Overall Championship, I have done this and it is something I will never forget. I would have loved to win an elite World Title, each and every single World Champs I have raced I gave the most I could give on that day, in that run, for that moment. My World championship was Cairns 2017, even though I did my absolute best I didn’t take home the gold medal, but I felt the rainbow that day. I have only ever been on one Pro team and the UR Team is it. It has been an amazing 9 years racing World Cups with the team, we have been through extreme highs and lows, injuries and strengths, great times and the worst times, we’ve shed many tears and much champagne. I am so thankful to Fabien for giving me a chance 9 years ago and never giving up when I went through the worst injury of my career, bad results and emotional lows, he is the hardest worker I have ever met and has been the best team manager I could have asked for. Thank you to his wife Magalie, the second hardest worker I have ever met, thank you for being the most dedicated helper on the team. None of my results would have been a reality without teamwork. Thanks to all the staff past and present for making our dreams possible. This is not the end, I will continue riding next season, 2021 marks my 10th year with the UR Team and we are working on a program where I will continue racing at more fun events such as all Crankworx disciplines, Sea otter dual slalom, Masters of Dirt and other popular events. Hopefully the global health situation gets better and will allow me to engage with more riders and fans around the world. I'm also going to work on coaching to be able to transfer what I have learnt and help more riders to reach their full potential. Finally, I'm still planning on sending it and I'm going to work on some special media projects to show this aspect of my riding. |
Maxime Marotte & Cannondale Factory Racing Part Ways
Maxime Marotte announced in October that he will no longer be racing with the Cannondale Factory Racing XC team with his future 'not clear yet'.
| The last 4 years were just an incredible adventure and the accomplishment of a dream, being a factory pilot for an American legendary brand. I met truly good persons that will stay my friends forever. I will remember all the podiums together, the vibe inside the team, our camps in South Africa, all the Gin tonics we had... I just lived my dream, thanks for that. When I am looking back, I am proud of what we achieve as a team, proud of what we showed... not only by results but the way we inspired people to ride bikes. Since the decision 5 weeks ago, I had a challenging time mentally. When I am writing this post, my future is not clear yet (I will race bikes for sure) but every challenge in life is a great opportunity to grow as a person, to start something new. I am grateful for what we lived together, thanks Cannondale. |
Madison Saracen & Danny Hart to Part Ways at the End of the Year
Danny Hart and Madison Saracen will be parting ways at the end of this season after Madison announced on October 13 that it will not be renewing Danny Hart's contract.
Dominic Langan, CEO of Madison, said: "I would like to thank Danny for everything he brought to the team over the last three years and I wish him every success for the future."
Danny Hart said:
| All good things come to an end at some point, but not quite yet. I’m proud of the things we’ve achieved as a team, but let’s not forget there’s still time for more success in the upcoming races, and that’s what we’re focused on. Madison Saracen are bringing in some new riders and team members and hopefully setting themselves up for further success in the future, it's awesome to see. Obviously we’ve jumped the gun on ourselves a little with this news – for sure there’s exciting news to come from me in the near future, I’ll share more later this year. Thanks again for all the support, buzzing to be back racing. |
Must Read This Week
153 Comments
Do they all hire the same copywriter?
I get the 100% all in, go for it, mentality; but he's not doing himself any favors crashing out of races on a fairly regular basis. Races, that if he backed off just a bit, he would have finished with a Top 10 time at worst.
And yeah, I'm replying to you days later... sorry
The day after tomorrow we'll start seeing just how many of these racers have a ride and who lands where.
It's going to be an interesting 2021 season.
She barely acknowledged the existance of Trek Factoty Racing after a 12 year stint. #harsh
Hart to Cube (everyone knows).
Vergier Trek (everyone knows).
Katy Winton. Nt sure but she deserves a ride.
Panic forecasting to define some brands in 2021 and beyond, others more conservative seeking sustainable growth. No idea if this is affecting budgets or if it's a more pragmatic viewpoint regarding the newfound breadth of consumer segments who don't care about athletes.
Good athletes rock and are such an asset to brands.
Giant should have done whatever it took to keep him. Huge loss for them.
Batty to Canyon
Remi to santa cruz
Big S will save money when loris and bruni will share bunkbeds.........so much room for activities
Antwill or Jones Atherton racing
I don’t think it ended well last time.
You’re right about Specialized though!
The next move.....Dan Atherton will no longer be racing for Atherton bikes. ????????
Everyone's moving.
Retirement?