As Racing Rumour season gets into full swing we have pulled together all of the departures and retirements so far this offseason and this will be updated as more news comes in.
Quick Round Up of Team Moves
Departure Announcements
- Kialani Hines Off Pivot
- Peter Jamison Thanks YT Industries for the Last 3 Years
- Rocky Mountain Says Farewell & Thank You to Andréane 'ALN' Lanthier Nadeau
- Dan Slack Leaves Gravity School Racing
- Tom Wilson Parts Ways with Orange Bikes
- Louise Ferguson Leaves the Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing Team
- Dimitri Tordo Off Canyon After 6 Years
- Brook Macdonald Leaves the MS Racing Team
- Hugo Marini Departs Commencal Muc Off
- The Union Team are Parting Ways with Santa Cruz
- Dawid Joins Szymon Godziek in Leaving NS Bikes
- Brady Stone Officially Off Polygon
- Danny Hart Still Without a Sponsor for 2024
- Graham Agassiz, Ethan Nell & Ace Hayden Off YT
- Thomas Genon Off Canyon After 11 Years
- Angel Suarez Departs the Primal Unno Project Race Team
- Ronan Dunne is Leaving Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing
- Jess Blewitt Announces Departure from GT
- Tomas Lemoine & Canyon Part Ways After 9 Years Together
- Harriet Burbidge-Smith & Trek Part Ways
- DJ Brandt Parts Ways with Nukeproof
Signing Announcements
- Bella Naughton Joins KHS Racing
- Pivot Cycles Welcomes Jill Kintner & Bryn Atkinson
- Tegan Cruz Joins the UR Team
- Morgane Jonnier Extends Contract with Rossignol
- Zerode Bikes Announces New World Cup Team
- The Union Announces 2024 Roster & New Title Sponsor
- Vali Höll Rejoins YT Industries
- Dakotah Norton Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing Team
- Kriss Kyle Signs with Halo Wheels
- Rónán Dunne Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing Team
- Tom Isted signs with DMR Bikes
- Kade Edwards Leaves Trek Factory Racing & Joins the C3 Project
- MS-Intense-Racing Announces 2024 DH World Cup Roster
- Ryan Pinkerton Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing Team
- Tomas Lemoine Signs with Commencal
- Dawid & Szymon Godziek Sign with Specialized Bicycles
- Frameworks Announces 2024 Racing Team
- Joe Breeden, Louise Ferguson, Oscar Griffiths & Ryder Lawrence Form Intense Factory Racing in 2024
- Thibault Laly Joins the Goodman Santa Cruz Racing Team
- Georgia Astle & Bas Van Steenbergen Sign with Outdoor Research
- Greg Minnaar Joins Norco
- Hans Rey Signs with GT for Another 3 Years
- Harriet Burbidge-Smith Signs with Canyon
- Thibaut Daprela Joins the Canyon CLLCTV DH Team
- Scott Factory Racing Adds Ethan Craik & Gonçalo Bandeira to its DH Team
- Jess Blewitt Signs with Cube Factory Racing
- Luca Schwarzbauer Extends Contract With Canyon for 3 Years
- Josh Bryceland Signs With Formula
- Yoann Barelli Signs With Devinci
- Samara Maxwell Signs with Rockrider Ford
Bella Naughton joins KHS Pro MTB
After several years with Liv Racing, US enduro racer Bella Naughton is moving to KHS.
Kelan Grant Off Nukeproof After Nine YearsKelan Grant has shared the news that he is leaving Nukeproof after nine years with the brand. It also sounds like we won't have to wait too long before we hear about his future plans.
| It honestly brings a tear to my eye writing this. Chain reaction cycles NUKEPROOF have been my family on the road for 5 years now and it’s time to say goodbye. @pager7211 @michaeldcowan @robsherratt21 thank you for taking a chance on me back in 2018. It’s been nothing but hard graft and some of the best times of my life.
Ive made some best friends progressed in my career and ticked off some locations I never thought I would ever see never mind race my bike. There will always be a special place in my heart for this brand and I like to think Ive left my own unique mark on it.
@samhill13 @elliottheap thanks for being the dream team from the start and welcoming me with open arms. Love you boys.
To all the mechanics, sponsors, hosts, hard core NUKEPROOF fans I thank you for the support none of this would have been possible without you all.
What’s next?
I have new goals and aspirations and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
Tomorrow evening I will be dropping some big news and a new chapter to my racing career. And I’m buzzing!!
Thanks again to everyone! Catch you tomorrow for the big news!— Kelan Grant |
| THANK YOU KELAN . 9 incredible years riding for Nukeproof, we feel privileged to have shared that journey with you. From a wee nipper to numerous international podiums, Enduro top tens, Megavalanche domination, Red Bull fox hunt titles, Trans Madeira wins to name just a few. An integral part of the design feedback on our bikes, top chef, yoga god and all round top guy. Thank for you for the memories @kelangrant we’ll see you on the trails.— Nukeproof Bikes |
Pivot Cycles Welcomes Jill Kintner & Bryn AtkinsonPRESS RELEASE: Pivot CyclesPivot Cycles proudly welcomes two mountain biking legends, Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson, to the Pivot Cycles roster. The pairing of these extraordinary athletes with the Pivot brand promises an exciting chapter in the world of mountain biking.
In a recent statement, Jill expressed her excitement about joining Pivot: “It’s been interesting getting to peek behind the scenes at Pivot and talk and ride with Chris Cocalis and the team. Chris is very involved with engineering and marketing and cares a lot about the quality and performance of his bikes, which makes me happy to be involved with.”
Expressing his excitement for the partnership, Bryn stated, “I’m so G’d up to be riding a Pivot – simple, efficient, exceptional handling bikes. The more I learn about Chris, the more I’m impressed by what he’s done, and continues to do not only for Pivot but mountain biking’s progression as a whole.“
Chris Cocalis, Founder and CEO of Pivot Cycles, expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, "I’m super excited to have them on board. Jill and Bryn represent everything that is great about the sport of mountain biking. They are incredible athletes, but first and foremost awesome people. We are honored to have them join the Pivot family."
Read the full journal here:
here.
Kialani Hines Off PivotKialani Hines
signed with Pivot in 2019, but now after four years, she's announced that she will no longer be supported by the American brand.
| Can’t even count how many podiums, smiles, memories and AMAZING riding I’ve shared with Pivot…. I can say that it’s been one hell of a ride. 2019-2023
When I got into MTB I was clueless to what this sport was, could be and what it had in store for me. The one thing I did know was how to ride a bike and I thank Pivot for taking a chance on me and becoming my first (and only) bike sponsor in MTB. It’s bittersweet but CHANGE is good and change is where you grow. I wish the best of luck to @pivotcycles . See you on the podiums."—Kialani Hines |
Hines moved over to mountain biking from BMX in her late teens and is always a podium favourite in Crankworx Pump Track and Dual Slalom events. She finished second in the overall hunt for the Queen of Crankworx title in 2020 and 2021.
