Brian Lopes To Manage Ibis' Enduro Domestic Race Team

Apr 29, 2018
by Ibis Cycles  
photo

PRESS RELEASE: Ibis Cycles

Four-time UCI World Champion, and winner of almost every kind of bike race you can think of, Brian Lopes has partnered with Ibis Cycles to launch a US domestic enduro racing team, along with support from DVO Suspension, G-Form Protection, WTB Tires and Saddles, ODI Grips, Wolf Tooth Components, Fox Racing, and Dynaplug.

photo
Essence Barton and her Ibis Mojo HD4. Photo Credit: Rob Trnka.

From 2008 through 2013 Lopes was an Ibis sponsored athlete, and now he returns in a new role as a team manager. The team is focused on contesting the California Enduro Series (CES), as well as some of the EWS Continental events. The roster includes: Evan Geankoplis 26, winner of the 2016 CES, and 2017 runner-up; Essence Barton 25, 2nd Overall in CES for both 2017 and 2016; rounding out the squad will be former U18 CES Champion, Paul Serra 18; and Lili Heim 17.

photo
Paul Serra joined won back to back U18 CES Championships before moving to the open class. Photo Credit: Rob Trnka.

bigquotesTom [Ibis President, Tom Morgan] and I were talking, and he said that he was interested in starting a domestic racing team to compliment their EWS team, but that he didn’t have the bandwidth to manage both the teams and Ibis. I’ve been working with athletes as a coach for a few years now and thought that it would be a way to share my experience with some younger riders and reconnect with Ibis.—Brian Lopes

photo
Lili Heim leaning into a corner on her way to the U18 win at the Sea Otter Enduro. Photo Credit: Rob Trnka.

bigquotesWe didn’t stop being friends when he stopped riding for Ibis. We’ve always stayed in touch and when the opportunity to work together again came up it just made so much sense. Working with our EWS team over the past few years has made it clear that we needed some way to search for and develop younger riders, and I don’t think there’s anyone who could better prepare young riders for the rigors of racing at the highest level than Brian.—Tom Morgan

photo
Brian Lopes has a proven track record as a coach, having worked with Supercross phenoms Cole Seely Jessy Nelson and others. Photo Credit: Rob Trnka.

Asked about riding for Ibis under the guidance of a legend like Lopes, Geankoplis said:

“I’ve worked at an Ibis dealer for over 5 years, and since the beginning of working with and riding Ibis has been a dream of mine. And I couldn't imagine having a better team manager than Brian Lopes. The guy has as much or more experience than anyone in the sport and is always there for us.”

photo
photo
The Ibis Cycles National Team will be racing the Ripmo and HD4 at Enduro races across the country. Photo Credit: Rob Trnka.

The team has already made its presence felt with Geankoplis winning the DVO Winter Gravity Series Enduro at Bootleg Canyon, Barton taking 2nd in the Women’s Pro Enduro at the Sea Otter Classic, and Heim winning the U18 Sea Otter enduro race. Look for them to continue slaying the field starting with CES #1 at Toro Park on May 26th.

