Video: Survival Of The Fastest - Pinkbike Academy Season 2 EP 4

Nov 11, 2021
by Pinkbike Originals  




PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY

SEASON 2, EPISODE 4



This time on Pinkbike Academy the contestants compete in a gruelling cross-country style race, with a twist. Who will have the endurance to come out on top? Watch and find out.


PREVIOUSLY

Did you miss the previous episodes from Season 2 of Pinkbike Academy? Watch them here.


If you'd competed in this challenge, whose wheel do you think you would have been on?




The eight remaining contestants get ready for an XC challenge.

Kyra gritting her teeth on one of three XC laps.
Laura focused on getting to the top of the gruelling climb.

Flo trying to catch her breath on the descent.

Emmett taking in all the air he can get.
Bradley deep in the pain cave.

Geoff Gulevich making light work of the heinous climb on his eMTB.

As Cody and Flo can attest, there's nothing worse than suffering and being lapped by an eMTBer... Who gave you a ten-minute head start.

Photos by Chris Pilling. Pinkbike Academy Season 2
It's never an easy decision to decide who has to go home.





Pinkbike Academy Season 2 is available on all of your devices through the Outside app or website, as well as on the Pinkbike YouTube channel.








Official Location Partner of Pinkbike Academy @bikebigwhite

Huge thanks to the brands who made this show possible!
Monster Hydro, Orbea, Shimano, Fox Racing, Fox Factory, Maxxis, Garmin,
Funn, Ride Concepts, Hyperice, Big White, Trailforks, ODI, WPL, and Granite.


Posted In:
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313 Comments

  • 412 1
 Disappointing to see Tori getting taken out last week only to keep both Alaina and Cody on.
  • 73 1
 THIS @pinkbike
  • 205 0
 #Torigotrobbed
  • 32 0
 Came here to say this.
  • 76 0
 No way tori is dfl on this challenge and no way does she dial up the excuse-o-meter like Cody. Why’s she gone again? Because she laid it down on the same corner others did? Scratching my head here.

And didn’t they say it was based on effort? Not on speed? Or what they said the elimination ceremony “greatest difference between you and the competition”
  • 14 0
 Don't worry, soon they will be eliminated too
  • 39 3
 Based on the FTP challenge, Tori likely would have stood a solid chance of winning the women's category for this XC race. It's almost like someone had agenda to get rid of her so early...
  • 52 0
 Bring Tori back…to three months ago when this was filmed.
Seriously though, props to Kyra for basically having a heart attack for 3 laps.
  • 37 0
 They keep them on because he we all are (including me) getting our outrage-o-meter revved up, which in turn creates more engagement (comments and views) for the series, which in turn creates more ad revenue. It's the nature of the beast nowadays.
  • 7 11
flag tdhr (Nov 13, 2021 at 8:30) (Below Threshold)
 Affirmative action. Cody should've been gone on day 1.
  • 2 1
 @GBeard: You nailed it! This is become dumb down, mainstream crap now.
  • 1 0
 What a sham
  • 2 2
 Agree 100%. Tori would make a great brand ambassador unlike some of the other contestants. Disappointing that Emmett and Bradley are the only two contestants with any real chance of progressing onto podiums at EWS level. There are other good riders, Flo, Cameron, Laura and Tori but they just aren't quick enough. This is a much better series but the contestants were stronger last time round.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I was yelling at the show about this.
  • 1 0
 @barry9559: Actually... Flo finished sixth in Chile EWS in 2018, and has won many Andes Pacifico. So I think she has the level to compete at a high level in EWS.
  • 1 0
 @maxdtp: She is a great rider and has had the best results to date there is no doubt about that, but she is 10y older than the other riders and has competed at EWS level since 2014. I stand by my comment I think it is less likely she will progress to the top than Emmett or Bradley.
Even in Chile she was over 4 minutes back from Ravanel. I think Emmett and Bradley are young enough to make the progression :- Emmett might have only finished 7th in U21 at his last EWS (Finale) but he was within only 2 mins off Jack Moir's winning time. You can see it in their times vs. the secret pro, Emmett beat the pro earlier in the series if you add back the time penalty Cody gave him.
It's hard to argue that it's easier to see a 19 year old just making his way onto the main series finding 2 minutes than it is a 28 year old with a good few seasons behind her finding 4 minutes.
But as we know being a pro isn't just about being quick these days so wouldn't surprise me if she won this competition regardless.
  • 1 0
 @barry9559: only 2 mins off Jack moir isn't "only"
  • 1 0
 @Edendino: It's less than four minutes!
  • 1 0
 @barry9559: you can't compare the women's field to the men's field. The gap between Ravanel to the other women is something we never had in the men's field. cecil Ravanel was even faster than some men. Now, since she isn't racing, we don't see those time gaps in the women's field.
  • 1 0
 @Edendino: Okay... 2019 she raced four times (at EWS) and was 3 mins, 6 mins, 4 mins and 3 mins back from the leader (with no Ravanel). All more than the two minutes I mentioned for Emmett above. Really not sure what is so controversial here... surely saying a 19 year old rookie finding 2 minutes is more probable than a 28 y.o. experienced racer finding 4 minutes is a pretty logical opinion. Even if the the time gaps were identical it would be logical to say there is a greater probability of the younger rider making the progression as they mature and gain from experience. Even the fact they have time on their side supports this theory.
  • 299 1
 Did you….just complain about the size of your pillow?
  • 53 4
 E-biker concerns
  • 45 0
 Having overcoma obstacles like that, the win is his for the taking.
  • 60 1
 Right? His pillow didnt seem to small the night before the slalom..
  • 128 2
 During 30 years of racing I've never won my category. At least now I can sleep easy knowing it's been my pillow's fault.
  • 110 2
 ...and his shorts. I have as many excuses as the next person, but as a grown up capable of international travel and dressing oneself I can sort out my pillow and get the right size pants (that he would have gotten to handpick) so those don't make it on the list. Even Alaina got him on that. And Flo is just straight up "wtf dude".

