Aaron Gwin Joins Commentary Line-Up for First 4 DH World Cups

May 1, 2024
by Sarah Moore  
photo

The UCI Mountain Bike World Series have confirmed that five-time UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner Aaron Gwin will be a part of the commentary line-up for the first four DHI rounds, including Fort William in Scotland this weekend, Bielsko Biala, Poland May 17-19, Leogang, Austria June 7-9, and Val di Sol, Italy June 14-16.

The 36-year-old Californian will also be an official Downhill Ambassador for the series.

Gwin spent 10 months off his DH bike due to an elbow injury sustained at the the Lenzerheide World Cup last June. He said three weeks ago that, he still need "some time to get the elbow strong enough to do full laps on rougher trails, but it’s a start."

After Val di Sol, he plans on returning to racing with his new team, Gwin Racing.

bigquotesI’m really excited to come on board as a DHI Ambassador for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and join Ric McLaughlin in the commentary box for the first four UCI World Cup rounds of the downhill season. I hope to give the fans additional insight into what is going through a rider’s mind as they navigate each race and what it’s like to be on the other side of the tape.—Aaron Gwin




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Racing and Events World Cup DH Aaron Gwin Fort William World Cup Dh 2024


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122 Comments
  • 121 1
 Tiz very good news indeed!!!
  • 10 0
 tiz the season Wink
  • 6 0
 @slayerdegnar:... to go racing, tra la la la la, la la la laaaa.
  • 1 0
 We like it TIZ Way on DH Highway.
  • 3 1
 Tits indeed!
  • 1 0
 For sure...
Get it?
It's what Aaron always says.
  • 85 0
 Cedric is probably a nice dude, and I wish him no ill will, but I don't think commentary was the right place for him. Have they confirmed that he's not in place for this season?
  • 40 0
 He's doing the French broadcast.
  • 26 2
 Id rather no commentary than listen to Cedric try and be like Rob Warner.
  • 13 0
 @tbubier: in my opinion his french commentary is actually pretty good
  • 8 0
 @Lookinforit: agree, and for the ones who dont know, he's been doing it in FR for ages as well
  • 7 4
 @Lookinforit: I thought Cedric was awesome
  • 2 1
 Its not even CGs commentary, its Rics that's the worst. Looking forward to Gwin commentating again though!
  • 1 0
 @chris-pagan: I actually don't mind Ric at all as the professional commentator, with the subject matter expert commentator partner commentating with him (Gwin). I feel like it's a good dynamic that's used regularly in other sports.

And yeah, I'm sure Cedric is fine as a french language commentator.
  • 1 0
 @jayacheess: Yeah I just don't like Rics commentary, doesn't do rider research or even bike research which is a bit of a let down! I knew more about Troys bar stabilization thing last year, he didn't even know what it is! I'm glad Gwin is back!
  • 65 18
 ROB WARNER.! how many more times. Please. It is half as good without him.
  • 72 3
 He works for RedBull. Unless his employment end there he will not be commentating. This is not a complex thing to understand…
  • 6 0
 @wolftwenty1: you're not wrong
  • 33 4
 Rob's current job is really good for him, his life, and his future endeavors. As much as the broadcast isn't close to as good without him there, I honestly don't want that Discovery BS mess to spill over into Rob's life, he's in a good place right now.
  • 9 3
 @mammal: Come off it if they said a couple of weeks ago that he was commentating the World Cups we'd all be well chuffed.
  • 14 0
 Rob said himself he won't come back under its current format or ownership. Let it go already... He has.
  • 2 0
 @OlSkoolJake: yeah
  • 2 0
 @Normalfanofolk: After looking listening to a podcast that thoroughly dove into the things he's doing with Redbull, and how Redbull basically caters to his personal needs for succeeding at his job (and also as a human being) I would honestly wonder why he was switching back.
  • 6 1
 Well, seems I am that guy… personally, I like Gwin’s subdued and analytic commentary way better than Warner’s pre-scripted jokes and “look at the time” shouting.
  • 2 0
 @mammal: I know all that. Just being selfish.
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: same I'm a gwin fan, well chuffed he's on there. Better for it.
  • 1 2
 @wolftwenty1: Thank you for mansplaining.