Tegan Cruz Joins the UR Team Press Release: UR TeamWe are really happy to welcome the young “Canadian Cowboy” Tegan Cruz to the UR Team. Tegan has shown speed during his junior years and we are ready to support him as he deserves for his first year elite in 2024.
Tegan just got his DH NS Bikes Fuzz built up and went straight to shoot this video on the North Shore and as you’ll see for his first ride on the new bike and he already feels at home.
Morgane Jonnier Extends Contract with RossignolPRESS RELEASE: RossignolWe are pleased to announce the extension of our partnership with Morgane Jonnier as a brand ambassador for an exceptional year. With over 10 years of experience on the enduro World Cup Enduro circuit, Morgane Jonnier is taking a bold turn by stepping away from the traditional circuit to embark on an innovative new challenge: completing a full season of multi-day enduro races.
This exciting project will lead Morgane to become one of the first women to take on the challenge of racing seven events across the globe. These races represent a return to the essence of mountain biking, with trails that are unmarked, where no one knows the route in advance. This audacious choice reflects Morgane Jonnier's determination to push the limits of what is possible in the world of mountain biking.
Read more
here.
Yoshimura Signs Dakotah NortonPress Release: Yoshimura Cycling
Yoshimura Cycling is proud to announce the addition of Dakotah Norton to the Yoshimura Cycling team.
Dakotah will be using Yoshimura Cycling products as he strives to have his best year in UCI Downhill racing on the all-new Mondraker Factory team.
“Since I was a kid I always dreamed of being able to run products from Yoshimura R&D, so to be able to be involved with Yoshimura cycling was a no-brainer when I was given the opportunity. The brand has such prestige and a think-outside-the-box attitude. I’m pumped to be a part. Let’s get to work!”
President of Yoshimura Cycling Yusaku Yoshimura had this to say: “Adding the talent of Dakotah Norton to our team is so exciting for us. Even more importantly, is that Dakota understands the Yoshimura brand and what we are about. We like his style too!”
Zerode Bikes Announces New World Cup TeamPress Release: Zerode BikesMore than a decade since the
G1 and G2 made their impact on the DH World Cup privateer scene, Zerode Bikes has returned to the World stage with the new
G3 - their new belt drive, gearbox equipped DH platform. And with the launch of Zerode Racing, they are ready for the 2024 World Cup season.
Zerode bikes made a significant impact on the DH scene in the early 2010s with the launch of the G1, which quickly gained a reputation for incredible suspension performance due to its low unsprung mass, centrally mounted gearbox, and high pivot. Under some of New Zealand’s fastest riders, the bikes proved they could foot it at an international level. Despite the potential of the bike and riders, a lack of resources at the time restricted the setup of a full race team.
Fast forward to 2024 - a new bike and in a year where some companies may see a chance to protect their core business and reign in racing spend, Zerode has bucked the trend and sees the current market challenges as an opportunity to make an impact on a bigger scale.
Along with the support of key partners
Gates Carbon Drive,
Pinion and
Hayes, Zerode Racing is gearing up for their biggest race season to date.
The 2024 Zerode Racing lineup is Sam Blenkinsop (NZ) and Taylor Vernon (UK)
Read more
here.
The Union Announces 2024 Roster & New Title SponsorPress Release: The UnionSteel City Media's Union team shakes up its rider roster for 2024 and welcomes up and coming first year junior Ellie Hulsebosch of Tauranga, New Zealand to the roster alongside Chris Hauser, Lachie Stevens-Mcnab and Frida Rønning. Antoine Pierron and Oliver Davis have moved on from the program for 2024.
The Union also has a new title sponsor in Trek Bicycles.
| Three years already?! Where did the time go? Coming into 2024 it feels like we’ve graduated high school and we’re off to college. Anxious yet excited, we’ll be on our worldwide travels again soon, feeling a little older, wiser and maybe even slightly more mature.
We’ve chosen a new school, met our roommates and literally bought a cheap van to move all our stuff in. It’s going to be a hell of a summer. |
Read more
here.
Vali Höll Rejoins YT IndustriesPRESS RELEASE: YT MOBIt's official. Off the back of a dominant season, the YT MOB welcomes one of the fastest names in downhill back into its ranks. Vali and YT go way back. In 2013, she signed her first contract with us aged just 13, and in the six years that followed, she racked up two Junior World Championship titles and a World Cup overall win aboard the TUES. She was unstoppable and, alongside fellow Junior World champ Oisin O'Callaghan and Sian A'hern, the MOB looks dangerous for the '24 season.
Vali Höll. Oisin O'Callaghan. Sian A'Hern. This team is set and ready for the start gate. Returning to the YT MOB, Vali is no stranger to the TUES and, through the UNCAGED approach, she decided to complete her build with RockShox suspension and SRAM components. Oisin and Sian remain on their choice of FOX suspension, as is their preference.
| It’s amazing to come back into the family. I feel at home, and I can see how hyped YT is to push the race team. The next couple of years will be rad. The TUES was definitely easy to get used to. It’s the bike I learned my basics on and made some great memories with in juniors. I’m happy to tackle something new. I could have stayed in my comfort zone and kept doing what I’m doing, but I think I’m at a perfect age where I can try something new and make the next step.—Vali Höll, YT Mob Downhill Athlete |
Read more
here.
Dakotah Norton Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing TeamThe final rider announcement for the new Mondraker team is here and it is Dakotah Norton who takes up the last place on the 2024 roster.
| Dakotah Norton is the third and last signing for Mondraker Factory Racing for 2024. He’s a two-time USA National DH Champion and has 5 World Cup DH podiums to his name. He started racing MotoX when he was 4, BMX when he was 15 and DH when he was 22. In 2023 he contested almost all of the World Cup DH finals and he made the podium twice. Welcome to Mondraker, Dak!— Mondraker |
Peter Jamison Thanks YT Industries for the Last 3 Years
Kriss Kyle Signs with Halo WheelsWords: Halo WheelsHalo Wheels are incredibly proud to be supporting the exceptionally talented rider Kriss Kyle in 2024.
Known for his fearless approach to riding and ground breaking tricks, Kriss Kyle has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible on a bike. With an impressive list of accomplishments, including multiple X Games medals and ground breaking freeride videos, Kriss is a not only a trailblazer but an incredible talent in both MTB and BMX.
"Kriss is a true pioneer in the sport, and his dedication to pushing the limits aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering excellent products that are accessible for every rider, and inspiring people to ride their bikes. We look forward to supporting him as he continues to inspire riders around the globe." - Josh Meyland, Halo Wheels Brand manager.
As part of the collaboration, Halo Wheels will work closely with Kriss to develop high quality products and contribute to his pursuit of greatness in all his future adventures. Kriss’s dynamic riding style will help us develop new products for the new wave freerides. Kriss is running a Gravitas 27.5" front wheel and Chaos 26" rear in a mini mullet setup.