I have trouble sleeping knowing Cody is out there complaining about how unprepared he is because he doesn't have his blanky and he picked the wrong size pants.

Unrelated, like Flo, I'm not sure why he held back his ride and went into cheerleader mode with everyone in this episode. Something is amiss...
  • 96 0
 @iammarkstewart: The first interview snippet from Flo almost seemed like Cody had prearranged that he was going to latch onto her. Maybe that's just a dialogue we didn't get to see? Still no idea why he chose to do that. I also am unsure how I feel about the constant encouragement from a fellow competitor mid race. Seems......weird.
  • 9 0
 10 out of 10
  • 141 0
 @bryannn: Flow showed amazing constraint not telling Cody to eff off. She deserves the win based on this performance alone.
  • 63 1
 0 elimination and 1 immunity granted This show is showing it's Canadian
  • 20 0
 @bryannn: I saw the same thing. My assumption is that he did not feel well about the challenge and decided that he needed someone to help set his pace for him. I think it was more of a push for himself that it was of he pushing Flo.
  • 13 0
 The struggle is REAL. Pillows can make or break you.
  • 8 0
 @iammarkstewart: I think he has learned that attitude is being considered. Also it gives him an excuse not to push too hard.
  • 2 0
 First world problems. Wink
  • 7 0
 @wetnap: Nah...the guy who says you can't fumble the ball because it'll never get passed back to you has had the ball given back to him twice (props to whoever pointed out the timestamp where Flo calls him out on this too) yet he still runs his mouth about pillow, pants, blanky and how he gets a free pass to be a dick out loud because it's ok to be frustrated with yourself. And we've seen that performance matters more than attitude because everyone who finishes last has been eliminated, keeping Cody "The Struggle" in the game.

If he was learning anything he'd have more smile and less talking...but that's not happening with "I'm not a cheerleader but I play one on PBA".
  • 10 0
 @iammarkstewart: I wonder how Cody was chosen, must probably not because of his performance, but he may have seem a drama-queen potential!
Story wise he’s doing his part in a “reality show”
  • 2 1
 In his defense, every candid interview review of reality show participants, they always say the producers push for crappy drama dialog. Maybe that is in play here. I dont think so, but its more that i hope hes turning it up for the camera.

Id rather hear about someones BMX background…
  • 1 1
 @jojotherider1977: you think the producers suggested he complain about his pillow size?
  • 4 0
 @jojotherider1977: I do wonder how much of this is because of direction/production. He does seem to fill a reality show trope, and I wonder how much of that is genuine. It seems just as likely that they realized that they could get good lines out of him with the right prompts and edited mercilessly.
  • 1 0
 @jojotherider1977: who has a BMX background?
  • 3 0
 @skiandmtbdirtbag: not that specifically, but i think for tv production they generally encourage being overly dramatic. Im just giving him the benefit of the doubt here. My hope is that he’s really not someone who regularly complains about stuff like that.
  • 1 0
 @mechaNICK: I think season 1 ben was a prime example of this but I am not confident Cody falls under that category. Ben's interviews always had an "attitude" but it never came out during the challenges. Cody....appears to be acting the same during the challenges and interviews which hints that it could just be his personality.
  • 262 4
 Hey Cody maybe hold off on coaching the girls until you’re not in last place.
  • 99 0
 So much cringe.
  • 12 0
 Flo has raced xc. She will know how to space herself better than he does.

WTF did he think he was doing? I had some sympathy with the guy before but this was ridiculous.
  • 2 0
 sorry mean to upvote, damn fat fingerz Frown
  • 4 0
 He isn't fit, which meant he couldn't even get close to hanging with the other guys so thought he'd try to win some "team player" points instead which wasn't the worst strategy until he opened his mouth and moaned about pillows and tight shorts!
  • 1 0
 @barry9559: I'm going with the more sinister Idea that he was trying to keep Flo going as fast as she can, to make the gap between her and the last place female bigger than the gap between him and Emmit
  • 158 0
 It would drive me crazy to hear someone keep talking to me while I'm putting in 100% effort on something. Just let me focus on my own thing! Props to Flo for keeping sane
  • 58 0
 They said she got the win for putting a bigger time-gap than Emmet into their respective 2nd, but we all know it's kudos for not putting a foot in Cody's wheel.
  • 6 0
 Agreed, especially if they don't know me and they tell me when to push and when to rest. Only a personal coach or team manager should do that.
  • 1 0
 Defo. Nothing worse than having Cody constantly chirping motivational BS in my ear. I would not have been able to stay so composed.
  • 135 0
 #bringbacktori
  • 72 0
 #torigotrobbed
  • 7 0
 @Ricolaburle: when I first read this I though it said #torigotobed....
  • 2 0
 @FauxreaL: Bonne nuit les petits!
  • 126 0
 Tori gave everything, and we are left to listen to someone moan about a pillow and pants....
  • 10 31
flag kingbike2 (Nov 11, 2021 at 13:12) (Below Threshold)
 To be fair, a bad pillow and pants that are too tight would affect everyone’s performance.
  • 63 0
 @kingbike2: we found Cody
  • 13 0
 @kingbike2: The pants are too tight uphill he had to unbuckle them, but too loose downhill he had to hold them up. Are they loose or are they tight? Which one is it?
  • 9 0
 My pants are always too tight... not the pants' fault I am a fatty =) Never complain about it though.. mhhhhhh Wonder if he told flow about it all the way up... Must have been so annoying that constant cheerleading...
  • 6 0
 @kingbike2: "to be fair, a bad pillow and pants that are too tight would affect everyone’s performance."

Only if you were handed random equipment to participate in a....pillow fight.

