nicotikk

In enduro I am really not sure… tight corners and switbacks must be a nightmare with a 32 wheels

Motocross figured out its wheel size standard 40+ years ago, yet the MTB industry is still searching 😂 At what point are we finally going to stick with a proper standard, 29” or mullet for example, so manufacturers can standardize production and, most importantly, keep costs down for us?

That's true. Really tall on the bike and centered/neutral position. Max looks like he"s just cruising down the hill.

@Struggleteam: It really depends on where you live. In my area (the Alpes-Maritimes on the French Riviera), pretty much everyone knows what DH/enduro is and/or knows someone who rides. But this is also the place where Vouilloz, Barel, Bruni, Vergier, Barelli, Dailly, Daprela, Métailler (and I could go on) all come from, which honestly should be a subject of study because we don’t necessarily have huge infrastructures for riding here. It’s just rough terrain everywhere. The Alpes-Maritimes are actually pretty small. They’re only about half the size of New Jersey and have just over a million people. So there’s definitely an active scene here, and all over France there are quite a lot of people who are into it. I’d say it’s a sport that almost everyone has heard of, but most people don’t really understand. Having Loïc win so much over the last few years has definitely put more spotlight on it too. It’s still pretty niche, but it has way more exposure now. At the end of the day though, I’d probably say it’s mostly riders and people who are already interested in extreme sports who actually watch it.

@vinay: Matti won in 2007

I’ve already said it several times, but Max is probably the most talented/gifted rider on the circuit. Being the most talented doesn’t necessarily mean being the fastest, but if he can put everything together like he did here, oh boy… he’s gonna be dangerous. Dude looks like he was just cruising through a training run. It’s insane.

Max Alran crashed during his run

@gnarnaimo: you are right but overall I’m pretty sure full 29er are still the norm. It could be interesting to know the stats

These two Italians are fast! Stefano has been putting down some really strong World Cup results lately. Hopefully they can get a proper contract soon. Marc Lamaris is getting faster and faster too. This kid has some serious talent. Unfortunately for all you guys, there’s another Frenchman coming through Quentin Barbe looks like he could be the future of downhill P2 overall at just 15 years old... (also top 3 overall at French nationals.).