This is Home: Greg Minnaar - Video

Jun 6, 2017 at 10:30
by SHIMANO  
Greg Minnaar - This is Home

by shimano
Views: 70,477    Faves: 493    Comments: 14


With the 20th World Cup win of his career, Greg Minnaar is the greatest downhill mountain biker of all time. But spend some time hanging out with Greg in his hometown of Pietermaritzburg and you would never know you were in the presence of a living legend. All you would find is a down-to-earth guy whose love of bikes is surpassed only by his love for friends, family and home.

We caught-up with Greg at home with his family during some rare moments of downtime this past winter. The Marisburg hillside is where Greg first rode a mountain bike, and in later years experienced a career highlight – winning the world championship minutes from is home for all his friend and family. It doesn’t take long to figure out that Greg has shaped this community… and they, in turn, have shaped him. This is home.

Watch in 4K here.

Greg Minnaar at home in Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Greg Minnaar at home in Pietermaritzburg South Africa
Greg Minnaar at home in Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Greg Minnaar at home in Pietermaritzburg South Africa

Stay tuned for a photo epic from Sterling Lorence tomorrow.


Minnaar at home

Location: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Produced Filmed & Edited by Anthill Films
Photos by: Sterling Lorence


Previous This Is Home videos:
Thomas Genon
Richie Rude
Brett Rheeder
Tom Van Steenbergen

MENTIONS: @shimano / @anthill / @sterlinglorence


Author Info:
shimano avatar

Member since Apr 7, 2000
87 articles
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139 Comments
  • 244 0
 H is a sensational sportsman, and he deserves all the success he has worked for, hands down. He is the definition of 'the perfect rider'
  • 96 0
 The fact that he has been winning world cups, world cup overalls and world championships since 2001 as a 19 year old is frankly astonishing. It's 2017 and he's currently leading the world cup standings and looking like one of the most legitimate title threats... I can't even think of a single season since 2001 where he hasn't a threat for major titles. Even when he's injured it doesn't set him back - at Mont Sainte Anne in 2007 his shoulder popped out mid race run, so he popped it back in and finished 2nd to Sam Hill. He also crashed at Worlds that year, breaking his scapula, popping out his shoulder and still finished 4th. Amazing racer.
  • 63 0
 Thank you for being such an inspiration. I can't think of a better ambassador for the DH-sport.
  • 18 0
 the GOAT and Mr.Fort William . . both name are recognizable
  • 15 0
 all the love for this magical pro!!
  • 75 0
 it looked like he unloaded that motorcycle from the back of the pickup with one arm... who does that? Minnaar is straight out of the marvel universe
  • 6 0
 True fu¢king champion. What a cool guy too, respect!
  • 16 0
 @thinkbike: Beastly old man strength.
  • 6 1
 minnaar rippin on a pumpkin. awesome!
  • 4 0
 Great Vid! Great Human, Great ambassador, and the first time in Pink Bike history: not one negative comment or sarcastic remark!! There is hope
  • 3 0
 @mikeyb76: cuz he's the 007 of mtb
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't want anyone at the top other than minnaar. Nobody is humble and graceful as he. Hopefully he can stay unbeatable even after he retires.
  • 130 0
 Haha, his Dad ripping him. "What work have you ever done"? *wee kiss*
  • 17 3
 Yeah, I liked that. It kind of filled in the gap not having a live dad.
  • 10 0
 Yeah, that is what South African humour is all about. Greg is such a cool guy and proud of his family. Way to go Greg and cherish your family, they seem awesome.
  • 7 0
 Twas so good to watch, wish this vid went on 10 x as long!
  • 3 1
 @Kramz: Me too..
  • 2 0
 Greg's like, "come on". He clearly has put a lot work into his career.
  • 66 0
 Shimano is doing an excellent job with the 'This is home' series! Should turn it into to feature length productions.
  • 84 0
 Thank you! It was a great experience to spend some time with Greg at his home and find out what he's really all about. We hope you enjoyed the video.
  • 10 0
 @shimano: great job
  • 62 1
 The Roger Federer of MTB
  • 12 55
flag donpinpon29 (Jun 7, 2017 at 3:40) (Below Threshold)
 Sorry is spelt n a d a l
  • 107 0
 Both wrong. They are the Minnaars of tennis...
  • 41 0
 Flippin the dj back in the day, I see you
  • 17 1
 Minaar for Rampage!!!
  • 9 1
 He's always had some of the best style on the bike for sure. He's been able to twist and flip for years, mad skills all round.
  • 17 0
 He was in Rampage back in the day
  • 10 1
 @BDBRIDER: In 2013 on a Haro, as World Champ DH, if I recall correctly. Gracia, Shandro, O'Brien, not sure where Minnaar finished but pretty impressive he was even invited.
  • 24 0
 @vinay: I think you mean 2003
  • 16 0
 @fabdemaere: Yeah, if you're as old as I am, ten years is like nothing Wink .
  • 27 0
 Want an update of that honda rn1 He is the slater of bikes Btw anyone saw the failure of the belt driven bike at the gate at fort bill. I want to know more
  • 8 0
 +1, want to hear about that belt drive mechanical
  • 6 0
 Apparently, something in the gearbox snapped.
  • 28 0
 +1 for that
Pinkbike do some investigating for us please
  • 19 0
 Saw the photos today trawling through a few photos... not sure why they're not in the article?

