Pinkbike Poll: How Much Do You Love World Cup Racing?

Mar 24, 2022 at 12:24
by Matt Beer  
Logic s fans will stand by him no matter what and he was greeted at the finish line by a hero s welcome.

World Cup racing is serious business and so are the fans. If you've ever been to a race venue in person, you'll know just how wild it can be, especially when Americans and the French bring the party and the costumes. At Fort William, the downhill event brings in over 10,000 spectators on race day and the roar of the crowd at the finish line can be heard from the top of the mountain.

Whether it's cross country or downhill, there's nothing like witnessing the speed and competition up close. Trackside, the speeds and physical strengths of World Cup riders are put into perspective at arms reach from the tape. You also get a sense for the dirt, grade of the track, and how unforgiving the rocks are. Not to mention, you can walk through the pits and ogle over prototype bikes and meet the racers to collect a few autographs.

What keeps the races going and the teams alive though is the fans. Even the top athletes will be sure to shout out and thank the spectators for amping them up. These are the kind of people that aren't held back by weather. They bring their chainsaw, face paint and chants. Remember Greg Minnaar's super fan that followed along the World Cup series for a few years?

Photo by Duncan Philpott
The infamous Ivan travelled to a number of World Cups to cheer on his favorite racer, Greg Minnaar. One year, he was so excited that he mistakenly showed up to the Pietermaritzburg World Cup a week in advance.

If you can't view it in person, watching the live broadcast is second best. In some ways, it could almost be better as you get to see the majority of the track and watch the slow-mos. Red Bull has brought mountain bike fans incredible coverage for more than a decade, allowing us to tune in from around the world. On some courses, we have the opportunity to watch nearly the whole lap or entire run. The quality of the footage has helped push mountain biking into the mainstream.

Just because they're not there in person, doesn't mean those fans are any less passionate though. For super fans that aren't trackside, social media spoilers can also come out of left field. There's nothing worse than overhearing the results while out on the trail either. I've even heard of public yelling matches where the podium finishers were listed in reverse order, almost erupting into a physical fight.

Then there are mountain bikers that skim through the news as it rolls out or couldn't be bothered to hear any of the race news. Certainly, mountain biking can be about checking out of the news and getting away, deep into the mountains, without any care for who finished first.

Either way, racing gets people stoked to go fast on their bikes and the first World Cup DH of the year is just days away. There is plenty of excitement surrounding team changes, prototype bikes, and the return to Lourdes, France. The last time a World Cup was raced there, the tables were turned for the top racers as the rain came down, making the best in the world look like amateurs in the nearly unrideable, greasy conditions. That meant that we saw fresh faces on the podium and one rider take their first victory. What will this weekend bring, and will you be tuning in or checking out?

Lil girl
There's no doubt that the fans will be out in full force with the number of French riders vying for the top step this weekend on home soil in Lourdes.
Give r some.
Gotta' support the team!

How much do you love World Cup racing?



Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
356 articles

106 Comments
  • 88 1
 My math grade wishes I cared less about the world cup...
  • 8 0
 Haha I know that feeling too well
  • 19 1
 That’s literally me! I’m in 10th grade and my History teacher probably thinks Im super stoked about WW2 when in reality I’m just watching shredits.
  • 17 0
 tried to watch rampage in class, school wifi sucks ass
  • 17 0
 @mountain-bike-matt Your teachers need to step it up. If you were in my math class I'd have you propose an alternative assignment using the same standards- just applied to WC DH. There's so much Math in DH racing and if that's what keeps you engaged, then it's all good. Rate, distance, time, probabilites, geometry, etc etc. As long as you demonstrate mastery of the standards, right?
  • 9 0
 - I am a teacher: my students just don't get their grades real quick.... ;0)
  • 31 0
 Math teacher here. Made my calculus students do their final assignment on designing a jump for the Cairns World Cup DH track. They couldn't believe I'd shoe-horned mountain biking into their assignment, but ended up getting really into it. One even analysed scrubbing rather than sending her design!
  • 36 1
 I sometimes watch it live, sometimes on a replay if I'm out riding during the race, a few times from trackside. I don't recall missing a round in the last 10 years, watch all the build up I can lay my hands on and all the post race stuff. I love it.
  • 3 0
 Yep, same here.
  • 3 0
 What’s the best round to take your family to go watch one in person? Factor in riding, the city and culture. Never been and would like to go. If it’s anything like supercross or outdoor nationals, the speed in person is unreal compared to TV.
  • 3 0
 @txcx166: I'd say it depends how far you want to travel and what else you'd want to do during your trip. I've only ever been to Fort Bill, but I've often seen it said that it has the best atmosphere (I'm not making that claim as I have nothing to compare it too) and it's certainly a fantastic day out. It's probably more child friendly than some venues, a mate of mine went to Vallnord (Andorra) to watch the race and he said the track was so steep in places that they had ropes set up for spectators. With a little assistance my friends 4 year old daughter could walk trackside down the whole of Fort Bill.
  • 4 0
 @commental: I’d like to leave North America just to give my kids the experience. My whole family rides and we’ve traveled a fair amount to do so. Youngest is 11 so they’re pretty durable. Ft Bill would be a great one.
  • 1 0
 @txcx166: I went to Lenzerheide twice and my friend took her son the second time around. Lots of families in general. Also went to Les Gets once, which was wild. I guess the French World Cups are a bit less family friendly with the insane crowds.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely on point. Would want to watch every race trackside which of course doesn't work. Yesterday I went riding all day so I just watched the replay in the evening and just avoided my phone till I was done.
  • 32 2
 I would get an "I love World Cup DH" face tat.....but would stop watching if it ends up behind a paywall.
  • 7 0
 I'll begrudgingly pay for it if it's worth it. I'm trying to stay positive, but...
  • 3 0
 @commental: I will probably just go full enduro. (With "Full Enduro" face tat of course. )
  • 29 1
 Let's hope we can still get good coverage after this year.
  • 9 0
 It's weird. I know the race is coming up, I'm feeling semi-interested, and by the time practice day starts I have binged about 5-10 WC videos ranging from practice to track walk to pit bits to course previews. It literally gets more exciting the more it goes on. Especially with the first track this year, and the fact that people are barely getting runs in with the "up lift". Going to be a VERY interesting qualies and race day. Who can puzzle out this tough track without a full day of hot laps?
  • 2 1
 The frenchies who already have their lines memorized
  • 8 0
 I try to watch it live on RedBull every chance I can and being able to see it in person twice at Snowshoe - what an amazing spectator event! The icing on the cake with that is, you can jump on your bike after the racing is done for the day and go ride! Try rounding up 21 other people after watching the Super Bowl for a pickup football game - it ain't happening.
  • 11 0
 World Cup Downhill is the only sport I follow. And I follow the shit out of it.
  • 8 0
 Football fans tend to be people that are just fans of watching television. WC DH fans on the other hand tend to be actual riders of the sport they are watching, which is why it is so exciting.
  • 7 0
 its nice to finally see some big bikes doing big bike things again... been a while since rampage...
  • 8 0
 How much do I love world cup racing?
Yes!
  • 8 0
 I wish there was more races
  • 2 0
 Fuck yeah!
  • 6 0
 When the WynTV Track walk video comes out, its gets real and the next few days are full of anticipation!
  • 1 0
 WynTv Track Walk + Cracking up a cold one... Name a better combo.I'll wait.
  • 5 0
 I love it. Watch it live. But, not enough to pay a subscription when in its current form is funded by product sales and ad revenue.
  • 3 0
 Everyone should answer this poll. Hopefully PB will cover the televised footage from all the WCs. Then we can watch it like the good old days on Redbull TV.(free preferably) I'm trying to figure out if Discovery has an app I can download. I look forward to this every season. WC is the only sport I watch.
  • 1 0
 Redbull has it for one more season! I procrastinated then panicked all to find out I was wrong in a good way.
  • 3 0
 I can't see them allowing PB to cover something for free when they're charging for it. We'll hopefully still get team edits, photos and POV footage from riders (although as Discovery own Go Pro there could be ramifications for some of that).
There is an app available for live stream and catch up for Discovery programmes, but it's all paywalled. You'll almost certainly have to pay to view WCDH race footage from next year onwards.
  • 5 0
 Totally love it but totally don't love waiting 2 mos for the next race... absolutely ridiculous.
  • 3 0
 I try to watch the live feed but riding comes first. If I'm out during the race, I'll avoid social media and other chances of spoilers and watch the replay as soon as I get home.
  • 3 0
 Racers at the top end are more competitive than ever and the broadcast is better than ever. Downhill takes the cake in all sports!
  • 1 0
 It's my favourite time of the year! Pretty much the only sport that I have any real passion about. Not interested in watching people hit/kick balls around.

