Gwin not representing US at World Championships? (WTF?)

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2021 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
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mfoga
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mfoga 8/11/2021 3:56pm
8/11/2021 3:56pm
Guess all this could have been pointless
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griz
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griz 8/11/2021 8:55pm
8/11/2021 8:55pm
I think the proper thing to do in this instance, is to put Austin Dooley back on the team. This isn’t going to be Gwin’s year; do the right thing, and remove yourself from the team. Come back healthy next year, and show us what you got.
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jeff.brines
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jeff.brines 8/11/2021 9:05pm
8/11/2021 9:05pm Edited Date/Time 8/11/2021 9:07pm
I'll just flat ask the question...

With how close WCs are to Maribor, at what point does Gwin give his spot up? If he can't race this weekend, but somehow can be at full strength at WCs, more power to him. Love to see him crush it. However, that seems unlikely, no?

...a hobbled Gwin is not exactly in the spirit of the "US team". Isn't it selfish? Especially with up and comers waiting in the wings.

Tough situation, but with COVID, Europe, mental prep etc. its not something where he should drag his feet imo. Unless its some weird kind of injury where he can't vitamin I his way through this weekend but somehow can be on his game a few days after, the right thing to do is to give the spot up...now

EDIT: Griz beat me to it by a few minute! Lol. We are thinking the same thing.

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Heath_Franklin 8/11/2021 9:36pm
8/11/2021 9:36pm
Greed breeds karma unfortunately.
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LLLLL
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LLLLL 8/12/2021 12:48am
8/12/2021 12:48am
Gwinny wrote:
Hey guys, bummer to see all the hate from a few of you but I guess that’s passionate fans in sporting. Here’s the reality. From my...
Hey guys, bummer to see all the hate from a few of you but I guess that’s passionate fans in sporting. Here’s the reality. From my understanding and recent reading of the rules, There is not a rule that says you must petition. A petition just assures that you are considered. The rules basically say that USA cycling will pick, at their discretion, everyone who is not an automatic selection (national champ or top 3 in previous world champs). After that the rules just say that they will basically pick whoever is in the top 50 of the current WC standings in order of their position. (I am the 2nd ranked American in the current World Cup standings) If there’s any spots still available after that then they consider information in the riders petitions and pick the remaining riders based on their sole discretion. That makes sense to me now since I was told last week that I would be considered even though I missed the petition deadline. I was very surprised when I saw the list of athletes selected and after texting my contact at USA cycling to see what was up, the word for word response that I got back was- “Hang tight the media guys had the wrong spreadsheet. We need to fix.” That’s all they gave me until this morning when they called to explain. It is a crapy situation all around and it sucks that I’ve been blamed and sucks even more that the mistake will now kick a rider off of the team it seems. We are all definitely agreeing on that. But, I have not been involved in any way. It also turns out that my original thought/fear of not being selected due to not having my petition wasn’t valid. I’m the 2nd ranked US rider currently and was picked because of that. I normally don’t respond to comments but felt it could be profitable this time. I have offered to help USA cycling in any way that I can moving forward since there has always seemed to be a disconnect between them and gravity racing. They want to improve and hopefully this situation will make things better in the future but I guess time will tell. Thanks guys, peace.
I have offered to help USA cycling in any way that I can moving forward since there has always seemed to be a disconnect between them and gravity racing. They want to improve and hopefully this situation will make things better in the future but I guess time will tell.

👍👍
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bulletbass man 8/12/2021 4:58am
8/12/2021 4:58am
While I agree I’d rather see a healthy austin then a hurt gwin, aaron does have commitments And we don’t know what the injury is. Take Austin to Italy and if gwin can’t race let him race. I’d throw in on that kick starter.
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eastenwreckoning543 8/12/2021 6:25am
8/12/2021 6:25am Edited Date/Time 8/12/2021 6:30am
I think we are still figuring out the injury. Could be a week and a half, could be 3 months. I just hope he moves to sort that out quickly so that if he's out, austin is able to to go on the proper team, not as an alternate or a "maybe."

