Video: GT Bicycles Introduce The Privateer Project

Jun 2, 2023 at 6:59
by GT Bicycles  

Words: GT

With the help of new and long-time sponsors, Wyn Masters’ relentless efforts to support the underdogs, hometown heroes, and fan favorites of the World Cup DH circuit grows into its very own racer support program for the 2023 season.... the Privateer Project. Privateer Project’s goal is to not only increase privateer World Cup DH racer’s overall exposure, it will increase their ability to focus and perform with eased burden by providing essential needs at each round.


Rider selection process:

• Wyn Masters will be selecting the most deserving privateer at each round and will announce that rider in his WynTV post-race show.

• UK-based Brazilian racer Roger Vieira, “WynTV Privateer Award”winner from last season, has been selected and will be fully supported for round 1 at Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

Support provided for every round of the 2023 World Cup DH season:

Product:
• 1 Complete “Privateer Project Team Spec” GT Fury for each selected privateer

Event support:
• Pit space
• Dedicated mechanic
• Lodging / Meals
• On-site management
• Dedicated content creation
• Continental tire support -free to all independent racers competing at each round


bigquotesWhat gets me the most excited about working on Wyn's Privateer Project is all the unique stories I will be able to tell in the videos. There is so much more that goes on behind a simple result sheet and having the chance to dive deep into a rider's backstory to show just how much they have sacrificed to get to that point is a very important thing I want to achieve. I'm hoping to showcase the highs and lows of the riders and bring a more intimate look into the rider's journey aside from the pure racing side of things.—Louis Citadelle, Videographer

photo

Q/A with Wyn Masters:

What was the catalyst for the Privateer Project?

I would say flying to Europe for my first season in 2008 on a seriously limited budget, only knowing one guy in Portugal and having to find my way to all the races for the season gave me a good perspective of the struggles of being a privateer on the World Cup. And in 2019 I started doing the privateer award on my WynTV post-race show, so this is bringing that to the next level and getting GT and all my sponsors on board to tell some great stories and also help out those who need it.

What made you start it in the first place?

I think just seeing guys and girls committed to chasing their dreams, and doing it off their own back is something special so to be able to give back now that I’m in a position to do so is something quite rewarding especially when you then see those riders go on to do great things in the sport.

What is your biggest goal for the project?

To help as many as possible riders to reach their dream of making a career in this sport and help those that need the help. And document it all and be able to tell some great stories along to way too!

As you transition into this new role of racer/team manager, content producer, and mentor, what’s the best advice you can give privateers seeking factory support?

Pretty much to keep chipping away, eventually it will all come together if you keep working at it, there were a lot of years there where I had doubts if it was ever going to happen for me but I managed to push through those times and it pays off now. Also I would throw in to no matter how it goes, try take it all in along way and enjoy the ride it’ll go by fast, I’m already in my 16th year on the World Cup circuit now so that’s speaking from experience.

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Q/A with Roger Vieira (first rider selected for the Privateer Project)

What went through your head when Wyn gave you the news that you were the first selection of the Privateer Project?


I was super stoked when I first heard about the whole concept, having full factory-level support at a race is something super special, and as a privateer my whole life it’s something I’ve been looking for my whole career, so it’s like a dream coming true for a race. Also being supported for a brand as big as GT is something really cool and that I’m really stoked on!
photo

How has the new Fury been treating you?

Fury is an incredible bike that handles the tracks like a machine, and I’m loving it! I felt fast from first run, after a few rides I feel at home and ready for the races!

What does this support mean to you? How will it affect your season?

It means a lot to me, like I said above it’s a dream coming true. Having support from a team like GT will help me focus on the ride and not be worried about my bike and stay till later fixing the bike, I think this is huge!