DH Racing is pure. It's you against the clock, against the track, against yourself. It's wholesome, everyone is stoked and just wants to ride. There's so much camaraderie, enthusiasm and good-natured rivalry. My wife (who doesn't ride) has got caught up in the passion and excitement the last few years. We both can't wait to hear Rob's voice screaming LOOK AT THE TIIIIIME! I'm holding my breath that the voice of downhill is carried over to the new network. It just wouldnt be the same energy without him. (The World's last year was practically unwatchable because of the monotone presenter. Truly awful)
  • 4 0
 With beer no matter the Time Zone which means 3:30 AM for me this round.

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
  • 2 1
 Being on the outside of DH racing (never been to a dh race, never happen to have caught a live feed of one either) I would watch if it were easier to do so. I just check the recap and read up on whats happening.
Believe it or not, the DH Fantasy league got me to pay closer attention to the racing and gave me a way to learn some of the names to watch for. I just cannot wrap my head around how to read the results (split times and such are confusing to an outsider... or at least for me specifically)
  • 4 0
 What's hard about logging into Red Bull TV?
  • 1 0
 split times don't matter anyway. the only thing that matters is who gets over the line fastest.
  • 1 0
 It costs money to send people to races to cover them, and then produce content. The new overlords are trying to figure out how much to spend on that versus just throwing out a bunch of filler generic experience pieces.
  • 3 0
 As a racer, I definitely check out the World Cups but I'd much rather watch Free Ride events
  • 4 1
 Future poll suggestion: If every rider in the field put down their best run on the day, who would take the win?
  • 3 0
 If every racer did the race on the same bike, then switched and did a lap with the next brand, which brands would get the most wins? Which riders would get the most wins?
  • 2 8
flag thenotoriousmic (Mar 25, 2022 at 17:33) (Below Threshold)
 Aaron Gwin.
  • 2 0
 The Frenchies
  • 8 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Aaron Gwin, riding Ben Cathro. He's the longest and slackest out there.
  • 3 0
 Love the DH races! Those folks freakin send it so hard. I learn stuff every time I watch.
  • 3 1
 Where is the "I get my results spoiled by home page articles, so I'm here to complain about not avoiding media prior to watching" option?
  • 8 8
 I could care less about racing. But I love trail building and riding new areas. I buy bikes based on where they are designed and built #1, and based on how riders in my area like them on our terrain #2(BC, Squamish/Kamloops/Williams Lake). Buying a bike based on someone’s race results on a different continent/riding terrain never crossed my mind.
  • 3 0
 There's a difference between caring about racing and buying bikes based on race results. I'm watching the riders race not the bikes.
  • 2 0
 I do love watching DH racing, but I'll always skip a livestream to push the pedals. Anything beyond casual fandom is a waste of time.
  • 4 0
 I f••king LOVE World Cup downhill!!!
  • 4 0
 World Cup content is the ONLY reason I still hang out on Pinkbike.
  • 6 0
 What? You mean you aren't here for the quality in depth journalism?
  • 5 3
 I could not care less, just like I don't watch football. I'll sooner spend that time riding on the local trails than glorifying someone else's life
  • 6 0
 Good lord, an American flag that actually could NOT care less!? You sir, truly do not care. Bravo.
  • 2 0
 Given the choice of riding or watch, I will ride! Ideally I’d like a decent 30 minutes highlights program, but failing that I watch the top 10 on repeat.
  • 8 6
 No option for “Don’t pay any attention at all to racing, I just like riding my bike.”
  • 4 0
 I guess people who would select that option are unlikely to make it as far as the poll.
  • 6 1