Everything can be done, if there's a will to do it.
  • 2 2
 @mammal: Yeah, but... at the same time, it was pretty obvious in the podcast that Rob really misses commentating, as it was a huge and important part of his life for many years, and it also helped channel his ADHD into something concrete.
  • 40 0
 Fantastic news. Now we can only hope Ric will let him talk this time.
  • 15 0
 Well, we know Aaron won't say "Val di SoleTrentino-Alto Adige every chance he gets".
  • 2 0
 Came here just to say that.
  • 2 0
 @suspended-flesh: Italy!
  • 30 0
 Let him talk this time.
  • 29 1
 Thank you sweet 8lb 6oz little baby Jesus. I can actually watch it now.
  • 23 1
 I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt cause is says like "I wanna be formal, but I'm here to party too."
  • 20 1
 Stoked to hear Gwin is doing this but... whoever knows where the pirated version is gonna be - lay it on us. I'm not up for dropping $140 on 7 races... its not really that costly, but the purveyors of Shark Week, Ancient Aliens, and Pawn Stars ain't getting my cash. Also loved that today on Downtime podcast - Jackson Goldstone himself didn't even know how he was gonna watch it from CAN. UCI is an effin' mess.

Lets also hope that Whoever Edited the Porn Sex Slapping bike landings at Fork William last year (and yes that was W-Champs and not WC) was hung backwards on a whaling hook and no one will be treated to that type of insulting, added sound effect - paid or pirated this year.
  • 6 4
 I have full access with my existing max subscription without having to do any add ons. It’s 15.99 per month. Max has lots of good movies and shows as well. I have had max for years so it’s basically free compared to last year.
  • 2 0
 @Struggleteam: there is a deal now that’s 9.99 per month. So it’s 60 bucks all in.
  • 2 0
 If you have one of the Amazon Firesticks with IPTV or SmartersPlayer on, then you can get Eurosport on that
  • 1 0
 Not sure if you get that in the states but here in the UK it’s a thing, if you got the right WhatsApp contact
  • 7 0
 @Struggleteam: Nice try Warner Brothers PR team!
  • 4 3
 @succulentsausage: not trying to do anything. Just spitting facts and letting people know that it ain’t as bad as all these cry babies make it out to be. I don’t care what corporate cock shaft the uci is riding. I love the sport and I’m glad it will be cheaper to watch than last year.
  • 4 3
 @Struggleteam: "free compared to last year". Is this Household Economics for Dummies?
  • 4 0
 @mi-bike: did you read? I have had max for years. It’s the only streaming service I pay for. So I don’t need to add anything. Last year I paid for gcn + and max ya dummy.
  • 2 0
 @Struggleteam: appreciate the info, have had max and was unsure how the upgrading would go
  • 3 0
 Has anyone been successful using Max + VPN from Canada? Seems marginally better than Flo.
  • 3 0
 @Struggleteam: Same here - I didn't even know we already had HBO Max BR (I don't watch a lot of TV) and I watched the women's XCO races from Brasil to check it out and it was fine. Last year I paid 8.99 monthly/off and on for GCN+ - don't need to this year. Plus Max has MotoGP, FIA Endurance racing and most likely some other stuff I might watch if I'm bored. A net gain from last year for me.
  • 2 0
 @Struggleteam: Hey, I'm a world class crybaby & hyperbole spitter...don't ruin it for me! I don't have Max, not a cable or much of a tv type except for bike stuff - and still not exactly sure how this could go down. While I'm still bummed about semi's (seriously, just effing dumb) and plenty about what uci / discover has done to "bring mtb to the world"... I'd consider watching something afordable. I thought the deal was you had to subscribe to Max (or similar) and THEN add on the whatever Shark / Aliens / Bigfoot app to be able to watch downhill (?) Gwin is worth hearing - even if he does talk about himself in plural all the time...
  • 2 0
 @wolftwenty1: Do tell. I have a roku but I dont' subscribe to anything. The current $95/month for internet access alone (monopoly here) is plenty for entertainment so it seems logical uci or Shark Week could just offer a simple online streaming from the uci site (or whatever)... they make is so effin' convoluted instead... far as I can tell.I realize I'm spitting in the wind on that - its too easy and straighforward to work
  • 2 0
 @Mtn-Goat-13: Can't you use a VPN set to the EU somewhere and get a GCN+ monthly account? If I were you I'd probably just go full pirate. Someone always posts a streaming link in the various WC posts just before the race. Just clean yourself up afterwards.....
  • 2 0
 @Struggleteam: HOLY SHIT dude. I had no idea... never clicked their sports link to see what's there.
Thank you!! That's awesome...
  • 4 0
 Ancient Aliens is a great show. What's your problem?
  • 1 0
 @Kersh: Could you elaborate on that, good Sir?
  • 2 0
 @stiingya: no prob! I was pleasantly surprised as well. Stoked for some racing!
  • 1 0
 @suspended-flesh: Wait... I thought GCN+ doesn't have World Cups for this year...?
  • 4 0
 @Mtn-Goat-13: just go to the max website. Subscribe and add on sports package which is free now. In 6 month cancel. 60 bucks to watch every race and get other content that’s possibly interesting.