Otherwise, when you get to pick your gear, literally from the time you leave your house to the wardrobe you get for the show and for riding and you have a pillow and pants that are too small...to be fair, you done messed up.
  • 24 0
 @iammarkstewart: To be fair, Cody probably should have been eliminated at the pillow picking round
  • 1 20
flag kingbike2 (Nov 11, 2021 at 20:52) (Below Threshold)
 @Jamminator: on the climbs the pants were too tight and restricted his breathing so he had to loosen them. On the descent it appears he didn’t tighten them enough so they were falling down. Kudos to Cody for taking charge of the situation and making on the fly adjustments for faulty equipment.

On the first climb when the camera focused on his loosened belt I thought he had just stopped to take a pee
and was closing his fly.
  • 2 28
flag kingbike2 (Nov 11, 2021 at 21:04) (Below Threshold)
 @iammarkstewart: to be fair Cody and Alaina live and train at sea level. Cody was man enough to admit that the altitude affected his sleeping and his performance, the Garmin sleep tracker doesn’t lie. The show is heavily scripted so it was a not a coincidence that the venue was chosen to put certain contestants at a disadvantage.
  • 2 0
 @kingbike2: so does Tori
  • 9 1
 @kingbike2: To be fair, they have to pick a venue, not a scripted location to put certain people at a disadvantage. You have to bring 10 people to a place, not go to 10 places. And none of those people had to accept the challenge if location was that big a deal. Besides, if you live in San Diego and your alleged dream is to be a professional EWS rider, surprise, you'll be leaving San Diego and riding in places farther and higher than Big White. Whatcha gonna do when EWS runs wild on you then?

And sure he said altitude affected him, but on the coat tails of his pillow being too small. Say one, not the other, at the behest of your credibility and whinyness.
  • 4 0
 @kingbike2: Squamish is at sea level. So low that it's largely a flood plain and has plenty of protective dikes around it in case an upstream dam ever fails. Only parts of the Netherlands are closer to the Earths core Big Grin Where would you prefer the event to be held, Inter River? It has a BMX track ha ha.
  • 4 0
 @kingbike2: but would you want to complain about it, knowing that it would be put up against the PB comment section?
  • 118 4
 Wow, Cody with the mansplaining.
  • 81 0
 Flo is gonna punch him in the face before the end of the show!
  • 85 0
 @Ricolaburle: Or at least scream into her correctly sized pillow.
  • 18 0
 @ReformedRoadie: during a pillow fight he probably die
  • 27 3
 I resent the implication that Cody being that annoying had anything to do with being a man. He's just a total knob.
  • 97 0
 The term that comes to mind is self serving.

- he put as little effort in as possible balanced with the goal of not being beat by a female competitor and tried to disguise it with the altruistic endeavour of “helping someone”
- flo is the last competitor who needs help. In fact the type of help he was unconvincingly soliciting would be useful to literally no one there, except himself.
- he “encouraged” and followed Flo all the way until the last descent and then decided the optics of finishing behind a female competitor were detrimental so he went ahead for the final descent.

All in all, his attitude has been childish. Cody, if you are reading these comments, hopefully you can take them in stride and grow from the feedback. But hey I’m just some guy so whatever.
  • 30 0
 @n-lagasse: 'Cody, if you are reading these comments, hopefully you can take them in stride and grow from the feedback'

Narrator: 'He didn't'
  • 3 0
 @n-lagasse: Came here to read this...
  • 6 1
 I think it's more a case of some truly bad scripting for Cody's "character" on the part of the Pinkbike production team. Similarly, dropping Tori in round 2 was likely scripted to court controversy, solicit discussion, and generally create more "buzz" around the show early on. It's the reality show equivalent of clickbait.
  • 2 1
 @Blawrence: I think you raise a good point in the sense that this is obviously a production with the goal of attracting viewers ($) and therefore needs to be entertaining (which it is, good job PB), but at the same time you can only manipulate these things so much. This is not a big $ (comparatively speaking) production and so I doubt there's too much manipulation on PBs side. I think they know their audience. If I were to quantify the "genuine" factor for the show, I would give it at least a 75%... could be wrong tho of course.

Re the major controversies (Tori and latest episode immunity), pobody's nerfect and I'm sure the PB team is kicking them selves a bit looking back at this. I did notice Tori (pretty sure) was in a Rapha MTB ad so good for her. Regardless of the outcome of this show, it's an incredible platform for athletes to highlight themselves, which goes back to Cody being, to put it lightly, incompatible as a professional athlete (IMO). Again, I'm just some guy so whatever.
  • 100 0
 Complained about his Orbea and now about his Fox clothing. He would be a great ambassador for any brand! Hoping Kona did sort Israel! That guy embodied the spirt of mountain biking!
  • 12 15
 #Israelgotrobbedtoo !
  • 56 2
 @Ricolaburle: Nah, Israel seemed in over his head.
  • 16 2
 @HB208: Israel would have been awesome at the 2020 format of the Academy, I guess that’s what he thought he was entering.
  • 4 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: Yeah, now that there is actual racing he was toast though.
  • 88 1
 when you don't eliminate anyone in an "Elimination" then it of Kind of diminishes the effort and success of those who actually won and were clearly above the bottom 2.
Last I checked, there is a lot of climbing in Enduro races.
  • 53 5
 They should've just made it a double elimination. Cody sucked hard but it was clear Alaina put in less effort. Least Alaina cares... Cody's portrayed attitude just shows he couldn't care less.
  • 43 1
 @cgreaseman: I don't think Alaina put in less effort. I think she was pinned out to her max and just couldn't pedal up hill. She is just slow up hill. Now Cody gave up on lap 1. and he should be gone. its only a matter of time
  • 18 1
 @Three6ty: Yup. She's spent a lifetime building up massive fast twitch muscle, going to be a painful process shifting that to slow twitch.

