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Tuhoto seems like a likely candidate and he's already got the name recognition among racing fans. Killed it in juniors and now needs help growing in the bigtime, . Finn had this as he's worked with Specialized and Loic and now, a few years out, got the number 1 quali. Matt Walker got Danny Hart and Will Longden. Syndicate seems to like being a international team so I think an up and coming American is unlikely. Kathy said in an Inside Line that they'd pick up a woman if the fit was right. Who knows who that might be.
I think the interesting thing on development is that it's not a scientific process as much as a holistic jive of energy. Gwin and Martin Whitely picked Angel Suarez for YT as a rider to develop, and there were injuries along the way, but it wasn't until after that team that Angel really started picking up steam. Likewise, when Intense Factory was Moir, Harrison, and Leopard Print they were on a tear and it took time to find steam after that group broke up. I think all of us can relate. You have riding buddies who make you better and when you're with them sometimes things just click.
https://nukeproof.com/blogs/news/sam-hill-re-signs-with-nukeproof
I'm wondering if the covid year off with his growing family affected his racing this year and his heart isn't in it any more. Kind of like downhill when he lost his interest in it. If he doesn't want to be away from his family who could blame him and is totally get if he wanted to walk away from racing for that. The way he's dropped in the ranks this year makes me think of his last year in downhill where he went from being a top threat to mid pack. The guys fit as hell and everything was working for him before that.
It could also just be an off year for him but just a though. I would equally expect him to come out of the gates hard enough next year to fold both Richie and Jack's jerseys while they're still in them.
Sam on the other hand, seems like a bloody good guy.
i'm sure the family aspect plays a part, especially given how far he has to travel to the majority of races.
They've had tremendous success with Tom Pidcock and Evie Richards on the XC side this year and they should also have a consistent podium threat on the elite men side of DH. With Gee out and Kade being more of a freerider these days, it seems only Laurie Greenland has so far been Red Bull UK's only bet lately.
It would also help if they had another Scotsman on the mtb roster outside of Danny MacAskill (and the occasional Kriss Kyle appearance on dirt). Reece proved this year that his win at Worlds wasn't a one-off. He has proven to be a good ambassador for the sport as well when he wore the rainbow stripes.
Thinking like a gossipy high schooler, Pauline Ferrand Prevot should be on the move no? She went to BMC/Absolute Absalon, but now isn't dating Mr. Absalon so...
Loana Lecomte could be on the move with her dominant season. Who's got deep pockets with a spot open?
For Loana she extended her contract with massi for 1 year following the postponement of the Olympics but for 2022 I think she will have many offer.
My guess is that she will choose a french team or at least with a few french staff, maybe KMC Orbea since they loose Milan Vader next year (and maybe Victor but that's unclear at this point) and that might free up so budget
I wonder if we'll ever see Richie Rude in the World Cup.
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