Don’t let the trolls tell you otherwise, it’s a better deal this year in the US
  • 2 0
 @wolftwenty1: Will check it - much obliged and if Gwin's on and Cedric "He's FAST !!!" endless puppydog comments are off - the finals could be worth sub'ing to for that amount. (And as an admitted semi-troll myself, though one that can be talked off my cliffs, I appreciate it).
  • 1 0
 @Mtn-Goat-13: sports package free is (at least when I signed up a few weeks ago) for new users only so may need to get creative with email accounts as an FYI
  • 1 0
 @suspended-flesh: check wolftwenty1's comment below about adding max. Seems easier overall (I thought GCN got nuked or went belly up for bike content?) Dunno if this will work but I'm willing to try... but not for semis! Can't believe they left that in but whatever, I'll just catch the finals.. if the Max sub w/ sports add on works.
  • 2 0
 @wolftwenty1: word - appreciate the tip (esp after what a shitshow last year was)
  • 3 0
 @Mtn-Goat-13: Max isn't currently charging for the Bleacher Report add on. They don't say how long it will be free so enjoy it while you can.
  • 2 0
 @MuddyFoxCourierComp: Right?! Open the Stargate
  • 1 0
 @nohairnoair: how do I insert heavy metal fingers emoji here... damn, I'm actually excited now vs. having watched the near total visible history of downhill and being bummed the TV equivalent of Ward Cleaver now has the rights to it but isn't making it easy (or fun) to watch, mostly...
  • 1 0
 @Mtn-Goat-13: :horns:.....that didn't work. There's always the \m/
  • 1 0
 @nohairnoair: Max has all the listings for Ft Bill listed - hope BR stays free!
  • 1 0
 @Struggleteam: Thanks again! That track is just amazing this year...
  • 15 0
 but will this raise or drop his fantasy valuation
  • 14 1
 Best news we've heard yet for the season. Gwinning.
  • 8 0
 Great news. Aaron is so good at adding rider insights on the track and course. He is awesome at commenting. Would love to see him race again when hes ready!
  • 7 0
 Interesting. Big fan of Aaron and his career. Curious if this is him slowly retiring out of actual racing and just diving into team management and branding... ?
  • 31 0
 His injury/arm is not 100%. People who still have lingering injuries usually wait until world champs to re-enter. No point in riding at ~99% in a single event before champs and getting injured again and missing champs.

Gwin has been on the back end of his career for a bit now (I guess just by comparison to his results history)... But he's just doing whatever he wants. As usual. Do some ridin, run a team, run a bike park, run a race, etc. Man has a searing hatred of boredom.
  • 1 0
 his recent podcast on vital is worth a listen.
  • 7 0
 He can clearly ride ok now but not race. They should get him to do the course preview too. Or at least let him on the track for a couple practice runs.
  • 8 0
 Now just get rid of this Ric geezer, absolutely no personality and a poor fit for commentary.
  • 4 0
 Wow....some people don't read about whats going on at all. This article and the video clearly state what Gwin is doing for racing and also what Garcia is doing for commentary. I also think that Rick has come along way and is very engaged and professional as a commentator. But definitely needs a legend along side.
  • 9 1
 Thank god
  • 7 0
 The should get Aaron to do the French commentary, see how they like it.
  • 5 0
 Man that is awesome news! He was great last year and I loved the insider, racer based insights he gave.
  • 2 0
 Tbh they need to clip Ric

He can barely ride, says the same shit over and over about every rider….his commentary just plain sucks.