Conversely, I watched a bad ass local endurance athlete doing Cross Fit, nearly puked 2 minutes in. lol
  • 26 0
 Keeping Cody or no, they totally invalidated the other competitor's efforts.
  • 33 0
 @50percentsure: What sort of background does she have that would have resulted in her building up all that fast twitch muscle? I'm unaware of what it could possibly be.
  • 6 0
 Participation awards for everyone!
  • 14 0
 @BrambleLee: Maybe like a Bicycle race but over a sized down Moto-X track?
Sounds like it would build up lifetime skills that one could casually mention in every conversation henceforth
  • 6 0
 @50percentsure: does it rhyme with BMX?
  • 2 0
 @Fullsend2-13: lol No.
  • 84 1
 Alaina doesn´t have an xc-background.
  • 25 4
 Yeah, but she does have a BMX background.
  • 25 1
 @crazyXCsquirrel: wow, didnt know that
  • 6 0
 @crazyXCsquirrel: can't wait for the BMX challenge!
  • 9 0
 This whole time I thought she backed up DMX
  • 71 0
 It’s a bummer they eliminated the only actual competition in the women’s field last week. Would have been better to see Flo and Tori battle it out. And next week too.
  • 56 0
 They really should have saved the "no one is eliminated" thing for last week... Flo is very confused why Tori is gone, and why Cody keeps talking to her.
  • 7 0
 @bonkmasterflex: Would have saved one of the strongest two women with a no elimination last week, and then had double elimination this week to get rid of Cody/Alaina who are clearly the bottom of their respective category... but my guess is they were worried about people complaining about having elimination for an XC fitness test like Season 1. That backfired and now they have people complaining even more...
  • 7 0
 Ultimately it's irrelevant whether Cody or Alaina depart now or later - except that we have to put up with Cody's whining for another week. His conduct this episode deserved instant elimination. It's obvious it's going to be between Emmett and Flo. Both are light years ahead of their fellow competitors, and Orbea would likely be delighted to have them on the team. In the spirit of this week's 'No Elimination', the judges should probably split the prize between them.
  • 62 0
 Thoughts:

- No mid race interview snippets with Cody or Laura?
- Laura seems like she's kind of just there.
- Alaina is a good loser.
- Is Cody the king of unsolicited advice?
- Flo has no competition in the womens category. Next year I hope we get a field of women who all have skill on Flos level.
- I think it's clear where the top 3 man rank but it's close enough where the challenges could get really interesting.
- It looked to me that Alaina at least gave more effort than Cody but she was just totally out of her element and her fitness is weak. Why didn't we get to see the effort from competitors? Let's see some HR data!
- Who doesn't bring their own pillow on long trips?
- I have a newfound hope in the PB community based on the current standing of the poll.
  • 16 0
 As someone who can literally sleep on any pillow in history.....i just never knew people did this. I never knew......
  • 22 0
 Tori was Flo's competitor, but they got rid of her because she did meh in one competition, meanwhile two people who have been at the bottom 2 of 3 weeks got free passes twice.
  • 12 0
 I hope I don't come across like an ass. But if I found out I was going to be on PBA, the first thing I would focus on is being as fit as I could be. It feels like the main thing you can control - sure there will probably be better technical riders, or more gnarly riders etc. But if you're fit AF then you can at least be in the runnings
  • 4 0
 @sorryiamtheboss: No this is a fair point. You can't blame San Diego for your poor fitness. This can be trained anywhere and you don't even need a bike for it.
  • 61 1
 After watching this my wife says she’s done watching till Cody is gone.
  • 5 0
 This!!! The whole contest seems so disingenuous with him still there after 3 weeks and Tori getting booted. But they are getting comments.
  • 1 0
 @dllawson819: yeah. Tori getting kicked has us confused.
  • 52 0
 Its almost as if they’re keeping Cody on every week so we come back to watch again and again to see him finally get voted out.. or say some questionable things. Ha!
  • 23 0
 To me he just seemed weird in this episode. Like wtf was he doing? I don't get that guy at all. Whatever about his bike skills, he doesn't have any charisma and his decision to be Flo's cheerleader in the race was bizarre. I think he should have been eliminated purely on the basis that he didn't treat the race as a race.
  • 3 0
 @n734535: I agree. I thought his behavior was strange too.
  • 4 0
 @sofarider1: Dude has issues
  • 10 0
 They're for sure keeping him around as the main antagonist. Keep things spicy and PB viewers engaged.
  • 2 0
 @n734535: Agreed. I would think you would want to show that you can go 100% even when you are not feeling it. When you are competing in an event that you are clearly outmatched in you are still competing against yourself. But the pillow . . .
  • 49 2
 Kyra for Queen of the XC race today! What an effort!! Maybe if Cody spent less time mansplaining and more time pedaling...
  • 28 0
 That was one hell of an average heart rate. First time I saw her go into the 190's I was sure she'd be gassed by the second lap, but she kept digging deep and getting back into that anaerobic zone every lap. Respect!
  • 4 0
 @Lokirides: Same. Full respect for holding hard and digging deep. Really impressive. Shows how hard FTP tests are to do well as what Kyra did in this episode reflects solid FTP. I think that course was deviously nasty. The 8-10minute climb is just about doable as a one off at or close to VO2max but then a short recovery and do it again twice - that's a brutal intervals session.
  • 42 0
 This was the hardest decision? Like, I think either one is an easy choice to cut. Can't go wrong really.

Tori got robbed and now you add insult to injury by giving the two who have had THE MOST CHANCES EVER yet another chance.

Boggles the mind.
#Torigotrobbed
  • 40 0
 Gully at 8:28 “they only fitness I’m worried about it fit’n’is bike between riders on the way up”
  • 14 0
 "You want my water bottle? I don't need it."
  • 6 1
 Gully had some amazing one-liners. I hope he's on for next year's show! (I hope they do one next year too!)
  • 13 0
 Alaina....