MENTIONS: @ibiscycles


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113 Comments
  • 206 2
 This move ought to pack a punch.
  • 9 3
 I salute you, sir.
  • 52 2
 Today's class is podium etiquette 101, kids.
  • 29 17
 Joking aside, if I was a company I'd be super nervous about having someone with these type of anger issues manage people. I don't think Lopes is a chronic brawler or anything, but the dude has some tude, for better or worse and still carries racing credibility.
  • 12 4
 was about to post something like "Looks like Ibis cleared out three parking handicap spots for Lopes" but i see pb beat me to the punch with that headline.
  • 3 2
 @djyosh: and the 1st lesson of podium etiquette is dont do the superman. One hand up thanking crowd, other arm on person next to you(or holding trophy/check)
  • 44 44
 @PHeller: I don’t see an anger issue. He told Kabush he didn’t want to be sprayed and Kabush chased him and did it anyway, which legally is a battery. Lopez responded. If it was a girl who said no and responded the same way, I am pretty sure people would have said good for her standing up to being bullied. Why is it different here?
  • 16 8
 @carym: they were messing around. you never messed with a friend and then had them chase you around all in the name of fun? lopes just takes himself way too seriously
  • 6 5
 @carym: Like I said, I don't think Lopes is a bad dude who chronically gets into fights, but he's always been known as a wildcard. A tough competitor, a vocal personality, an opinionated dude (pot calling kettle black here). Even from a business perspective, he went from Intense to Ellsworth to Ibis all in the span of a few years. I'd have a hard time getting hired if I job hopped that often. Those early departures might signal to potential customers that the product isn't good, or that those companies don't properly support riders. Either he way, if he can impart some of his skill and determination on these younger competitors they'll do well and so will Ibis.
  • 12 4
 @carym: Battery??? Cmon dude, be for real
  • 11 28
flag carym (Apr 30, 2018 at 9:49) (Below Threshold)
 @Ryanrobinson1984: Yes, battery. It is defined in most states as an unwanted touching, which this was.
  • 15 12
 @cuban-b: In short, no. Don’t like play fighting, don’t like being touched, and don’t like people spraying me with stuff. My friends don’t do those things, but if they did, I would expect them to respect my saying don’t do it to me.
  • 11 2
 @carym: nah ryan is right, be for real. calling it battery is hyperbolic and wouldn't stand up in court. you realize people deal with actual assault and battery that cause physical and emotional damage? you equating being sprayed with champagne to that belittles the word.
  • 14 10
 @carym: because pink bike commentators have an irrational hatred for Lopes. Not sure if it's his success, speed or the fact he probably doesn't care what they say or think that drives them so nuts.
  • 2 1
 @carym wow dude my bad i guess
  • 12 6
 @PHeller: harden the f*ck up, as if you've never lost your temper give the guy a break
  • 14 19
flag carym (Apr 30, 2018 at 11:17) (Below Threshold)
 @jtayabji: I suggest your read what a battery is. Here is an example from the California Uniform Jury Instructions: www.justia.com/criminal/docs/calcrim/800/960.html

I’m glad you don’t believe it would stand up in Court, I feel confident it would, but I have only been a trial attorney for 20 years, so you may have more litigation experience than I do.
  • 6 11
flag forkguardian (Apr 30, 2018 at 11:24) (Below Threshold)
 @carym: dude, you're just being salty af now. if you're gonna suggest what i do with my time, i'm gonna suggest you get your head back to reality. being a trial attorney or having litigation experience doesn't mean you are an expert of all legal matters and it doesn't mean you're an expert in battery. oh and seriously? an attorney should know the importance of the difference between lopez and lopes. i doubt you even know how to pronounce his last name, so your opinion doesn't hold weight here.
  • 9 1
 @carym: oh relax we're just trying to have a little fun here. no need to whip out the penal code Smile
  • 9 0
 @carym: oh and i just read what battery is. it's "a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections provided to power electrical devices such as flashlights, smartphones, and electric cars." SO WE'RE BOTH WRONG!
  • 8 4
 @cuban-b: ya cuz traveling home in sticky wet clothes is so much fun..f with the bull u get the horns
  • 13 0
 tough crowd!

cmon guys - penal code. whip it out. get it? nobody? Frown
  • 16 0
 Can we all just agree based on this thread to make fun of lawyers now instead of dentists? I mean this is begging for it...
  • 3 0
 @jtayabji: well played sir, well played.
  • 3 0
 @carym:

if someone was to pull that crap, it would be very obvious that they were not really friends in the first place.
  • 2 0
 Lesson 1. How to park
  • 2 1
 Lopes for president build a wall ride
  • 85 6
 Lopes: So kids if you park the team van right across two spots you will have lots of room to lay out all your kit and walk around shirtless.
Ibis Domestic Rider: But isn't taking up two spots wrong? It means someone else won't be able to park there.
Lopes: You're off the team.
  • 13 52
flag bvd453 (Apr 30, 2018 at 8:34) (Below Threshold)
 Way to keep using the oldest and most tired joke on this website!
  • 44 0
 @bvd453: Nah, it doesn't even rank in the top three, which are:

1. Session
2. Specialized suing somebody/something
3. 28.99, which, time-wise, isn't that old and tired, yet seems like it's been around for decades.
  • 9 0
 @TheR: i agree. Lopes jokes are like #7 and 8 on the tired joke rankings. #4 is no water bottle
  • 4 0
 @TheR: nah, ur #3 isnt that popular.
Maybe water bottles stays..
  • 5 0
 Kudos to Ibis for mentioning as much in their graphic.
  • 1 2
 @bikewriter: That one went way over my head and took awhile to land!
  • 32 1
 @TheR: No one mentions Norbs? Damn robbed again Frown
  • 58 4
 When I was in Whistler for Crankworx 2 years ago I met so many Pro riders who were all super nice. And I also met Brian Lopes.
  • 7 0
 annnnnd theeeeennnnnn.....?
  • 8 0
 @scott-townes: NO ANDTHEN!
  • 3 0
 2 years ago...was that when was "Intensehole" or "Ellshole?"