"it's great to join the Halo family and build the relationship" -Kriss Kyle
We recently had a sit down chat with Kriss about his 2024 plans and to welcome him to the team, read all about it here -
https://www.halowheels.com/welcome-to-the-party-kriss-kyle/Images -
Marcus Cole. Special thanks to Fraser Mcneil and Kenny Wilson
Rónán Dunne Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing TeamIn the second rider announcement for the new Mondraker team, Rónán Dunne has been revealed as the next rider joining the roster.
| Rónán Dunne is Irish, which explains the accents on the vowels of his first name. When he was little, he got bored of blowing up motorbike engines so made the move to mountain biking when he was 13. Three-time National Champion, podiums in the World Cup and 12th overall in World Cup DH in 2023 in only his 3rd season of World Cup racing! Welcome to Mondraker, Rónán!— Mondraker |
Tom Isted Signs with DMR BikesTom will be running his choice of DMR parts on all his Giant bikes for the next two years. Photo by Lee from SlowShred.
Words: DMR BikesWe’re stoked to add none other than Tom Isted to the DMR Pro Team – from the Kernow coast to the furthest corners of the world – Tom is one of the wildest riders on the freeride circuit and can hold his own on any dirt jump, slopestyle or big-mountain course you throw his way. From Crankworx to Nines to Darkfest and everything in between, Tom is the guy you want to watch – he’ll always bring out the NBD tricks and clear the biggest gaps on his way to the podium. He also holds two World Records – longest jump on a bike, and biggest backflip on a bike – both on the same 120ft jump. As Tom says… LET’S GOOOOOOOO!
Kade Edwards Leaves Trek Factory Racing & Joins the C3 ProjectTrek has announced that Kade Edwards will be leaving its factory race team and will be the newest member of the brand's C3 project.
Kade Edwards has been one of the most stylish riders on the World Cup circuit but in 2024 he will be heading in a new direction with a "focus on freeriding, both as a competitor and a content creator, and follow his passion of having more fun on two wheels than anyone in the world." While it sounds like Kade will be shifting away from racing Trek's announcement does say that he may still get between the tape occasionally.
Read more
here.
MS-Intense-Racing Announces 2024 DH World Cup RosterAfter over a decade together, Mondraker announced that they were
stepping away from the MS-Racing team late last year, leaving us wondering what the future of MS-Racing would be. This week, Mondraker announced that they have created their first factory DH race team with
Mondraker Factory Racing and now, we find out that MS-Racing has joined forces with Intense.
In a year when many companies are cutting teams and riders, Intense is now fielding not one but two World Cup DH teams with
Intense Factory Racing and the newly announced MS-Intense-Racing team.
The 2024 MS-Intense-Racing team will feature most of the same roster that MS-Mondraker did including David Trummer (AUT), Eleonora Farina (ITA), Jacob Dickson (IRL) and Tuhoto Ariki Pene (NZ).
Read more
here.
Ryan Pinkerton Joins the Mondraker Factory Racing TeamIn the first of three rider announcements, Mondraker has revealed that 2023 Junior overall World Cup winner Ryan Pinkerton will be joining the team.
| Ryan Pinkerton already has 4 US National DH Championships under his belt despite being just 18, and he finished 1st in the Junior category in the World Cup overall last year. He credits a lot of that to his mentor Brian Lopes. Ryan is the first rider signing for the Mondraker Factory Racing team. Welcome to Mondraker, Ryan!— Mondraker |
Rocky Mountain Says Farewell & Thank You to Andréane 'ALN' Lanthier NadeauWords: Rocky MountainIn 2024 ALN is moving on from Rocky Mountain. Andréane is a mentor, a dreamer, a fierce competitor, and has been a part of the Rocky Mountain family for over 10 years. We wish her all the best in chasing her goals. To celebrate her time with us, we asked her to share some highlights from over the years.
Read more
here.
Tomas Lemoine Signs with CommencalCommencal has announced that it has signed Tomas Lemoine after he departed from Canyon at the end of 2023.
Read more
here.
Dawid & Szymon Godziek Sign with Specialized BicyclesAfter four and five years respectively with NS Bikes, Dawid and Szymon Godziek
announced their departure from the brand late last year. Now, both brothers have shared on social media that they've joined Specialized Bicycles.
Read more
here.
Frameworks Announces 2024 Racing TeamPress Release: Frameworks RacingFrameworks Racing welcomes Asa Vermette and Angel Suarez who join Neko Mulally for the 2024 season. The team will compete in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Series and World Championships, Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series, and Downhill Southeast Events. All three riders will race aboard the Frameworks DH bike developed over the past two seasons by Neko and Asa.
Read more
here.
Joe Breeden, Louise Ferguson, Oscar Griffiths & Ryder Lawrence Will Form Intense Factory Racing in 2024After
teasing a four-rider team last week, Intense has revealed its plans for the 2024 season with a new look for its factory racing team.
For 2024, the Intense Factory Racing team features Joe Breeden, Louise Ferguson, Oscar Griffiths and Ryder Lawrence as its list of riders looking to ride the downhill World Cup series on
the new M1.
Read more
here.
Thibault Laly Joins the Goodman Santa Cruz Racing TeamThibault Laly has announced that he will be joining the Goodman Santa Cruz Racing Team for his 10th World Cup race season.
| @tibolaly is joining @goodman.santacruz for 2024
For his 10th World Cup season, Thibault will help our team on organisation, management and he will be sharing his experience with the kids!
You will see LalycheTV riding world cups, french cups and some extra events … stay tuned— Thibault Laly |
Georgia Astle & Bas Van Steenbergen Sign with Outdoor ResearchGeorgia Astle and Bas Van Steenbergen have announced on social media that they will ride in yet-to-be-released Outdoor Research mountain bike apparel in 2024.
Ahead of the launch of its first dedicated mountain bike apparel range, Outdoor Research has signed Georgia Astle and Bas Van Steenbergen to ride the new Freewheel MTB Collection. Outdoor Research aims to launch its
new mountain bike apparel in spring this year.
| Excited to be joining the @outdoorresearch team during their new venture into the bike world.
Keep your eyes peeled for the official launch this spring!—Georgia Astle |
| Beyond excited to announce I will be riding @outdoorresearch gear! I’m feeling so lucky to be involved with a company so committed to making high quality gear. Knowing the legacy of the brand, it was an absolute no brainer to sign with them! Be on the lookout for plenty of cool projects and high grade gear soon—Bas Van Steenbergen |
Dan Slack Leaves Gravity School RacingDan Slack has announced that after four years of racing, he will be leaving the Gravity School Racing team.
| After 4 amazing years, my time with @gravity_school_racing has come to an end and i can’t thank @jackreading_mtb enough for the opportunities he has given me. I have shared some of the best moments in my career so far with these boys from my 2nd at worlds and junior world cup podium to my first elite world cups and 10th in Maribor. They also helped get me through some pretty tough times with broken bones and concussions and helped get me back racing fit.
A massive thank you to the team behind the team (you know who you are). In particular, @jackreading_mtb for all the logistical planning and helping me progress through the ranks and @ell8nine & @samryanjones for keeping the morale high and bikes running smoothly.