Is yo energy draina...?
  • 39 0
 mY pAnTs WeRe FaLlInG dOwN!!!
  • 13 0
 Good fox add
  • 3 0
 Because he was getting spanked by all the other men and Flo on that challenge
  • 38 0
 “I’d rather be lucky than good.” An odd thing to say in a competitive event.
  • 25 0
 Isn't this the second time Cody and Alaina got 'lucky' in an elimination? Last week it was all 'you can't afford to have a bad day" and we saw one of the strongest competitors eliminated.
  • 2 0
 Gone next week Smile ?
  • 2 0
 @RADRUBEE exactly!! Completely unacceptable
  • 29 2
 Remember when e-bike riders were saying you get the same workout……. Was a talking point!!!!
  • 27 1
 Next season going to be sponsored by My Pillow?
  • 48 1
 Cody will get voted off then claim he won.
  • 21 1
 This episode had ups and downs for me. I actually thought it was great to make them do an XC race, although the race only lasted half as long as the weekly local races old men do all over the country. A lot of pro enduro racers started in XC, It also highlighted that "Enduro" riders might not have the best pure endurance. This made me feel good about myself because I know I can pedal up that hill without needing to make an excuse. Instead of a pro on an Ebike it would have been better to take some random CAT1/2 XC racer in their mid 30's (I'll volunteer) and say if you cant beat this person you get the chop. On that note I would really like to see an episode where they have to do a real all day Enduro race. Lets see how they actually do in a real race.
  • 7 0
 Yeah if there is not an "actual" enduro race (like 5 stages with climbs in between over 4-6 hours on course) this whole thing will be a farce.
  • 4 0
 I agree, but that person would also need to ride an enduro bike for it to be fair.
  • 3 0
 @nerds-on-dirt-mtb: One would assume the full enduro race will happen at the end? But there are so many folks left, they could do 2 honestly.
  • 6 0
 @nerds-on-dirt-mtb: Full enduro race is just going to widen the gap between Emmet and the rest of the field. At least with other events it's not so clear Emmet is heads and shoulders above everyone. Let's just be glad there's no ridiculous "best GoPro edit" session like last year...yet.
  • 12 0
 @Jamminator: Cody heard there was going to be a tightest pants competition this year
  • 2 0
 @Jamminator: It may come down to Emmet vs. Flo and who is closest to the secret pros.
  • 4 0
 @Jamminator: I get what you are saying, it’s tough because from a viewers perspective yes I want to see it be entertaining every week. So if one person is really that much better it would detract. However, I also love racing and every challenge is a distant proxy for how a real race would go.

As far as the go pro edit from last year, I’d have to disagree. Sponsored riders are paid out of the companies marketing budget, proving a company can get a return on their investment is key, and race wins don’t always equal out to guaranteed payback. Maybe the concept could change a little but they do need to show how they can be good brand representatives outside of racing.
  • 2 0
 @dpars63: How quickly you forget last season's influencer episode controversy.... The judges picked the one photo where you can't see any sponsor logos, gear, or even tell what bike it is, because the picture was taken from a million miles away. They literally picked the worst photo as the winner of a contest where being a brand ambassador and showcasing the product was the objective.
  • 21 0
 Not saying Tori would have made it to the top 2 so ultimately I guess it doesn't matter, but really, she was considerably stronger than several others and was a top 5 contender imo.
  • 9 0
 @SunsPSD she is a heck of better rider and much fitter more determined and better attitude than Cody
  • 21 0
 Good effort Gully. Dig deep! Push (the button) hard! Eye of the tiger! Bad intentions!

Lol, just kidding man we love your (ever growing) ass
  • 14 1
 Most realistic depiction of an mtb ebiker so far tho
  • 5 0
 "Alaina....

Is yo energy draina...? "