Say what you will about Cedric, but at least he’s a legend of the sport. Ric adds nothing to the broadcast.

stoked to see AG return, he did a great job and fills that role very well. Now just need a genuine hype man who isn’t annoying everyone the way Cedric did.
  • 4 0
 Double edged sword. Great news for us bad news for the man himself. Heal up ! Get strong and meanwhile we benefit.
  • 4 0
 welp, wasn't going to buy hbo max but now I will...
  • 4 0
 looks like im watching the first 4 rounds
  • 2 0
 Would love to catch Cedric on the french commentary. It was just to fast pace for him to be sharp on the English side of things. Cedric is the man!
  • 2 1
 Great for the coverage this. Always wondered though why people refer to him as Gwin, but all the other racers on first name basis.
  • 3 0
 Well, There are 3 Pierrons, but there is only 1 Gwin.
  • 3 0
 @Telebikes: are there other Aarons?
  • 11 0
 Why do they call Brendog Brendog, when there are so many other dogs on the track?
  • 1 0
 Greg? Minnaar?
  • 2 0
 I wish he could be in between the tape, but this is the next best thing for us!
  • 3 0
 Now I will pay to watch...that sealed the deal!!!!
  • 1 0
 Just imagine Aaron Gwin actually saying that quote up there lol, no way he actually said that. But I'm sure he mostly agrees with the sentiment, ha.
  • 2 0
 On the bike is our preferred place but you are a welcome addition to the booth gwin!
  • 2 0
 Cedric is a legend and all, but he is terrible at live commentary. Rick will do much better with Aaron.
  • 2 0
 Well lets hope its as unchained as his riding
  • 2 1
 something something discovery something something Rob Warner
  • 4 2
 No mention of Cedric?
  • 5 0
 Shuuu!
  • 7 0
 I love how nobody is watching the IG post lol. Cedric will be doing the French commentary for the rounds where Aaron is doing English. After those 4 is up, they've not made it clear if he returns or if more changes are to come.
  • 2 1
 @lepigpen: who still uses Insta in 2024...
  • 2 1
 @OlSkoolJake: Companies/influencers, sadly. I feel the same way brother... Bring back MySpace! I wanna put Gwin in my top 8.........
  • 1 0
 @OlSkoolJake: Anyone who wants to find out where the underground metal shows are.
  • 2 0
 This is amazing!
  • 1 0
 Was not going to subscribe, now I might?? Thanks Gwin!
  • 1 0
 This is great news! He is a natural and so insightful.
  • 1 0
 Boom. Race fans winning bigly.
  • 2 0
 Sad that not racing
  • 1 0
 Woot woot!
  • 1 0
 Pleased to know!
  • 1 3
 So is Aaron racing this weekend? Also, on a side note I believe Cedric use to do the French feed back when Redbull broadcasted the races.
  • 2 0
 I just reread the release, sounds like he’s taking the first four rounds off. I need to update my fantasy team!
  • 2 0
 @charmingbob: I had him in my first draft also thinking he might be a low price point scorer. I had removed him prior to this announcement though.
  • 1 0
 Gwin is the man!
  • 1 0
 Hurray!
  • 1 0
 How about Gwin and Rob?!
  • 1 1
 #Bring Rob Warner back! Make downhill great again!
  • 3 5
 You are off my team bud! Great for the sport. Too bad I'm not going to pay to watch.
  • 4 7
 Who?
  • 4 0
 I'll upvote you for well played sarcasm... If it's not though, may you be blighted with a thousand punctures.
  • 1 0
 @bigtim: I won't hold it against you for not knowing, but there ain't no Mountains in the Midwest, only hills.
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