I doubt there is a rule that says he can be removed due to injury. Gwin is pre-qualified, is it up to him to make that call? surely they consider alternates under normal circumstances? I bet you that it isnt as simple as saying USAC should just decide to remove Gwin. To be clear, If Gwin feels good, then get after it doggy, I'm pumped to see him race. Ridiculous few years for that guy.
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bizutch
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bizutch 8/12/2021 9:06am
8/12/2021 9:06am
Heath_Franklin wrote:
Greed breeds karma unfortunately.
You're a prick. He's not greedy you self righteous nitwit. He got his value on the market when he could based off what he rightfully produced on course and off at the time. He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come because of all this Covid crap.
Thanks to being smart and not letting the dangerous physical risks he takes to promote their brands go uncompensated should he get a devastating injury...he may have income left to live on after his career is over.

Amazing what stupidity, ignorance or flat out poverty and jealousy can make people say about others.
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derekbnorakim 8/12/2021 9:19am
8/12/2021 9:19am
I like mountain bikes. Sure hope Gwin is ok.
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jeff.brines
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jeff.brines 8/12/2021 9:22am
8/12/2021 9:22am
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come because of all this Covid crap"?

The industry is absolutely crushing it...
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NoahColorado 8/12/2021 9:59am
8/12/2021 9:59am
jeff.brines wrote:
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come...
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come because of all this Covid crap"?

The industry is absolutely crushing it...
He's probably suggesting that Covid will continue to present challenges to global travel, large-scale events, etc. for at least a few more years. Because of that, it's harder for racers to ink sponsorship and endorsement deals with brands. Marketing Managers are looking for more reliable vehicles for promotion. And although the industry is doing well, a lot of brands are putting money away for future rainy days, not increasing their expenses.
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bizutch
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bizutch 8/12/2021 12:00pm
8/12/2021 12:00pm
jeff.brines wrote:
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come...
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come because of all this Covid crap"?

The industry is absolutely crushing it...
NoahColorado wrote:
He's probably suggesting that Covid will continue to present challenges to global travel, large-scale events, etc. for at least a few more years. Because of that...
He's probably suggesting that Covid will continue to present challenges to global travel, large-scale events, etc. for at least a few more years. Because of that, it's harder for racers to ink sponsorship and endorsement deals with brands. Marketing Managers are looking for more reliable vehicles for promotion. And although the industry is doing well, a lot of brands are putting money away for future rainy days, not increasing their expenses.
Exactly. Well spoken Noah
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FLFlatLander 8/12/2021 12:08pm
8/12/2021 12:08pm
jeff.brines wrote:
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come...
I'll probably regret asking this, but what do you mean "He and most others are going to starve next season and probably a few to come because of all this Covid crap"?

The industry is absolutely crushing it...
Nice, since ChinaFlu my income has gone up in a massive way. MTN bikes on a whole (all bikes) have.

BUT...a cyclist is paid to perform. If there is no stage it is hard to perform. If I were any MFG I would not pay for any riders to not ride. It is not the job of a company to be a philanthropist.
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Gwinny
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Gwinny 8/12/2021 12:27pm
8/12/2021 12:27pm
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him know what was up and wanted to confirm that he was staying in Europe for the next month like I thought he was. He's racing Maribor this weekend and isn't planning on coming back home until after the WC in Switzerland next month either way. That was good news as he's easily ready to go if I pull out. I also contacted USAC to make sure they get him everything he needs to compete if I can't attend. So we're good and have some time to figure thing's out without causing any huge inconveniences to anyone. We'll see what happens, we're communicating regularly and ready for either outcome. Thanks.
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jeff.brines
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jeff.brines 8/12/2021 12:52pm
8/12/2021 12:52pm
Gwinny wrote:
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him...
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him know what was up and wanted to confirm that he was staying in Europe for the next month like I thought he was. He's racing Maribor this weekend and isn't planning on coming back home until after the WC in Switzerland next month either way. That was good news as he's easily ready to go if I pull out. I also contacted USAC to make sure they get him everything he needs to compete if I can't attend. So we're good and have some time to figure thing's out without causing any huge inconveniences to anyone. We'll see what happens, we're communicating regularly and ready for either outcome. Thanks.
As always, the peanut gallery again looks like we have zero idea what we are talking about (because, we don't). Nuance, turns out, is everything.

Thanks for taking the time to update us superfans, best of luck recovering. Keep your head up.