Thank you! Goodnight everyone! I'll be at Pechanga in 2 weeks!
  • 1 0
 @uphill-blues: *Pachanga, according to my friend who attended Brandeis.
  • 47 0
 Lopes leaving Ellsworth will probably effect their expected bike sale.
  • 3 0
 LOL, wish I could like this more than once Razz
  • 5 0
 The one they were planning to sell next year? Because I think they already met their sale goal for this year.
  • 1 6
flag jdigdog (Apr 30, 2018 at 9:37) (Below Threshold)
 I thought lopes had gone to YT??
  • 4 0
 @jdigdog: that could mess with Gwin's chill. Not cool.
  • 2 0
 * gets dropped by Ellsworth
  • 2 1
 @jdigdog: That was Schley. Different Laguna resident.
  • 29 0
 Good on Ibis for backing American racing! It's awesome to see the recent push to get it going again.
  • 30 0
 They will certainly dominate with an iron fist.
  • 17 0
 I have spent a lot of time riding/shooting and hanging with Lopes and I think these concerns are completely over stated. I have been out to lunch with him and his son and watched him care for his son when he bumped his head. He is a great Dad and seems to always do completely right by young riders. He punched a guy after he said to him, 'if you pour champagne on me I am going to punch you'. He is also still unbelievably talented and is a really intelligent and well spoken guy. He certainly is extraordinarily competitive but we often revere athletes with such a trait. Kobe Bryant comes to mind... I think he has a lot to offer, a lot more than most professional riders. Stoked for Brian and know he will do a great job!
  • 8 0
 I had a nice conversation with BL at the top of Meadows a couple of weeks ago as he was preparing for a G- Form photo shoot. We discussed snakes, weekend traffic, awareness bells and other normal stuff. He was cordial and pleasant. Asked questions of us. And he did write the book on mtb technique, so there's that.
  • 3 6
 Yeah but has he learned how to park yet?
  • 24 10
 The bro-brah group think prevalent in MTB culture is nauseating. Have you ever had a direct interaction with BL? Has his podium behavior ruin your summer or make your dog run away? Bottom line is he's incredibly fast, fit, and has a proven professional record on the bike. The number of bitter people melting about this release is laughable. I READ BL WAS MEAN ON THE INTERNET SO IM GOING TO CRY ABOUT IT AND I HATE HIM!!!!!
  • 8 11
 I’m just salty I paid six grand for a bike with Deore brakes that had the paint flake off it. Seems like Ibis could spend their funds in different ways than supporting this clown.
  • 4 2
 BL has ignored my greetings at trailheads countless times. I may be butt-hurt but I believe the hype...
  • 7 1
 You can be all those things and not be a dick (see Wade Simmons).
  • 14 0
 That photo of Essence is hilarious.
  • 18 4
 Ibis, you couldn’t have picked a nicer guy...oh wait.
  • 11 2
 I'm amazed at how much of Brian's talent, backed up with a solid resume to prove his accomplishments, is looked down because of a perceived "attitude problem". Really? The guy completed his rather lengthy career doing his job better than the majority in the bike world yet his intensity is what brings him down multiple in the eyes of those who call him a "dick". Unreal. This sounds like an argument "roadies" banter about along with their piss-poor attitudes during a ride while being the worst ambassadors on two wheels. Roadies are the definition of dicks on two wheels and really turn people off to cycling. Brian's resume cements his strengths in the MTB world as a strong competitor AND a guy who did his job better than well, with a smile every time I've seen the guy. I met Brian at a SoCal Snow Summit Enduro event where he cleaned up as a Pro and could not have been cooler and nicer. Can't please everyone all of the time. Why should he even try?
  • 16 3
 BL still shows up and smokes people and races.
  • 12 1
 Maybe some boxing for crosstraining??
  • 9 1
 This cat is over 40 and beating guys in their mid twenties in their prime at enduro races. Say what you will, but lopes is a freaking beast
  • 2 0
 Make that 46 and destroying most!
  • 5 0
 A lot of times the greatest athlete does not make the best manager/coach/executive.

Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Mike Singletary...
I know that there are differences between team, endurance, and extreme sports, but I think if you are a supreme talent, then the details and nuisances less talents have to work hard at are lost.
  • 9 3
 Brian has a proven track record as a coach. He's worked with Supercross athletes like Jessy Nelson and Cole Seely.
  • 3 1
 @Circe: perhaps, but there is a big difference between prescribing workouts in the gym or in the bike, and advising techniques, strategies, etc.
  • 7 1
 @ReformedRoadie: I don't know. The guy has won everything there is to win and he's made a career for himself that extends well outside of racing. He clearly knows how to promote himself.
  • 5 1
 Lopes started racing enduro , just as it was getting to be known world wide. Sometimes being a pro in anything puts extra stress on people and this rubs off onto others the wrong way. I wish him and the Ibis team the best....nice bikes to choose from....nothing beats a threaded bottom bracket Smile
  • 7 1
 DVO - my next suspension company. Good to see they are making moves.
  • 2 0
 DVO is so hot right now... DVO.
  • 7 1
 Will this wake Charlie Sponsel from his slumber?
  • 2 0
 I sure hope so. Without Team Robot, I'm at a loss for what to hate. Down-country bikes? 30-second sells? start lists with protected riders? Cmon Charlie!
  • 5 0
 pb comments section never disappoints
  • 17 11
 Lopes is a dick!
  • 2 2
 I like your style. Short and to the point.
FWIW, You can really tell he’s passionate about bikes by his tenacity to keep dicking around. If everyone where I worked openly said they didn’t like me, I sure as sh!t would find something else to do. Or maybe I just wouldn’t be a dick anymore? There’s a book I read my three year-old when he has a bad day. It’s called Billy Bully: a school-yard counting tale. Maybe someone should read it to him. Improvise as Brain Bully...?
  • 4 2
 Lili Heim is fucking pinned...she'll be a name you'll be hearing a lot in the future. Evan Geankoplis is also fucking pinned, going to be a Top 10 EWS guy. You heard it here first folks.
  • 6 1
 Lopes to do something: No one to care
  • 5 2
 I've never met Lopes, but he does not come off well in the press. I see him as the Guy Fieri of mtb...skilled, successful, does help others, but douchey and full of himself.
  • 3 0
 Evaluations should take place at the END of the season. Give the guy a break, let him do his job, and share some of the race knowledge he has with younger riders.
  • 14 14
 Serious question: why am I supposed to care about Lopes? Why does the bike media like him so much?

Ibis would be better served putting their money in to improving the fit and finish of their frames instead of paying Lopes mortgage.
  • 5 5
 He was a big time pro racer back in the 90s so i think the industry feels like they owe him something. as a mtb enthusiast and amateur analyst, i think lopes is borderline un-sponsorable purely based on his public image and lack of activity since retiring from racing. Palmer has more sponsor power at this point.
  • 10 1
 @cuban-b: I'm no super fan of Lopes (he's been ok in our interactions albeit cocky) but the guy also has recent accomplishments racing Enduro. Rip him where it's due... but some credit is deserved as well.
  • 2 0
 @wibblywobbly Lopes is long past having a mortgage dude!
  • 3 0
 Essence looks like she is doing a sweet sad plant...if anyone remembers what that is.
  • 1 0
 10 points extra if ya can answer why its called a sad plant?
  • 1 0
 @stacykohut: Because it originated at...Sadlands yo! That spot was epic looking back on it. Lots of early grabbing going on back then.
  • 2 0
 @eurojuice: you get those extra bonus points plus a nice ol vhs treat................


www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdMNIucEfiY


lester kasai!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I remember my manager at this bike shop helping out lopes’ wife big time. Saved them tons of money.
Didn’t even bring in a six pack.
She brought in a signed poster.
Pretty much sums up the Lopes’ I’d say.
  • 4 1
 ryan hughes of the bike world?
  • 2 0
 I see Essence out in my local neck of the woods in TO. She hammers up Rosewood Trail!
  • 4 2
 I wish Maxxis would bring his tire back!
  • 1 0
 Bling Bling!
  • 2 0
 Why did he leave Ibis in the first place?
  • 1 1
 Intense made him a better offer?
  • 2 1
 @herzalot: He went from Ibis to Ellsworth and then back to Ibis in a year. Just seems weird.
  • 1 0
 @Trouterspace: No. He went from Ibis to Intense (2 years at least) to Ellsworth (1 year) back to Ibis. Lots not to like about Ellsworth, so I'm not surprised.
  • 3 1
 So he's gonna teach sportsmenship? ROFL
  • 6 5
 Hopefully the attitude will not rub off on the youngsters...
  • 2 5
 how does this all roll with Lopes Ellsworth sponsorship?
  • 8 0
 He's off Ellsworth and back on Ibis.
  • 1 0
 He’s on xfusion’s site as a sponsored rider too. . . . . . DVO ?
  • 7 0
 @Trudeez: he got his "mojo" back.
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