www.pinkbike.com/u/sterlinglorence/album/Minnaar

Minnaar, repping hard for us 30 somethings Wink
  • 1 0
 True. Makes me feel a little more relevant as a 30 something myself.
  • 10 0
 Stay tuned for the complete photo epic coming soon...
  • 9 0
 @shawnca7: 58 1/2 and still ripping with the 20 and 30 somethings..
I just get up slower then you puppies in the morning..
keep livin on the edge my friend.
  • 3 1
 Love this @mbiker35:
  • 2 0
 @shimano Ahh, that explains it Wink I saw them on your site too, always good to see Sterling's work
  • 22 1
 Legend, ambassador of the sport, great athlete
  • 21 0
 This boy nasty on a dirt bike
  • 1 0
 the GOAT can moto as well
  • 5 0
 Let's see Minnaar and Gwin duke it out on motos
  • 21 0
 Who is cutting these onions?

Inspirational person
  • 12 0
 OOOH did I see HONDA RN1 on the wall , it was so ahead of it's time belongs in TRON movie>>>
  • 5 0
 Yep... www.pinkbike.com/photo/14781674
  • 5 0
 Thought they'd all been chopped up for razor blades. Apparently not, hmmm
  • 6 0
 If you pop into Minnaar Cycles in PMB you can see it hanging on the wall along with most of his other memorable bikes.. Or check out Rob meets Greg Minnaar on redbull.tv, they go to the shop and look at all the bikes
  • 1 0
 edit
  • 1 0
 @john260164: I think the bikes are out there, I feel I remember seeing one for sale years ago but I think the gear boxes were all taken back by Honda and none exist in the bikes.
  • 1 0
 @mfoga: ah hah, that'll be it, I must've mis-heard. Cheers
  • 13 0
 L E G E N D !
  • 4 0
 Probably one of the very few times this word has been used wisely in here... Legent this, legend that....
  • 7 0
 Thank you PB for putting this together. Thanks Greg for being a such a great man. I had the opportunity to meet and chat with him at MSA last year. It was a delightful experience, one that you wouldn't have known his stature in his chosen profession (Just ask my wife haha Who was that guy? He was really nice!).
  • 7 0
 Jeff I miss our conversations we had while organising the Comrades Marathon. Been watching Greg's outstanding achievements since we left South Africa in 1997. Hope your are well. Say hi to Jackie. From Bruce in Canada.
  • 9 0
 that last shot with his dad........priceless.
  • 8 0
 Lovely film to watch cheers
  • 7 0
 Minnaar is the (second) handsomest dude in MTB!

... after my husband, of course.
  • 7 0
 It's about time he wins SA Sportsman of the Year! He is our greatest living sportsman
  • 4 0
 Greg really reminds me of Ryan Dungey. If you pay attention to supercross, you'll probably understand what I mean. Just such a hardworking, humble, and respectful guy!
  • 6 0
 Such a great story, legendary. Beautiful work Anthill!
  • 7 4
 I love this guys riding style. He can make the roughest bit of the roughest DH track in the world look like a fireroad. Amazing arm/leg coordination. He rides like he could turn Bernie Sanders scrotum into baby butt cheek...
  • 5 0
 easily the best video of the month...ispiration level 10 outta 10
  • 1 0
 Go easy on the hype sauce there Shimano. Greg is one of the greatest, and that itself is a major accolade if used wisely. Unless Greg has changed a lot since his teenage years and lost his humility, which I'll bet he hasn't, I'd say the great rider himself would be uncomfortable with the moniker 'the greatest'. He's definitely in the pantheon though.
  • 4 0
 Had the pleasure of shaking his hand at Fort Bill after the race. Top bloke, stayed around for ages for photos and chat.
  • 2 0
 After watching this, he's the second most stylish mtb rider I've seen on a dirt bike after Andreu. A friend and I were talking during a ride and we both agreed that pros are just on another level of skill.
  • 2 0
 In the first couple minutes of the video, was that track he was riding the same as the old World Champs/World Cup course? If it was, that thing looks like it is never ridden, just forgotten.
  • 2 0
 Correct. That is the World Champs/World Cup course. It is all nice and clean again now. There was a race there about a month ago and another SA cup race next weekend. The track gets overgrown in the summer months, but in winter it gets cleared for riding.
  • 1 0
 I am not sure if it is THAT track, but I was also surprised when I saw Cairns track when there is no venue. It looked totally abandoned and the only thing indicating what happens there were some shimano plastic tape leftovers. Unless a track is in a bikepark, I think it gets forgotten until next time.
  • 1 0
 @pioterski: I live in the same city as THAT track, and believe me, its the same one that everyone complained about.
  • 2 0
 Great video and hope we will someday get a longer one about his career. Greg definitely is an inspiration for the younger (and older) set on riding and 'lack of working'. Well done Greg!
  • 1 0
 His dad definitely set a firm fundamental to him. Advices and all that love for him. Always like a family man type of athlete. Props to you Mr Minnar, both of you Sr and Jr. Props for Shimano for bringing this article of This is Home. Best series i've ever watched.
  • 3 0
 I get goosebumps everytime I watch this over again. So good. Always loved Greg as we are both the same age, mad respect GOAT
  • 4 0
 Love those Oakley goggles when he was young lad , GM is simple ALL TIME !
  • 5 0
 GOAT
  • 1 8
flag Telemahn FL (Jun 7, 2017 at 13:08) (Below Threshold)
 He does not have ten rainbow jerseys though does he? He is without a doubt a great rider, but the sport didn't begin in 2003.
  • 2 0
 Really shows that raw talent can do exceptional things if the family supports it from the very beginning. So cool to see GM on the track. Braaaap....
  • 2 0
 "With the 20th World Cup win of his career, Greg Minnaar is the greatest downhill mountain biker of all time."