Love a good heckling and shit-talking.
  • 24 3
 @Pinkbike_Originals there's a typo in the post title. It should say "Survival Of The Slowest".
  • 3 0
 Zing!
  • 1 0
 True dat
  • 18 0
 If Cody was able to give unsolicited advice the entire race, he wasn’t giving it his all.
  • 16 1
 I refuse to watch another episode! Handing those two a free pass after their performances is an absolute joke. Expected a lot more from PB
  • 2 9
flag vinay (Nov 12, 2021 at 1:41) (Below Threshold)
 Haven't watched an episode but I'm not interested either. I just came here to see if there is a way to a Pinkbike Academy filter to my account. I don't mind if they add tiles to the front page, but having the actual article video up the front page and a banner on top becomes a bit much. Keep the contents inside the article. Those interested can click it. Now I merely clicked to look for an opt-out option.
  • 13 2
 So Tori had to go and Mr. „My pillow is to small and my pants are to tight“ is still in the game?Thanks for that, PBA!
He not even said „Thank You.“ or something like that for getting a second chance.
Oh, and Laura…she always seems to have a good time….NotWink
  • 13 0
 Cody left his big boy pants at home..PB please don't punish us with anymore of his excuses, swap him out for Tori so we can see some grit!
  • 14 0
 Kyra kicked so much ass! Such a positive attitude and crazy grit to push herself that hard.
  • 13 0
 Get rid of a very likeable and talented athlete that never complains and keep a mediocre athlete with a bad attitude that makes constant excuses??? Bring Tori back.
  • 13 0
 Fox shorts that don't fit and a clasp that doesn't hold, this show is as close to real-life as a reality show has ever been.
  • 1 1
 You also struggle to choose clothing that fits you?
  • 13 0
 Is this the episode where they will drink Monster Hydro?
  • 13 1
 "Keep your stick on the ice" I was triggered and thought I was 16 again. Thanks Gully, lol
  • 12 0
 I can’t believe Flo didn’t credit Cody’s coaching for her win today Wink
  • 13 0
 How does Cody get that bag of excuses up the mountain with him.
  • 11 0
 He had space left from not taking a pillow with him.
  • 13 1
 Acoustic bike! Cant wait for the Gully unplugged!
  • 8 0
 I was having a great time watching this.....then.... - My pants where too tight from bloating because I ate some bad sushi last night - I had my dream job interview today but didn't sleep well and blew it because I was on the top bunk at the hostel and didn't bring my pillow - They put a new BMX track in my town but put it on top of a hill and none of the bmx'ers are willing to ride up there to the track - I had a thing for a girl, lets call her Story. She left me for no good reason I'd say next week will be better, but life isn't fair and the tires on my bike will be wrong for my weight and riding style.
  • 12 0
 I bet Flo loved being spoken to like a child.
  • 8 0
 I think Pinkbike is missing out on the whole "academy" part of this show. The privateer series had a lot more information in them for not only the contestants, but the audience to take in. The reality angle of this show is cringe and learning skills like how to track walk, or pick a line, or prepare for a race are clearly not understood by some of the contestants. For season 3, bring in Ben Cartho and the privateer angle. Have prospects searching for pro sponsorship attend an actual academy during the off-season. Teach them the skills they would need as an up and coming prospect - fitness, mechanical, sponsorship, technical, etc. Instead of elimination have them competing for team spots and let the pro teams decide who the winners are.
  • 1 0
 that's a very good idea. I like it.
  • 13 4
 Am I missing something or should Gully have had to pass the first three guys twice, given they were a lap ahead of him before he started?
  • 5 1
 I was wondering the same! What happened there? Someone is hiding the truth IMO...
  • 10 0
 Basically passed them the first time out of the start gate on their second lap.
  • 8 1
 Yes, Gully rode by them twice but only passed them once. Remember, he started a lap behind. The first time he rode by them he was still playing catchup.
  • 2 0
 Seems more like bad editing, I doubt they gave him a free lap
  • 1 0
 Or maybe they only showed when he overtook them vs passing.
  • 9 0
 Favorite quote of the season so far:

Gully: "I plan to bring them down verbally, as opposed to physically"

Every e-bike rider ever lmao
  • 9 0
 I’m happy I get another week of Cody - he’s gold - pillow too big, does sleep well at elevation. That some of the best bs I’ve heard.
  • 8 0
 As someone with a gravel e-bike background, I, too, understand the pressure of coming onto a new stage with my previous skills preceding me.
  • 10 3
 Conclusions: Flo crushed it. Emmet rocked it. Cody isn't on same level, checking off drama/heal and air time. Alaina - not Cody, but not competitive. Me - e-bike is the future.
  • 11 2
 When does Vlad make an appearance. Forget pro tip of the week from what's his name...we want 30 seconds of shirtless Vlad.
  • 7 1
 Adding to the chorus, Cody absolutely should have been canned. On pure time, he wasn't that much more impressive in last relative to the guys than Alaina was relative to the girls. On every other measure -- including effort and competitiveness -- he was well behind her. Hanging back with Flo like it was some sort of strategy -- and not just an out-and-out quitters mentality as to the other men in the competition -- is absurd, and honestly I wish she had kicked his ass down the last stretch and finished ahead of him instead of him even getting the optics of beating her. Yeah, Alaina had the slowest time, but if that is the primary measure, then all the women, including Flo, are going to be picked off vs. the men one by one. Of anything else then raw placement was considered, Cody should have been eliminated.

And why bother even asking the competitors their assessments right before cutting them if it is irrelevant? When Cody complained about his pillow, whatever decision they had made should have been reconsidered and he should have been given his walking papers.

I guess we should all fluff a tiny pillow, rather than play a tiny violin, for Cody.
  • 8 0
 Cody got to stay because the judges thought he had potential, but they get rid of Tori who was Flo's best competitor, because she was the slowest on the day?
  • 9 0
 Kyra was impressive this round! I like the fight in her, and think she will just get better and better.
  • 6 0
 I don't normally root for anyone in particular on 'reality' shows, but that was pretty inspiring from Kyra on this episode, actually felt a bit emotional. She was the definition of 'leaving it all out there' and determination. At the other end of the scale, it's baffling how Cody hasn't been booted, and it's genuinely painful to watch him.
  • 7 1
 I know it's a public show and these riders put themselves in their position by taking part voluntarily, but these people might be reading the comments and they have also feelings. And as we know from so many other reality shows they just show the stuff which brings audience ratings. So we never see all I guess. So be kind to each other at the end of the day it's just an advertisement reality show. #mentalhealth #bekindtooneeachother.
  • 7 0
 What I want to see is a race between somebody like Nino Schurter or Yolanda Neff vs an average pink bike reader on an ebike. Who would win????
  • 4 0
 I think Nino has done a few of these with celebs over on youtube. And I vaguely recall GMBN did it with a British national champ. Spoiler, the pros still win!
  • 4 0
 Hmm. questionable decision on Cody and Alaina. My guess is that they saved them because of the Jumping challenge coming up next. Cody and Alaina (especially with her BMX background) have jumping skills andI haven't seen that as much from the other women. So there's a good chance Cody and Alaina do well in next week's challenge and avoid elimination again.

But none are a patch on Emmet who has fitness, skills and speed. Flo is a close second but if she has the skills I'd happily change my mind. I hope they both get the sponsorship they deserve out of this.
  • 3 0
 Using this logic they should have given Tori a pass last episode as she would have done well in this challenge.
  • 2 0
 @gnarnaimo: good point
  • 3 0
 Next season there should be a cut every couple episodes, or even at the halfway point, so riders like Tori get a fair shot and more screen time. Also would be cool to have one or two 'average pinkers' do all the events so I have a better idea of how I might finish against the competitors.
  • 4 1
 STF PBA?
You drop Tori like a bag of $h1t but you change the rules to keep the crawlers?
"I want to keep Cody to see him do well in slalom event."
Why not: "I want to keep Tori to see her do well in endurance event.?