Follow Roger's Privateer journey


PRIVATEER PROJECT IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THESE GREAT BRANDS
photo

Video: Louis Citadelle
Photos: Monica Gasbichler


Author Info:
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Member since Apr 2, 2013
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66 Comments
  • 128 0
 So freaking cool...not surprised that Wyn is heading something like this up. Big props to the sponsors who are getting involved in this. Best marketing around really. Makes me want to get back on a GT and bring the Good Times back Smile
  • 29 0
 It's comeback season for GT...nothing but good times on the horizon
  • 65 0
 WynTV is the best human perspective behind the scenes coverage of WC DH, getting to meet the racers and hear them talk about all kinds of things aside from racing really adds to my enjoyment of watching a season unfold. What they have been doing with the privateer award over the last few seasons has been really awesome in making a difference for so many aspiring racers. Its also cool that other people from the WC scene also chip in on the winnings. This is a further step in the right direction and can wait for WynTV to start back up again.
  • 18 0
 A couple of years ago we asked Wyn on FB via pvt msg to do a small video for a cup we were starting between some members of our group/team. He happily did it and it was awesome! Smile he's amazing and a true mtb ambassador.
  • 31 0
 Wyn is For the People! This is awesome. Way to lift up those who need it most.
  • 22 0
 So proud to be supporting this amazing program and the man behind it.
  • 18 0
 So stoked to be working with you guys together on this too!
  • 2 0
 @wynmasters: Genuine question to comprehend how this works: is this intended to be a revolving, single-race showcase + support deal per rider? In other words, is the goal to select a new rider each round to showcase a maximum number of riders, or in theory could a rider like Vieira retain support for multiple races as long as he manages to be the top-performing privateer?
  • 6 0
 @powturn: just an extension of the privateer award, so the following race the rider will have full support, and can have the bike to keep also if they want it. No it rotates every race. And yes we would still support them where necessary at races later in the season too. So we will have 8 different riders over the season.
  • 9 0
 stoked for GT and Wyn!!!! how rad is this right?! excited to be a part of it here at Yoshi cycling. cheers to an awesome season. this is sick!
  • 5 0
 Most wholesome marketing any company can spend on. Worked getting me to google Yoshimura for the first time, and see those pretty stem caps! I have a GG spec'd with as many USA made parts as I could find, which may be getting some Chino made bling in the future.
  • 3 0
 @joshroppo: We are here!
  • 1 0
 @joshroppo: this is awesome ha! I'm gonna be psyched to see some photos of it! yewww
  • 6 0
 I've been a Gt fan since the 90's, and now much more! I'm a fan of Wyn, his style and his history and I'm thrilled reading this because I'm a friend of Roger, and like all other Brazilians, we know his trajectory and his family, exemplary people, deserving of this opportunity. Sensational, congratulations to everyone involved!
  • 7 0
 This is super cool and I’m excited to see how much it means to the riders as they chase their dream
  • 5 1
 Wynn Masters' swift ride, Gravity defying pride, Sport's heart open wide. ... In the thrill of flight, Wynn Masters conquers the night, Mountain biking's light. ... Masters, brave and bold, In his grip, the story told, Mountain biking's gold.
  • 1 0
 DANGIT why did it strip out my line returns?!
  • 6 1
 Great story. But I‘m also interested in the story about Noga Korem. Somehow she raced Tasmania for GT and now posts like she‘s a privateer… any news on that?
  • 4 1
 I like GT bikes as it goes.

But I couldn't help wondering if I should finally get a privateer 161 after all Smile

talk about accidental free advertising.