*greatest MALE mountainbiker of all time.
  • 12 10
 He is impressive. But greatest downhill rider? If it's based on wins, Anne Caro has double
  • 4 0
 They have goat for mens and womans
  • 3 0
 He's the definition of consistency!! Nice backflip btw
  • 2 0
 That was really cool! Family and home are what its all about. Great job Mr Minnaar!
  • 2 0
 Come on Greg we know that those podiums were not all play. It does take a unbelievable amount of work to get up there.
  • 2 0
 It's hard not root for Minnaar. Such a straight-up guy. Most of WC riders are, though.
  • 3 0
 Fukin ell i am all choked up...teary eyed and emo
  • 1 0
 Watching him ride the last course - the stability, the decisiveness - and of course with worse conditions than everyone elses - still faster. Definitely becoming a legend.
  • 3 0
 Nice guy.
  • 3 0
 Legend...
  • 3 0
 What a champ
  • 2 0
 Shaun Palmer lifestyle - nope
  • 1 0
 'What work have you ever done?'
Lmbo! Awesome
This is one blessed dude.
Job Greg!
  • 2 0
 He is an absolute legend and insiprtaion, so much class
  • 2 0
 Yep, Tom Hardy is good at mtb.
  • 2 0
 Love this video. I've watched it 6 times. Inspirational.
  • 2 0
 Minnaar is a class act, period.
  • 2 0
 Class.
  • 2 0
 Best rider ever!
  • 1 0
 Love, love, love this one............ Thank you
  • 2 1
 switch from OGKabuto to O'Neal helmets? Or are they the same company?
  • 1 0
 Yes, look at the last picture in the Fort William Photo Epic here on Pinkbike: www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-fort-william-world-cup-race-day-photo-epic.html.
  • 1 0
 Yep Legend and such a lovely understated guy.....
  • 1 0
 Great video and a true legend
  • 1 0
 Goosebumps watching this... Smile
  • 1 0
 Crazy to think of the top names he's beaten along the way.
  • 1 0
 What a cool dude and a well put together video. Thanks !
  • 2 0
 Thank you!
  • 1 0
 Legend, end of story.....
  • 1 0
 Simply put great short film!
  • 1 0
 Best "this is home" I've seen. Incredible athlete and story.
  • 1 0
 The definition of a great dad!!!
  • 1 0
 Best vid I've seen in ages!
  • 1 0
 He's pure class. And his dad seems like a bit of a legend too!
  • 1 0
 Respect!!!
  • 1 0
 Legend
  • 1 0
 Pure class
  • 1 0
 Our real RockStar!
  • 1 0
 Bravo!
  • 1 0
 Loved this.
  • 1 0
 Fucking Stellar!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Definitely VOD worthy!
  • 1 0
 Was that the trailer?
  • 1 0
 GOAT period
  • 2 4
 Seeing the GOAT decked out in O'Neil gear. RIP Jack O'Neil. We lost another legend.
  • 1 2
 Damn spell check, should be O'Neal then O'Neill, different companies I know, but still.
  • 4 0
 Total brainfart, bro.
  • 2 0
 @Odinson: major brainfart. Working an PBing before noon, brain not work.
  • 1 1
 The Great MTBambino
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