 @andrewbmxmtb: But still find the time to come here to comment on their disinterest.
  • 3 0
 I would love it more if you would post the Photo Epic of the track walk
  • 2 0
 Yep, lovin that dh. Too busy to do your poll thing cos I got to go watch the Vital raw
  • 2 0
 I used to watch every single WC live. I don't care that much these days, couldn't tell you why...
  • 2 0
 I try to watch the races live, but avoid the results to watch replays if I miss it.
  • 1 0
 Fort William is the best sporting event I’ve ever attended. The atmosphere is incredible. Can’t wait to be back this year.
  • 2 0
 Do not want to pay to watch coverage of world cup racing!
Will find out next year if others feel the same?
  • 5 5
 For the life of me, I can't figure out how these teams can afford the costs of fully supporting a race team year after year. Oh, wait, bikes are five figures now. Got it
  • 6 0
 Prefer buying bikes from companies that support a race team, lot of respect for people that eke out a living racing a bike
  • 2 1
 @mknott9: But almost everyone in the bike industry is just eking out a living. With that philosophy, buying bikes from companies that pay employees the least makes sense because they deserve more respect than genetically superior racers.
  • 3 0
 what's a pope?
  • 5 0
 @sirbikealot: Basically the president of Catholicism
  • 7 0
 @charlesnunez: with the difference that if you vote in a wrong one, you have to wait till he's too old to continue. And they make Biden seem young when finally abdicating...
  • 8 0
 Someone that shits in the woods
  • 2 0
 @ceecee: 99% whoosh
  • 20 0
 King of the pedos
  • 2 12
flag charlesnunez (Mar 25, 2022 at 22:04) (Below Threshold)
 @naptime: I understand the joke, and I hope that´s all it ever is. This is neither the time nor the place to get into this argument
  • 1 0
 @Mac1987: Heh, all very true.
  • 13 0
 @charlesnunez: joke? It's 100% fact that the Catholic Church covered up child abuse on many,many horrendous levels....
There's nothing funny about that...
And as for the time or the place.. its a PB forum, there's WAY darker shit on here if you know where to find it.
  • 1 10
flag charlesnunez (Mar 25, 2022 at 22:32) (Below Threshold)
 @naptime: Ok, Before we begin, I would like to distinguish the modern Catholic Church from previous ages when religion meant different things. Now, that said, The catholic church has done some terrible terrible things. At the time, many of these things(as f*cked up as they may be) were thought to be normal. I agree that there is nothing funny about that. The modern Catholic Church is much tamer in comparison. Though it is true that there are pedophiles in the Church, There are also pedophiles in every other religion, organization, US Presidential Office, etc. Now, in conclusion, I agree that the Catholic Church has done some horrible things in the past, but has "reigned it in" so to speak in the modern era. Also, I appreciate your quick reply.
  • 16 0
 @charlesnunez: while I can agree on some of what you say.Yes pedos exist in every aspect of society. BUT, There's something about the catholic organisation in countries where the church is ingrained in its politics that actually attracts these monsters. It's almost like the faith was set up for a place for these scumbags to exist and practice their horrible acts. Take Ireland for example.
And it was known about, common knowledge, and covered up....
The only reason they've 'cleaned up they're act' so to speak is because they where caught...

Oh and the 'it was a long time ago an was thought to be the norm at the time' excuse just doesn't cut it with me..
EVER
religion Has been an excuse for too many horrendous acts throughout time but the late 20th century? like 20 years ago?? NAHHH f*ck That! those people knew what they where doing was wrong, they used their faith as a shield, built an organisation within an organisation and became a hypocrisy of what the faith was supposed to be.
I hope they burn in the Hell they believe in...
There is no debate, it's horrendous