Also a massive thank you to all the sponsor for keeping us racing: @srsuntour_inc @gravity_school_srsuntour @gravity_school_coaching @onealracing @schwalbetires @schwalbetyresuk @halowheels @gussetcomponents @kingudproducts @trailtools.eu @workscomponents @stifmountainbikes @crankbrothers @tybikeproducts @freelap Some exciting news will be coming shortly for 2024 and beyond, but for now watch this space…—Dan Slack |
Intense Factory Racing Teases 4 RacersRead more
here.
Greg Minnaar Joins NorcoAfter 16 years together, Greg Minnaar's name was synonymous with that of the Santa Cruz Syndicate, but in a move that surprised everyone this off-season, even Minnaar himself, the Syndicate let go the 42-year-old South African. That left the four-time world champion scrambling to find a ride for 2024 mid-October in a year where budgets were tight.
While the past several months have been anything but restful, you don't win 23 World Cups without being a hard worker and Minnaar has signed a three-year contract with Norco Bicycles and has been able to pull together a team at the eleventh hour that sounds more than promising. Minnaar will be racing alongside Gracey Hemstreet and Lucas Cruz this season, but his main focus will be setting up the processes and people to turn Norco Factory Racing into a future-proofed, race-winning team and continue to direct the team beyond his eventual retirement. You can read the official Norco Bicycles press release
here.
Sarah Moore sat down with Minnaar yesterday to talk about who will be supporting them at races, riding Norco's prototype bike, and what his goals are for the coming years. The podcast is above if you'd like to listen to our conversation. Alternatively, a transcript of the entire interview can be found
here.
Hans Rey Signs with GT for Another 3 YearsHans Rey will be continuing with GT for another three years to reach a total of 39 years with the brand.
| BREAKING NEWS - signed for another 3 years with the one and only @gtbicycles this will take me to 39 years riding for this iconic brand, that’s 2/3 of my life! Stoked - let the #GoodTimes continue—Hans Rey |
Tom Wilson Parts Ways with Orange BikesWords: Tom WilsonAfter an amazing 7 years of riding for Orange Bikes I have decided to part ways with Orange Bikes, It has been an amazing ride, with every race since 2017 being done on an Orange. This worked out as 97 races, 40 world level. Over the years I completed 1 Downhill World Cup, 3 E-EWS races and 36 EWS/EDR races.
I would also love to say how amazing it has been to be involved within the brand over the years and how welcome everyone made me at the factory.
I have put together this video from my 7 years to show my appreciation to Orange and highlight all my memories from the great time that I had.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the factory in Halifax and everyone else involved in the Orange Factory Racing team, I had the best time on all of the trips we went on.
I also want to say a huge thank you to all of my individual and the team sponsors from over the past 7 years I wouldn't have been able to do it without you along the way.
A special thank you goes out to:
Kelvin Lawton - Team Manager
Alex Desmond (Dez) - Bike Designer/ Legend
Dan Greenwood - Team Mechanic
Nick Mock - Head Chef
Kike Abelleira - Photographer
and also to all the riders on the team from 2021 - 2023 for making riding and practising the races more than just a day on the bike and into a quality and fun day of riding.
Lachlan Blair
Joe Connell
Becky Cook
Christo Gallagher
I have some really exciting plans for 2024 and I'm really looking forward to being able to share them soon.
Louise Ferguson Leaves the Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing TeamLouise Ferguson has announced that she is off the Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing team this year.
| 2023 you were a treat. THANK YOU @continental_nukeproof_racing and all our sponsors. You guys treated me like family and I’ll never forget that. Got some exciting changes happening but I can’t thank you guys enough for all the support and memories. Glad I’ll still get to see you at the races!—Louise Ferguson |
| Well there you have it, time for another goodbye. Lou has officially been part of the team for a year but been part of the Nukeproof family for a lot longer.
We’ve had an incredible year with her 4th place in Fort William, 3rd place in queen of Crankworx, rider of the week at Hardline and so many other amazing achievements of the years.
Wishing her all the best for her next adventures, but I’m sure she’ll be back in the pits for some Irish hospitality.—Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing |
Harriet Burbidge-Smith Signs with CanyonAustralian freerider Harriet "Haz" Burbidge-Smith will be riding for Canyon in 2024.
The Red Bull athlete, two-time amateur BMX World Champion and eight-time Australian Champion will be joining Sam Soriano, Tim Bringer, Olivia Silva, Ryan McNulty, Kaos Seagrave and Fabio Wibmer in the Canyon CLLCTV freeride stable.
Her main bikes will be the Canyon Stitched and Torque and she'll be kicking off her season at Darkfest and Red Bull Hardline before heading to New Zealand for Slopestyle, Speed & Style and Dual Slalom competitions at Crankworx Rotorua. She will compete in all four rounds of the Crankworx World Tour.
| I have fun on big jumps and I’m pushing myself to progress towards even bigger tricks, but I still love head-to-head racing too.—Harriet Burbidge-Smith |
Read more
here.
Thibaut Daprela Joins the Canyon CLLCTV DH TeamIn a move perhaps nobody saw coming this silly season is the news Thibaut Daprela has left the Commencal Muc Off team and will be racing as part of the Canyon CLLCTV.
The 22-year-old French racer has quickly risen through the ranks in recent years to become one of the fastest riders on the World Cup circuit picking up two elite victories after securing back-to-back overall titles while racing as a Junior. Thibaut is always one of the wildest riders to watch and going forward he will be joining the stacked Canyon CLLCTV team.
Read more
here.
Scott Factory Racing Adds Ethan Craik & Gonçalo Bandeira to its DH TeamThe Scott Factory DH race team has announced that it has signed Ethan Craik and Gonçalo Bandeira to its roster of riders.
Two fresh faces will be joining the Scott team for the 2024 season as the young talents of Ethan Craik and Gonçalo Bandeira will join the established lineup of Dylan Levesque and Marine Cabirou. Both Ethan and Gonçalo picked up strong results in 2023 and carry plenty of momentum into the upcoming 2024 season. The team are not taking much time off as it already plans its first training camp later this month.
Read more
here.
Jess Blewitt Signs with Cube Factory RacingJess Blewitt
announced her departure from the now defunct GT Factory Racing last month after three years on the brand, and now the 21-year-old New Zealander has announced that she's signed with Cube Factory Racing for 2024.
The World Cup downhill podium contender and the
first-ever female rider at Red Bull Hardline will be teammates with Max Hartenstern and Simon Chapelet.
| We’re thrilled to welcome @jessblewitt_ to the CUBE Family! The 21-year-old New Zealander Jess Blewitt has just aced her audition and is ready to dominate the downhill trails with the @cube.factoryracing.dh team in 2024!
Jess shares her excitement, „I’m stoked on the team and the bike. I immediately felt part of the CUBE family.“
And that’s not all! The dynamic duo, seven-time German Downhill Champion @max.hartenstern and the talented 21-year-old @simonchapelet47 , are standing strong with Factory Racing!