Also, great work Wyn. Superb stuff.
  • 6 0
 Checking out GT Bikes website right meow. Best marketing ever!
  • 2 0
 This is very cool!
Q: So there is one bike available the whole season and each winner can ride that bike at the next race? or the winner of each race wins a new bike and can take that bike for the rest of the season? Is there going to be one bike available or one per rider?
  • 46 0
 No we have a total of 8 bikes thanks to GT and all the great sponsors behind this. Each winner has the choice to ride our bike if they want, and can keep the bike too, but as we do understand that some privateers have smaller existing sponsorships too, so even if they can't ride our bike they are welcome to use any of the parts we have and we will still provide full mechanical support to help them with their bike.
  • 9 0
 @wynmasters: this is just amazing. You and your brother really elevate the sport of MTB.
  • 4 0
 @wynmasters: wow - awesome job!
  • 6 0
 Just the opportunity Roger needs, well deserved. Let's go!!!!!
  • 3 0
 Yeah! Louis Citadelle rocks! His self shot ‚Run‘ is still one of my alltime favorites Smile there will be watch-worthy content for sure
  • 2 0
 Thank you ! I will try my best aha !
  • 4 0
 This is great. Thanks Wyn and thanks GT. Looking forward to see how this develops
  • 4 0
 Pinkbike should do something like this. But with an enduro rider. Maybe make it a video series.
  • 5 0
 I'm thinking maybe a downhill team as well. Get some lanky lad that is universally loved, and knows his way around the track...
  • 3 0
 @Vudu74: Way to think Outside+ the box!
  • 2 0
 Wyn for the Win….. really enjoy your content, and especially the privateer support. This is just the ticket to remedy the increasing high level corporate requirements that are changing the nature of our sport.
  • 3 0
 So cool of Wyn, and the sponsors. Big fan of Wyn, and this only reaffirms my opinion that he is indeed one helluva nice bloke.
  • 4 0
 Hopefully you sorted yourself out with a decent mechanic for this!
Rumours are he’s terrible
  • 1 0
 Wyn is such a dude! I had the opportunity to meet him in Morzine last year and this guy is by far the coolest one! About Roger - another great boy -, wishing all the best and I'm sure he will make the best of this opportunity. DALHE BR!!!!
  • 3 0
 Such a great move, nice one GT and Wyn! Also, can't wait to see Roger flying at Lenzerheide!
  • 5 0
 Wyn for PM
  • 3 0
 I'm on board with GT and the peoples champ WYN MASTERS!
This is a Wyn / Win!
  • 3 0
 WYN......Man of the people!
  • 1 1
 Curious, what happens to the rider who takes advantage of that tire deal and races every round but has to miss out the last one due to injury? Does that rider have to refund all the tires used?
  • 25 0
 No we aim to help anyone that needs good tires for the race, and will have 30 tires per event, it’s first in first served but will change who gets them each race, but no one needs to refund anything.
  • 2 0
 @wynmasters: Clear and sounds fair. I'm sure this project will help loads of aspiring riders kickstart their racing career. Including those who happen to live outside Europe or who have less money to start with. It is the raw talent, the hard work and determination which is what it should be all about. The description "free to all independent racers competing at each round" was a bit confusing to me, hence the question. Cheers!
  • 2 0
 @wynmasters: the tire recycling refund is on a different program ;D
  • 3 0
 @vinay: cheers mate no worries happy to explain
  • 4 0
 @wynmasters: people are giving kidneys for Conti tires here stateside currently which makes this even more generous. Cheers to Wyn, GT and Conti.
  • 4 1
 Not a big fan of GT bikes but a big fan of GTs culture!!
  • 1 0
 Very cool project. Also quite interested to see how much better the privateers do with support. Or will they feel more pressure and make mistakes?
  • 3 0
 GT you have won me back after 20 years. Standing Room Only.
  • 1 0
 What if the rider that you’re supporting is the fastest privateer? Do they win and get supported again the following race?
  • 33 0
 No the plan is to spread the love the same as the privateer award on WynTV has been running currently, it’s the fastest one at each race but you can only win it once
  • 2 0
 This is so awesome - amazing work Wyn and GT!!
  • 2 0
 Good on you Wyn, GT, and all your sponsors!
  • 2 0
 Awesome! Thanks Wyn and GT.
  • 1 0
 This is great! Well thought out and generous of Wynn and each sponsor to put time and product to support the cause.
  • 1 0
 What a great program. Hans must be proud. Wyn and he are doing good work with GT.
  • 1 0
 Bikepark Schladming team approve of this move
  • 1 0
 This is another great thing. Wyn is great.
  • 1 0
 Super, stoked, super stoked.
  • 2 0
 go Wyn you good thing!
  • 1 1
 Shouldn't it be called the "Not a Privateer for 1 Race" project? Or the "Sponsored for 1 Race" project?
  • 1 0
 Wyn this is amazing, you truly are a hero!
  • 1 0
 So good Wyn, this is a great project!
  • 1 0
 Kudos Wyn, great program!
  • 1 0
 Check out my hot pics➤ u.to/mWPGHw
  • 1 0
 great wyn!!!
  • 1 0
 Right on!







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