Hail Satan
  • 1 7
flag charlesnunez (Mar 25, 2022 at 23:56) (Below Threshold)
 @naptime: While I see where you are coming from, and I understand your disdain for religion, it is once again imperative to distinguish what specific groups of Catholics one may be referencing. Of course, there is an obvious difference between Roman Catholic and Latin Catholic, but more specifically what countries, states/provinces, and even city to city. Ireland is a good example of one group, while Germany may have a different style, and here in the North Western US, The church is very different. Now, none of that justifies pedophilia in the slightest, but saying "all catholic priests are pedos" would simply not be true. Now I may be incredibly fortunate, but over my life, I've gone to at least a dozen churches and met double that many priests from all corners of the globe, and haven't yet come across any who aren't extremely friendly and professional. Now that's not to say they don't exist, but they are not nearly as common as rumors and fables have led people to believe. I have no insight into "countries where the church is ingrained in its politics", but I can definitely testify for Catholic Churches in the US. The point that I'm trying to make I guess would be that some people are very f*cked up, regardless of religion, race, or any other superficial factor, There will always be f*cked up people. Now those people may be attracted to one place more than another, but it does not mean that everyone from that place is f*cked up. For example, The New York subway. It attracts a lot of crazy people, but it also attracts a lot of normal commuters. To categorize the entire subways audience as crazy wouldn't be fair to all the normal people there. All that being said, I hate the very thought of pedophilia and Condemn anyone who partakes in anything of the sort to the worst fate imaginable. I do have to raise a flag at your closing line."Hail Satan" I'm not sure if this is a humorous gesture or a legitimate belief, but I do sincerely hope that you don't worship the very entity that plants evil such as pedophilia into people's minds.
  • 4 0
 I keep the old gods. Less hipocracy an blind faith there
  • 1 1
 @naptime: Pardon my curiosity, What do you mean by the old gods? Like Greek or Roman?
  • 12 1
 nOt ALL cAtHoLiC pRiEsTs...

That was childish, but when you have structures within an organisation set up to protect pedophiles, the place will still stink for awhile afterwards.

As an aside, Satan is evil, but that's according to God, we never hear Satan's side of it.

Genocides of all living creatures because one species wasn't praying you enough attention:

God: 1
Satan: 0
  • 2 7
flag charlesnunez (Mar 26, 2022 at 0:55) (Below Threshold)
 @L0rdTom: Are you really going to try to tell me that Satan is just misunderstood? and that he (the source of all evil) is actually just trying to do something noble? you should be a movie writer for some teen superhero drama if that's where you're going with this.
  • 3 0
 @charlesnunez: root of all evil, according to his nemesis and the dictator of the government he quit, God..

I can see it now, he is Beast, I am Belle.
  • 5 0
 @charlesnunez: I believe in ALL the gods, I believe they all exist in the minds of men. An anyway "there is one God my child, the red God, his name is death. And what do we say to the red God? Not today"

How is s teenage drama any different to any version of the bible?
  • 9 0
 @charlesnunez: "the Catholic Church has done some horrible things in the past, but has 'reigned it in' so to speak in the modern era."

The modern era begs to differ. The Catholic Church is still protecting pedophiles, resisting investigations, and lying about it.

www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/24/former-pope-benedict-statement-child-sexual-abuse-inquiry
  • 2 0
 Why do we answer these polls? If we wouldn't, novidy would be the wiser.
  • 1 0
 The only racing worth watching. That is until EWS starts getting some legit coverage.
  • 1 0
 I just watch the Vital MTB raw
  • 2 0
 DH is life!
  • 2 1
 Lost a few jobs from Sleeping in Due to WCs over the years...
  • 1 0
 Also, in regards to the poll: there should be an additional option "Yes"
  • 1 0
 Being in Oz is a be@tch for the time zones but always watch live
  • 1 0
 What an insult to Bruni being labelled a Pope.
  • 1 0
 I'm loving me some Pro behind the scene vlogs highlights and results.
  • 1 0
 Ride or die !
  • 2 2
 I watch the replay at work while getting payed excellent money.
  • 3 3
 "I don't pay much attention to racing"...sad people.
  • 3 0
 "I spend time I could be riding my bike, watching other people ride theirs instead; and I call people who make different choices sad people" -you







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