The Downhill World Cup gets under way in Fort William, Scotland, in early May!—Cube Factory Racing |
Luca Schwarzbauer Extends Contract With Canyon for 3 YearsLuca Schwarzbauer has announced on Instagram that he has extended his contract with Canyon for three years, meaning he'll be riding for the German brand through this Olympic year and at least the following two years after that.
| Big news: I am here to stay! Very happy to have re-signed with @canyon for at least the following 3 years!
It’s great to look back what we have achieved together but now it’s time to look forward
Let’s go—Luca Schwarzbauer |
Read more
here.
Dimitri Tordo Off Canyon After 6 YearsFrench EDR World Cup racer Dimitri Tordo is the latest rider to announce his departure from Canyon.
| It's time to say goodbye to the canyon collective ! It was like a dream during 6 years and I really enjoyed every minute... I started with the team in 2018 and during this first season we did 5th in overral and them 2019:4th, 2020 covid, 2021:6th, 2022:15th,2023: 12th.. during 6 years I met so many amazing people and they gave me the chance to ride my bike everyday and every where in the world, I want to say thank you for this opportunity, I know I am super lucky and it is why I gave everything i got... thank you everyone for making it possible @fabienbarel @gaberfox @cllctv_mtb @canyon and all the sponsors ! Also thank you @alexandre_blain_official I to believing in me from the beginning and my mecanic and dear friend @benjlafouk ! I want to say thank you everyone also for following me, encouraging me family friends everyone, I don't know my way yet but I Will fight to ride my bike next year !
Thank you all my teamates I wish you the best, I love sharing a bit of this adventure with you
Thank you again—Dimitri Tordo |
Brook Macdonald Leaves the MS Racing TeamBrook Macdonald and MS Racing have announced they will go their separate ways in 2024 after working together since 2018.
Already this month we have heard that
MS Racing will no longer be running Mondraker bikes and now there is the news that Brook Macdonlad will not be on the team roster next year. In his statement, Brook says that he is in the "unknown now" but is aiming to be back in some way next season.
Read more
here.
Hugo Marini Departs Commencal Muc OffHugo Marini will not be riding for Commencal Muc Off next year as he has bid farewell to the team for 2024.
| Two years with this Junior monkey!
Thank you @hugomarini_ for your weird and wonderful ways, and for being the only one to keep up with @alexisjamais’ gang signs! You look almost as good on the dance floor as you do on a bike, and we wish you the very best with your next moves
With love from the RA fam—Commencal Muc Off |
| @commencal_mucoff a été une immense opportunité et une superbe expérience pour moi !
Malheureusement, cette aventure touche à sa fin.
Je tiens à remercier @tibaldog et @gaetruff d’avoir cru en moi pendant ces deux dernières années
Un grand merci à toute la cellule mécanique d’avoir pris soin de mon bike, et en particulier à @alexisjamais d’avoir toujours était là pour moi Merci à toi pour ton excellent travail !
Merci merci infiniment à @anna_fromthepits @carolikesbikes @zsabzk … !!!
Je souhaite une bonne continuation à toute l’équipe pour les années à venir
Un grand au revoir également à la famille @commencalbikes qui m’a aidé depuis longtemps, depuis petit. Merci d’avoir été là dans les beaux moments. Bien dommage que nos chemins se séparent au moment le plus décisif.
Merci pour ce que vous avez fait @maxcommencal @pierrickl16
ciao byeeee—Hugo Marini |
| @commencal_mucoff was a huge opportunity and a great experience for me!
Unfortunately, this adventure is coming to an end.
I want to thank @tibaldog and @gaetruff for believing in me over the last two years
A big thank you to the entire mechanical unit for taking care of my bike, and in particular to @alexisjamais for always being there for me
Thank you for your excellent work! Thank you thank you so much to @anna_fromthepits @carolikesbikes @zsabzk …!!!
I wish the whole team good luck for the years to come
A big goodbye also to the @commencalbikes family who have helped me for a long time, since I was little. Thank you for being there during the beautiful moments. It's a shame that our paths part at the most decisive moment.
Thank you for what you did @maxcommencal @pierrickl16 ciao byeeee—Hugo Marini - Translated |
The Union Team are Parting Ways with Santa CruzThe Union race team have shared on social media that after a couple of season they will no longer be running Santa Cruz race bikes next season.
| Thank you for everything @santacruzbicycles
After our first season in 2021 and all the success that came with it, the UNION was looking to find enough cash to share less beds, buy more vegetables and give things a proper go. To say we were on a loose program at the time would be an understatement… Coupled with an on-going pandemic and plenty of other factors, most brands would have ran a mile back then. But instead, Santa Cruz stepped up and saw what we were trying to do, giving us that big leg up and kickstarting all those results, riders and good times to date.
We literally couldn’t have done it without you and on behalf of all the crew both past and present, thank you A special thank you to @sebkemp for sharing the same vision in wanting to support the next gen of World Cup talent in a new way.
It’s not just the people at the brand like Seb, Jordan, Sammy and co though and without our big brothers and sisters at the @scsyndicate keeping an eye on us on the road, there’s literally no way we’d of kept rolling all this time. We’ll never forget the Ft Bill bike lends after all our belongings were stolen as just one example of that The countless spares, food, advice, lifts and hangovers from all the staff and especially the mechanics, kept our ship sailing and we’ll be forever in debt!
For 2024 we’ll also be saying goodbye to some other friends and long term supporters who’ve also had our backs for a while now. There’s too many good souls and individuals working for each brand and we can’t thank you all enough for helping us get this far and we’ll see you at the races soon for a brew and a catch-up.—The Union |
Dawid Joins Szymon Godziek in Leaving NS BikesBoth Dawid and Szymon Godziek have announced they will no longer be riding for NS Bikes in 2024.
Read more
here.
Brady Stone Officially Off PolygonAfter the news that the team would not be continuing in 2024, Brady Stone has officially shared the news that he will not be riding for Polygon next year.
| End of a chapter. Thanks Polygon for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to ride for Polygon Factory Racing. It’s been an amazing experience and I’ve made some great memories over the last 2 years with the team as well as some of my best results yet! Unfortunately my time with Polygon has come to an end so I would like to thank everyone at Polygon who has been involved in the team, 23___hq for managing the team this year, all the team sponsors, our team mechanics who kept our bikes rolling no matter what, and of course Dan, Matt and Jack for being some of the best teammates you could ask for. Cheers everyone! ✌️
Will be announcing my plans for 2024 soon…—Brady Stone |
Danny Hart Still Without a Sponsor for 2024We spoke to Danny Hart
at the end of October and he had yet to secure a sponsorship deal for 2024. Now, with the new year just about to begin, the 2011 and 2016 World Champion and multi-time World Cup winner still does not have a ride.
| Thank you to @cube.factoryracing.dh for the last 3 years. Shame it has come to an end. Wishing them all the best for the future. Still looking for something moving forward, I will be on the start line in 2024 no matter what. Challenging times right now! See you all in 2024!—Danny Hart |
We really hope Hart can find a setup for 2024 and not be wrenching on his own bike as a privateer.
| The last 3 years of competition were undoubtedly the best of my career. In 2021, I was able to create my own project with amazing brands and partnerships, that gave me the tools to get the best results.