Flo keeps on crushing though. Go Flo!
  • 2 0
 Flo is a fucking hammer. Can't wait each week to watch her race
  • 1 0
 Auto in-correct messed up as usual. WTF, not stf of course.
  • 6 0
 Cody helping Flo was so cringey. WTF dude? You're barely there and acting like you're helping her.
  • 3 0
 Yeah I don't really get it, they are "competing for a sponsorship to race EWS style, it seems to me that over half the field has no real experience racing at such a level. I feel the winners are evident, and the rest are there to make a telly show. No disrespect but shouldn't all contestants be race ready and keen to rip in? Props to Kyra she's an absolute fighter and showing the attitude it takes to earn a shot at it! Not really a competition IMHO. But hey i'm still watching it so what do I know Ha...i'll see myself out
  • 7 2
 Surprised by some of them saying that an XC race under 60 minutes long was the hardest ride of their life.
  • 1 0
 I have done a 30 min xc race before that was the hardest 30 min ride of my life. If you have never done it, it's such a different experience to just go all out for 30 mins with no rest. I can see it.
  • 2 0
 Have you ever raced all out for an hour climbing and descending with no let up?
  • 5 0
 Can we have a "Survival of the Fattest" episode? Because I need a competitive outlet.
  • 7 0
 #torigotrobbed
  • 3 1
 I must have missed the part when the left the mountains and went back to sea level. How could you compare those conditions to San Diego? Weren’t they talking about how high this mountain is earlier now they are saying it’s just like San Diego? Was that a wildfire joke?
  • 3 0
 Altitude is pretty negligible when almost every rider is from the coast.. they were talking about the heat which is pretty non-existent in Canada 9 months of the year
  • 5 0
 Cody is an embarrassment to the shows credibility...but you gotta give people somebody to bag on for "reality tv" I suppose.
  • 6 0
 Where did. the secret pros go?
  • 4 1
 The third picture is wrong, there is no "Laura focused on getting to the top of the gruelling climb." just Cody ripping down the dual slalom.
  • 5 0
 BMX races are really short, and the bikes have one gear. Just sayin'.
  • 5 0
 43:59 her look says it all.
  • 5 0
 So are we all thinking “WTF”, yes?!
  • 2 1
 Cody needs to be sent home. " I almost passed out because of my shorts" Are you kidding me? I know so many real Mountain Bike Racers that could benefit from this opportunity. I'm just not sure why he is here because there is no way that he is taking this seriously.

I have never heard more excuses. What was he doing just following that gal around instead of actually pushing during the race? Send Cody home, he is not a racer. Fantasy time is over.
  • 4 0
 What sunglasses is Gully wearing, nice one
  • 3 0
 And I was hoping Cody will be eliminated. Anyway, 2-3 more episodes and he's out I guess. What weirdo...
  • 2 1
 What a weirdo*
  • 1 1
 What a entertainment,and to do 15plus km with an 1000+elevation in 30 minutes ?or the time was for a lap ?cause it might get confused ,did they do 5.1 km with 346 meters of climbing in just under 10 minutes ,when they pass the gull ,or it is something else ? And the girl with an average 185 or more in that time really has a big heart ,the show is nice but at the same time so much drama in a thing that is simple are really any good ?and some of them aren’t,so why try ,if I ride with someone who I know is better then me I just try to enjoy the ride and be happy cause in the end like,PETER MURPHY song TIME HAS GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT ,great show but a little lame and so many spoken cliches words ,go get some real talents ,it might not be easy to make them compete,but at least try .
  • 2 1
 what
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: what ,what -))),just saying that if they did the first lap in less then 10 minutes,I guess it was 5.1 km with a 354meters of elevation that gives an average speed of ………..,more that 20km average ,with a 354 meters + they could enter in some real xc racing (watch out nino)and to sustain that pace over 3 laps ,it’s really almost unreal ,or that wasn’t the case ?or the time that was showing was for a lap ,cause when they pass by gully ,only 9 something minutes have passed ,so enlightening me please Pink Bike Academy
  • 2 0
 @oneheckler: Haha it's all good dude, I was just taking a little jab at your stream of consciousness style of writing. Honestly, the last time I had to focus so much to follow text was while reading Joyce's Ulysses as a uni student.

Inb4 anyone gets offended, I'm not a native English speaker either Smile

I think I get you now... You're saying their pace seems too good to be true, right? I'd suspect they were able to go faster/more all-out because of the shorter distance and wouldn't keep that up in a full xc race.
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: no problem -)))),I say that even in that short “race”,that I think was 15 plus km with 1000+ ,it was to fast to be true
  • 3 0
 I take all of it with a grain of salt. Who knows how the video was edited to be more entertaining.
  • 3 0
 Stay tuned for next week's show, when another decent competitor will get robbed, and these two muppets will carry on!
  • 3 0
 Sponsored content pays off, I am totally buying myself an Orbea acoustic bike tomorrow
  • 3 0
 The Orbea Flamenco, they'll release it tomorrow.
  • 12 10
 Is there a word for reverse discrimination? I think I Cody was not African American he would had been sent home long ago…
  • 3 0
 di-did he just say "I'd rather be lucky than good"?, what a spirit. (Irony may accour)