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ride
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ride 8/12/2021 12:53pm
8/12/2021 12:53pm
BOOSH! And there you go... Good on ya Gwin.

-Lars
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griz
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griz 8/12/2021 2:04pm
8/12/2021 2:04pm
Gwinny wrote:
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him...
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him know what was up and wanted to confirm that he was staying in Europe for the next month like I thought he was. He's racing Maribor this weekend and isn't planning on coming back home until after the WC in Switzerland next month either way. That was good news as he's easily ready to go if I pull out. I also contacted USAC to make sure they get him everything he needs to compete if I can't attend. So we're good and have some time to figure thing's out without causing any huge inconveniences to anyone. We'll see what happens, we're communicating regularly and ready for either outcome. Thanks.
Thanks for the update.
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Nolcol
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Nolcol 8/12/2021 5:15pm
8/12/2021 5:15pm
Gwinny wrote:
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him...
Hey Guys, another update. Austin was one of the first people I called after getting hurt. We're buddies and talk/ride together fairly regularly. I let him know what was up and wanted to confirm that he was staying in Europe for the next month like I thought he was. He's racing Maribor this weekend and isn't planning on coming back home until after the WC in Switzerland next month either way. That was good news as he's easily ready to go if I pull out. I also contacted USAC to make sure they get him everything he needs to compete if I can't attend. So we're good and have some time to figure thing's out without causing any huge inconveniences to anyone. We'll see what happens, we're communicating regularly and ready for either outcome. Thanks.
See, this is why all the chumps ready to vilify Gwin spouting off in here just need to chill. Unreal negativity on a place like Vital would get so hostile from a bunch of dudes that really have. no. clue.
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maxx
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maxx 8/13/2021 6:08am
8/13/2021 6:08am
Hope you heal up and get back into top racing form. Always rooting for you at every race. You still got it!
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trexyz
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trexyz 8/13/2021 6:27am
8/13/2021 6:27am
This reminds me of Gee when he pulled out from the british WC team because he was not fully recovered. I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope to see you winning the world champs. Gwin FTW!!!
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Cougar797
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Cougar797 8/13/2021 8:23am
8/13/2021 8:23am
Not in the least bit surprised to hear this. The group of athletes at the sharp WC tip of the spear are small, especially from just the US. All these dudes know each other and DH has always been one of the chillest, friendly sides of the sport.
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luisgutrod
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luisgutrod 8/13/2021 11:09pm
8/13/2021 11:09pm
Nolcol wrote:
See, this is why all the chumps ready to vilify Gwin spouting off in here just need to chill. Unreal negativity on a place like Vital...
See, this is why all the chumps ready to vilify Gwin spouting off in here just need to chill. Unreal negativity on a place like Vital would get so hostile from a bunch of dudes that really have. no. clue.
we need to give the pinkouters some time to vitalify themselves a little, so the dumb comments will go away I hope..there is a new crowd here ; )
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Losifer
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Losifer 8/18/2021 1:12pm
8/18/2021 1:12pm
I appreciate the transparency that Gwin has shown and hope for a quick and complete recovery.
Best of luck to Austin and the rest of the US team!
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JamesR_2026
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JamesR_2026 8/18/2021 5:17pm
8/18/2021 5:17pm
Bummer for Gwin, but stoked for Austin. He had a good result in Maribor and 100% deserves that spot at worlds.
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mfoga
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mfoga 8/20/2021 7:48am
8/20/2021 7:48am
Time for all of us to start figuring out a way to stream it on Red Bull and not have to wait for crappy NBC coverage.
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bizutch
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bizutch 8/20/2021 8:02am
8/20/2021 8:02am
mfoga wrote:
Time for all of us to start figuring out a way to stream it on Red Bull and not have to wait for crappy NBC coverage.
My buddy keeps encouraging me to set up a legitimate basic home VPN, but I've never done it. Need to get on that ASAP. Anyone got a link to a simple, home setup. I know you can buy into ExpressVPN or NordVPN, etc but am I right that you can buy a physical one for not much more?
adamdigby
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adamdigby 8/20/2021 8:26am
8/20/2021 8:26am
You can use the web browser, Opera, with it's built in VPN. I did it last year and the year before in Washington and Colorado, so it wasn't hindered by the internet provider either.

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