It’s the end of a chapter and all I can do is to thank @stand_jasma / @scott_portugal_oficial / @bicimax / @scvougaciclismo / @shimanoportugal / @maxxis_portugal for all the support that was given to me these 3 past seasons! THANK YOU!
Next year will come with big news and I am eager to tell you all about them!—Gonçalo Bandeira |
Graham Agassiz, Ethan Nell & Ace Hayden Off YTGraham Agassiz, Ethan Nell and Ace Hayden have all been dropped from YT Industries ahead of the 2024 season. The three freeriders announced the news on Instagram today. Nell says that his entire career he has been on YT Industries, while Hayden was on the brand for eight years, and Aggy has been riding YT for the past three years.
Read more
here.
Joe Breeden Thanks Intense After 2 Years of Racing & Hints at Changes to Come | A phone call from @aarongwin1, to an insane 2 years with this amazing crew. A dream come true and a ton learnt working with some of the world’s best athletes, mechanics & engineers.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to every single one who were involved; @2wheelntodd & Cathy for running a great show, @aarongwin1 for a once in a lifetime opportunity & openly sharing your wisdom on & off the track, @swannyberg for keeping the vibe high & always delivering positivity to the crew. All the mechanics for incredibly supportive and fun relationships, & of course @sethsherlock & @daknorton for open & honest relationships where we pushed each other &, had each others backs, all whiles having a great time doing so.
Sure sad to see this group separate, but has given me great experience for what’s to come. See you at the races.—Joe Breeden |
Correction: We originally reported Joe Breeden as leaving Intense Factory Racing, we have since been informed that this was not the intent of Joe's statement.
Thomas Genon Off Canyon After 11 YearsThomas Genon has announced that he will be the latest rider to leave Canyon as his 11-year partnership with the brand comes to an end.
Read more here
Angel Suarez Departs the Primal Unno Project Race TeamAngel Suarez has revealed on social media that the Primal Unno Project race team will not be continuing next season. We don't know where Angel is heading for next year yet but we will provide an update when we know more.
| Ha sido una temporada difícil en la que no he conseguido los resultados esperados, a esto se le suma que desafortunadamente mi equipo @primal_unno no continuara la próxima temporada. Era un proyecto que me motivaba mucho y me ha dado mucha pena no poder darles los resultados que merecían!! Mil gracias a todos los patrocinadores y en especial a @ikeklaassen !
It is been a tough season and unfortunately my team @primal_unno won’t continue next year, what it’s super sad as I was super motivated on the project and I couldn’t deliver the results on this first year. Thank you to all the sponsors but mostly to @ikeklaassen !!!—Angel Suarez |
Morgane Jonnier Bids Farewell to Rossignol BikesMorgane Jonnier has announced on social media that changes are coming in 2024 after two seasons of riding for Rossignol Bikes.
In her
post on Instagram Morgane states that "changes are coming, we adapt as always for our greatest pleasure, & I am still so excited to jump into the unknown." We don't know where Morgane will be ending up next year just yet, but we'll keep you updated when we learn more.
| Tout est éphémère, on le sait bien, & c’est pour cette raison que l’on vit à 1000 à l’heure en profitant au maximum de ce que nous offre ce quotidien atypique. Au fils des années, je me suis entourée d’amis, et de partenaires bienveillants & de confiance, MERCI à cette grande & belle équipe. Je suis tellement reconnaissante pour tous les projets que l’on a réalisé, les expériences engrangées durant ces deux dernières saisons avec Rossignol Bikes.
Des changements s’annoncent, on s’adapte comme toujours pour notre plus grand plaisir, & je suis toujours autant excitée de sauter dans l’inconnu !— Morgane Jonnier |
| Everything is ephemeral, we know it well, and it is for this reason that we live at 1000 miles an hour, making the most of what this atypical daily life offers us. Over the years, I have surrounded myself with friends, and caring & trusting partners, THANK YOU to this great & beautiful team. I am so grateful for all the projects we have carried out, the experiences gained over the last two seasons with Rossignol Bikes.
Changes are coming, we adapt as always for our greatest pleasure, & I am still so excited to jump into the unknown!— Morgane Jonnier - Translated |
Jamie Edmondson Back Racing as a Privateer in 2024Jamie Edmondson has announced that he will not be riding for the Chili Racing Brigade next year as he goes back to being a privateer.
| After a year of highs and lows I can announce that I won’t be racing with @chiliracingbrigade in 2024.
Thanks to the team and it’s partners for the fun times and support.
Still pulling my plans together but looks like we’re back on the privateer wagon for next year. Time to bring back some of that 2020 energy.—Jamie Edmondson |
Cole Lucas Not Racing EDR World Cups in 2024Cole Lucas will not be racing the EDR World Cup series in 2024 after being unable to find sponsors or a team to get to the races next year.
In a
social media post, Cole Lucas revealed that following the news of the
Ibis team shutting down he has not been able to find any sponsors or team for the 2024 season. With no sponsors to help get to the races in Europe next year Cole has made the tough decision to not race the EDR World Cup series in 2024.
Read more here
Josh Bryceland Signs With FormulaPress Release: FormulaFormula is excited to announce that World Champion, World Cup winner, some-time Enduro-racer and full-time fun-haver Josh ‘Ratboy’ Bryceland will be riding their suspension and brakes.
After trying a set of Formula brakes on an e-moto bike, Josh slid into our DMs to ask if he could try our mountain bike suspension and brakes. How could we say no?
Read more here
Mondraker Steps Away from the MS Racing TeamMondraker has revealed MS Mondraker is no more after an announcement stating the end of its over ten-year partnership with MS Racing.
Since branding itself as MS Mondraker in 2012, the team has collected many accolades from World Cup wins, Overall titles and multiple World Champs medals including a
one-two finish in 2016. In its statement on
social media, Mondraker states that while this is "the end of an era," it hints at something new coming soon.
Read more here
RockShox Trek Race Team DisbandsIn 2021, RockShox and Trek joined forces to
form the RockShox Trek Race Team and signed a roster of gravity-focused racers all under the age of 21, including Vali Höll. Today, the team has announced that they are bidding farewell to the world stage, meaning that Höll will most definitely be on a new team for 2024.
Read more here
Orange Factory Racing Announces it Won't be Returning in 2024Words: Orange Bikes30 years of racing pedigree. A roster stacked with iconic names. Front-and-centre throughout downhill and enduro history.
Orange Mountain Bikes has racing in its DNA and Orange Factory Racing is the latest chapter in that story.Read more here
Ronan Dunne is Leaving Continental Nukeproof Factory RacingRonan Dunne has announced on social media he is leaving the Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing team and no longer riding for Nukeproof.
During his three successful years with the team and Nukeproof brand, Ronan has released
wild edits and collected some top World Cup results including a 2nd place finish at
this year's Snowshoe round.