#Torigotrobbed.
  • 3 0
 I´m pretty sure Cody is still here because he adds drama value to the show.
  • 4 0
 Cody should've went home. It was a race and he didn't treat it as such.
  • 2 0
 I'd pay for a outside+ subscription if this could get me exclusive ultra slow motion footage of Cody getting slapped in the face full strength by Gully
  • 2 0
 Really seems like Cody wants to go home. Should just put him out of his misery. Hopefully next week is a double elimination.
  • 4 0
 Vamos FLO!! Que emocionante ver como dejas todo en la competencia!! ❤️
  • 2 0
 Flo es un martillo! #1
  • 4 0
 "I ALMOST PASSED OUT BECAUSE MY PANTS WERE TOO TIGHT"-best quote of 2021
  • 3 1
 Surprised they selected a field world wide for profesinal athletes that half of it can't barely survive a 30min cross country sesh on the bike...
  • 2 0
 What I'd be super interested in is seeing a "Where are they now" 10 minute segment on all of last years contestant. Evan Wall, Julia Long, alter-ego Ben, etc.
  • 3 0
 Tori got robbed. Cody should’ve been gone after episode 1. Who’s making these decisions?!?
  • 11 11
 Yo Dogg, I hope you brought your BMX to sit in the background, because I have a BMX as my computer background so I can watch Alaina’s BMX background in the background. – Xzibit probably
  • 3 3
 Glad to see an XC race. I love seeing Enduro riders put in serious climbing effort. I am hardcore xc myself, and stuff like this gives me respect for people who normally just rip down hills.
  • 2 0
 Ugh Keep it consistent and less of this soap opera crap.. not sure why I keep watching
  • 2 0
 Cody needs to go home. He has a bad attitude and doesn't appreciate the opportunity
  • 4 0
 That was weird..
  • 2 0
 I'm sorry @Pinkbike but this is wank. it's a bloody competition for effs sake.
  • 3 0
 I was embarrassed for Cody.
  • 3 0
 Happy to see Flo deploying all her skills!
  • 2 3
 PBA is detrimental to the sport in numerous ways. Firstly, the production style offers the 'academy' moniker as a place of study or training in the field of MTBing, but in truth it is presented as game show television where the subjects are filmed primarily for entertainment. If the contestants were at PBA to train, the
production ideally focus on training rather than the challenges. The riders would be 'trainees' rather than 'contestants'. Secondly, the competition driving contestant elimination is portrayed as quantitative, but there is an unknown qualitative factor deliberated by the judges and purposefully omitted in production. Learning institutions, such as an academy, would be forthcoming with the standards of performance (i.e. the grade rubric). Thirdly, the production focuses on the drama rather than the learning progression There are no cut scenes to the contestants sessioning trails or obstacles, discussing their health with trainers (e.g. nutrition, sleep, exercise) or explaining their daily routine at the academy. The saddest part is that this is more akin to a game show than reality or a documentary. I've watched four episodes, but won't be viewing this any longer.
  • 5 0
 We will just have to soldier on without you. Thank you so much for your participation.
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: What ever will we do without the expert!?
  • 6 8
 Nice episode. 2nd roadie event in 4 shows and the guy who talked up the climb the whole day stayed in! Plus... Criteria was lowest relative effort and they didn't mention who out the most effort and least effort in. The fastest rider might have put the least effort in and therefore should have been eliminated! No downhill times either. Disappointing.
  • 2 0
 By ek hard challenge……Cody seems high maintenance…
  • 3 2
 I just want to know how many Fox Float X2's have been blown up this season in the making of this...
  • 3 1
 Goodbye Cody Have a word with your self proper whiner
  • 7 9
 Cody may not come across the best, but he doesn't seem like a malicious person, just not coping well with a stressful situation. Also, isn't this the first event he has actually come last in out of the men, as this season is supposed to be about racing, he has rightly still been in the competition. Some of the negative reaction to him seems a bit ott.
  • 14 0
 The guy has been been given an opportunity of a lifetime, and has squandered it with a consistently poor attitude, terrible excuses and far less positivity than every single other competitor. he doesn't deserve to be there.
  • 3 0
 @skiandmtbdirtbag: Yeah but the OP has a point that he hasn't been last in a race until now and this is a racing show. He is annoying, I'll admit that.
  • 1 0
 This episode was obviously designed to generate the best comments. Nice work!
  • 1 0
 Since when are pillow sizes?? lucky enough to dont sleep over your hoodie stuffed with jeans and kneepads mate
  • 1 0
 Is this actually lasting one week between eliminations? If so such lucky guys to be there!!
  • 2 0
 motorbike filter is finally working Big Grin

also: #Torigotrobbed
  • 1 0
 Great show, I am loving watching it with my two young boys. I am here for all of it!
  • 5 4
 Cody has a little B**** attitude and will never beat Emmet at anything on a bike. Go get a job you're a joke.
  • 2 0
 I bet emmets pillow is the size of a horse!
  • 1 3
 PB host Quote- "This is your second time in the bottom". Not sure it is appropriate to say that to a lady... Yer yer, Flo killing it and Cody with his big John pillow talk is all entertaining stuff but nothing had me in fits of laughter like the aforementioned quote. Can't believe no one else picked up on this.
  • 2 0
 Jesus Christ, Kyra is a fucking warrior
  • 2 0
 Cody and his pants Smile
  • 1 0
 cody's MTB phase: Chairlift riding Ebike hater on the internet.
  • 2 1
 45 minutes and no money shot, WTH?
  • 1 0
 Even if the pillows are not so comfy
  • 1 0
 Those Falken Wildpeaks though
  • 1 0
 Why do the biggest losers get all the air time??
  • 1 0
 Will somebody give that guy a pillow
  • 1 1
 cody the high maintenance child now the high maintenance pro complainer/biker
  • 2 1
 Good job Daniel San, immunity for next challenge, Miyagi teach you well
  • 1 0
 Time for another episode of As The Crankset Turns
  • 1 0
 strange elimination decisions this season
  • 7 9
 My prediction skills given to me by my bmx background predict that there will be a lot of bmx background jokes in this comment section.
  • 1 0
 Cody should be out
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