Read more here
Jess Blewitt Announces Departure from GTIn a post on social media,
Jess Blewitt has confirmed that she will no longer be riding for GT and has "new things" coming next year.
While it won't come as much of a surprise with
GT announcing last month it was disbanding its racing program, Jess bids farewell to the team and brand after three years. Since joining GT Jess has quickly become a regular at the sharp end of World Cup racing,
received a Red Bull helmet and ridden at Hardline twice.
Read more here
Tomas Lemoine & Canyon Part Ways After 9 Years TogetherTomas Lemoine and Canyon have announced that they will no longer be partnered in 2024. Lemoine has represented Canyon for nine years, so the split is a little surprising, but they seem to be parting on excellent terms.
Read more here
Harriet Burbidge-Smith & Trek Part WaysHarriet Burbidge-Smith has announced that she will no longer be riding with Trek after three successful years with the brand. Since joining Trek Harriet has progressed from taking her first Crankworx podium to becoming one of the series' top competitors.
Read more here
GT Factory Racing Says Goodbye in 'Shifting Gears'Words: GT Factory Racing
Film/Edit: Louis CitadelleFew brands are born into racing, but when Gary Turner welded the first GT BMX frame in his SoCal garage for his son in 1972, that’s exactly how GT came to exist. In the last fifty years, GT has raced everything and everywhere; from BMX to XC, Slalom to Downhill, Enduro to road. Heck, GT even created the ‘96 Atlanta Superbike project for the USA National Track team. On this journey, we’ve won Olympic medals, World titles, World Cups, National and European Championships all in a style unique to our brand.
For the last eight years, our GT Factory Racing Team (GTFR) has competed at the highest level in the UCI Downhill World Cup series and EDR races, with an extended family of riders including: Wyn Masters, Rachel Strait, Anneke Beerten, Martin Maes, Sam Dale, Brook McDonald, Jackson Frew, George Brannigan, Joey Foresta, Johannes ‘Denim Destroyer’ Von Klebelsberg, Noga Korem, Ethan Craik, Katy Winton, Jess Blewitt, and Ryan ‘Pinky’ Pinkerton.
The team has achieved an incredible forty-one WC/EDR podiums, eleven WC/EDR wins, two World Cup overall titles and two World Championship podiums. We couldn’t be prouder of these talented athletes and to have the opportunity to support Wyn’s Privateer Project and our Junior Development teams, all helping the next generation to reach the top.
Read more here
Greg Minnaar Off Santa Cruz & Reportedly on Norco for 2024Greg Minnaar is widely regarded as the greatest DH racer of his generation. He's been on the Santa Cruz Syndicate team for many years, but over the past few months there have been persistent rumours about his future for 2024. Would he retire after a challenging 2023 season? Would he chase a short term, high dollar deal elsewhere? Would Santa Cruz offer him a long term deal to finish out his career? Is he targeting an Alonso-style resurgence?
It now appears that the Minnaar off Syndicate rumours are likely to be true. Multiple people with knowledge of the situation have told Pinkbike that Greg is not on Santa Cruz in 2024. Further, we are told that a deal with Norco has been agreed. It should be stressed that this hasn't been officially announced by any of the people involved, and should still be taken with a grain of salt.
Read more here
Polygon Ends its Factory Racing TeamAfter a successful 2023, under the leadership of 23 Degrees Sports Management, Polygon has confirmed that their Polygon Factory Racing Team (PFR) will not continue racing the Enduro World Cup (EDR) next season.
Read more here
Bex Baraona Off Yeti & Without 2024 TeamBex Baraona announced
on Instagram that she will not be racing for Yeti next year and does not have a new team lined up.
Baraona has taken the top of enduro by storm: her results over the last few years include two wins and several podiums at the world level, settling into fifth overall for the 2023 EDR World Cup season. This was her second year with Yeti and things looked promising for the future.
Read more here
DJ Brandt Parts Ways with NukeproofDJ Brandt has announced on social media that he will no longer be riding for Nukeproof as the brand's
parent company faces financial difficulties.
As the troubles facing Nukeproof's parent company Signa Sports United grows DJ Brandt has shared the tough news that his two-year deal has been cut short after signing with the brand at the start of 2023. DJ Brandt shared that he is "heartbroken" by the news and said "they made it feel like a family and not just a sponsorship so shout out to everyone who made this short experience as great as it was."
Read more here
Yoann Barelli Signs With DevinciYoann Barelli and Devinci announced today that the French Sea to Sky rider will be partnering with the Canadian brand going forward.
Yoann started his riding career as a professional enduro and downhill racer, but has gradually transitioned from racing to self-expression, creativity, and media creation. The outgoing rider seems to have found ways to combine all his passions, with social media as a major outlet alongside his passions for riding itself, coaching, and environmentalism. He started Into the Gnar to run short-term and long-term coaching programs to help riders reach their goals. He also started the Tour de Gnar, a somewhat grassroots yet renowned freeride event during which riders are invited to spend a summer day tackling all the gnarliest features in the Sea to Sky zone, one of the burliest riding destinations in the world.
Read more here
U23 XC World Champ Samara Maxwell Signs with Rockrider Ford Until 2026After an incredible 2023 season with a World Cup and World Champs win Samara Maxwell has been picked up by the Rockrider Ford team until 2026.
Previously Samara Maxwell had been racing World Cups and World Champs under her own program so it is amazing to see the New Zealand talent picked up by one of the big teams for the rest of the season and the next few years. Samara Maxwell says she will be at this weekend's Olympic test event in Paris with her new team before heading to the final two World Cup rounds as she sits third in the U23 Women's overall standings.
Read more here
Devinci Global Racing Steps Away from Enduro World CupsIt appears that Devinci Global Racing will be joining
Ibis Racing in not returning to the World Cup circuit in 2024.
Just a day after the news from Ibis, Greg Callaghan and Evan Wall have posted on social media sharing the news that it is the "end of the road for Devinci Global Racing as we know it." Both riders have revealed in their posts that they are uncertain of their situations for next year at this current time but they state that they still plan to continue racing with Greg saying: "I’ll be back next year, whether it’s in my van or under a team tent, is still TBC. I’ve been here since the start, and I’ll be here for another while yet!"
Read more here
Ibis Enduro Team Pulls Out of World Cup RacingThe Ibis Racing team has announced it is stepping away from World Cup racing.
Ibis Racing has become the first victim of what is expected to be a rough off-season for teams and riders as it has announced it will be pulling out of the EDR World Cups. Alongside the team statement, riders Zakarias Johansen and Cole Lucas have revealed that while they still want to continue racing they have nothing lined up for future seasons yet. There has been no word yet from Raphaela Richter on whether she has managed to secure a ride for 2024.
Read more here
Katy Winton Reveals Uncertain Future as a Full-Time RacerKaty Winton has become one of the first riders to reveal her uncertain future as a full-time racer with a very honest social media post. In Katy's announcement, she stated: "this time of year is an uncertain time for most riders, however, what’s more unsettling is how uncertain a time it is for so many teams resulting in even more riders struggling to secure their futures." Katy herself has said that the GT Factory team, which she joined in 2022, has been open with her about upcoming changes that could mean this weekend's race in Châtel is her last as a full-time racer.
Read more here
Josh Carlson Parts Ways with the Giant Factory Team After 12 YearsJosh Carlson has announced that after 12 years with the Giant Factory team, this weekend's Enduro racing in Châtel will be his last.
After first joining the team in 2012 and seeing through the 10-year legacy of the EWS Josh Carlson has revealed that he will no longer be riding with the Giant team. In his announcement post, Josh states that he is not retiring and more news about his future plans will be revealed later.
Read more here
What is annoying however is that it will increase the fracture between full time elite pros and non/barely supported athletes.
Status: unconfirmed.
I wonder how many athletes make a living riding and racing worldwide. 50-100?
* EWS parts ways with EDR
* DH becomes the new F1 and uses Ebikes, only ten racers though
* Redbull Media to create a new Hardline servies, sponsored by Narco cartels
* Snowbikes World champs turns into Mudbikes European Champs
* Urban DH cup becomes the new hype
I'm totally ok with that integration of 2 worlds.
I know a lot of people are not stoked on the semi addition but i grew up watching motocross and supercross in the US and that's standard practice. So in my mind it makes sense, more screen time for the sponsors and a more elite final. But if im paying to watch it needs Rob or better commentating and better coverage than RedBull. Both were much worse.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-ZqRKBYK2o
Magazines came along - reviews and advertisements resulted in the majority of bike sales until…
Video/movies came along - grabby music and clever editing made us all want that bike, that kit, that track/trail and we all tried to emulate it (don’t lie to yourself). Those vhs and later dvd’s were the primary source for decision making for the bikes we wanted until…
Internet came along - synchronous media and endless advertising, accessible buying opportunities for both new and used bikes.
So if you think about it, that rider I mentioned in the beginning isn’t required for the brand to make money. Long gone are the days where to see the bikes being used by a pro. All we need is a phone, tablet, laptop etc to tell us that this bike has the structural integrity /passes all required tests and will make us feel better, faster, cooler and that’s it…sold. Bike companies set out with one intention and that was profit. Nothing has changed in that regard except how technology has driven the market.
The golden rule: only ride bikes for fun.
each rider can explain how many extra bikes a brand can expect to sell based on thr riders results/insta/youtube over a season
We can only blame ourselves.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll still be riding a Rocky next year. Can't say I'll be riding "for them" since I have to pay for it, but I'll have that brand between my legs.
I also probably won't be racing. Not because of the budget though, more because I'm old and I've never really been that fast.
If anything COVID created a larger demand for bikes, with people wanting to avoid public transport and choosing social distancing outdoor activities over social ones. The bike industry is struggling because it has not managed inventories and investments correctly, thinking the boom that occured during covid would last longer.
I wonder how many riders are taking significant pay cuts on contracts for 2024/25.
[End transmission]
Announce the Grim Downhill series where riders are only allowed to race a Grim Donut bike with whatever parts they choose.
Ned Overend has over 30 years with Specialized.
Nobody wants to watch Enduro other than a few mins of highlights, I suppose like stage rally car racing - most just watch the highlights vs something like F1 where it’s a few hrs to watch the lot.
Enduro riding is alive, collective races like Megavalanche are alive, watching EDR races is boring.
If you watch enduro racing on tv / video you will be watching highlights, not hours of endless racing.
I was at les Gets in worlds Week too, and i enjoyed more the trainings, finals were more about the social experience near the Bottom..
And watching shortcuts from this or that is the same effect.
And during EWS a lot of people ride bikes because they move between stages to watch the next one.
I had it all planned out before this.
Literally nobody watches the enduro stages, nobody.
This is how to explain it to yourself.
You have no idea about watching rallying, what it looks like live and how many people watch WRC live at the track versus how many people watch F1 at the track. I'm not talking about TV. And what you see on TV is dependent on the shots whether they are interesting or not.
It's a lot harder to get to the WRC/Enduro section because they go places that are difficult to access. It's not like in F1/DH that they give everyone easy access to the track.
You have to make an effort to be able to watch something, but these days people are lazy and clumsy - they have to get everything in their hands and don't want to make an effort.
Two if 2,000 people on one route it's a lot of people everywhere. And if you have 2,000 people on 6 routes there's not enough on each route.
Enduro is slower because there are more winding trails, they have climbs and traverses. More varied than a DH route where there are no climbs and it's fast.
Not many people can, will or want to make the effort to fly to a different country to spend 2 days watching Enduro, don’t be a moron, for a start it’s because it’s a terrible spectator sport.
In short - people watch exciting sports that can be viewed in a few hrs, this is supported by reality.
hahahaha
F1 is not so exciting as WRC on TV and live
thats true
so
I would not however watch 10hrs of WRC stage footage vs a F1 race, I don't have time to, nobody has time to.
F1 is watched far, far, far more than WRC for a reason, it doesn't matter what your opinion is look at reality.
Anyway, I was trying to make an example similar to Enduro vs DH - I am sorry I upset so many people with a WRC fetish.
You only have to look at some of the EDR podium ceremonies last year. If it wasn’t for the team members, other riders there would have been no one watching the ceremonies.
Stand outside for 8 hrs then for an hour you may see a car come past every couple of minutes. If you’re lucky you may be in a spot where interesting stuff happens so you actually see the cars for more than 2 seconds.
I was riding enduro, as were most of us, long before it was a racing category.
Just ride your bike, we’re not pros, no reason to think like one.
Either way, as Shakespear already pointed out: what's in a name.
is this somehow a kind of diverse.
If Trek are short of $$$$$ then we know where all their money has gone. They've been signing all kinds of riders to their road teams, with help from Lidl.......Who haven't put any money towards the Trek MTB teams.......I think that says it all.....MTB the poor relation.
That's exactly what the problem is!
LMAO yeah ok.
What they have said is "I wanna get a Yoshi exhaust with my tax return this year!"
Use your noodle.
Outside is shitting their pants while NY and CA consider regulating ebikes more heavily (aka cut into profits) they are starting to activity politicize bikes and hiring writers who "done a lot of research on urban planning" so they can write articles that attempt to tell us how to think and regurgitate half baked old ideas.
Pinkbike is going to shit
Riders are leaving race teams, entire teams are disbanding.
We're trying to get kids on ebikes for generational profit growth. Geriatrics out of the womb.
"iNfLuEncERs" keep churning out the same stupid garbage that's not actually relatable with their dumbf*ck clips that all start with a manual.
I loved watching fat mtber, CO NPC mtbr and Bentonville ho piss on a tree. Yeah forgot we all pee thanks. Please make another. I sorta depend on pinkbike, racing on the other side of the planet and social media during the offseason but this year just copious amounts of weed and nordic sking.
This is as much a job as a reddit mod. You're prob a fat ass neckbeard who gave up on ridingmtb years ago.
Fun "job" sad life.