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I'm stoked on this news. I've wanted to watch Richie race World Cups for a long time.
How does it work from a UCI Team perspective for an enduro rider like Richie to race DH? Looking at the 2023 Team List, Yeti doesn't have any DH riders and Richie is listed as EDR. Will he have to race under a different team as a substitute, or can riders move between disciplines?
Yeti Team details -- https://www.uci.org/team-details/19323
I kinda think (just my opinion) that if you're a professional athlete and wanna change it up, and the sponsors support you - go for it. Any new exposure is good for the brand, especially if Yeti's Chris Conroy / R&D are backing this its a win win for all parties. They know that their enduro bike has a winning platform, why not try something new. Maybe racing and training for EDR(which is basically just mountainbiking, right) can be really repetitive - riding the same bike for everything. I myself love a occasional gravel ride / pumptrack session. Just my 2 cents
So this appears to be just a normal high pivot horst link and does not use their 6 bar suspenstion found on ebike?
Quote from Yeti special project page:
"Race-Bred Sixfinity Downhill Racing Machine
First launched on our 160e to handle the specific requirements of an e-MTB, the nerds at Yeti re-applied Sixfinity in a whole new way with one singular goal in mind: to build the fastest Downhill Mountain Bike ever."
https://yeticycles.com/technology/special-projects
Looks like Yeti has used modified version of their recent 6-Bar Vehicle Suspension Linkage with Drive Train Idler patent.
https://wheelbased.com/2021/09/02/6-bar-suspension-linkage-with-drive-t…
Check the last few pages of the Tech rumors thread, it's a journey regarding the suspension layouts
I know it's not teams related, but has the Test Event in Lourdes been mentioned here? 21-23 April apparently. Not sure if it's going to be broadcast, but it's been reported on FullAttack in France.
Team news from Nukeproof:
Welcome to the team: Leo Smith (Lando Steezy)
It’s difficult not to get stoked on bikes when talking to Leo, his enthusiasm for his riding is infectious. Nukeproof are proud to welcome Leo Smith to the team.
After a few months of riding his Solum and Giga Leo is stoked on his new set up:
“Nukeproof have got everything pattered to the absolute T! The attention to detail and technology that goes into the products are second to none and every bike I’ve rode has been incredible!”
Whilst many will know Leo from his insane street/ park edits, you’ll be as likely to find him in Macc Woods or Farmer Johns as you would in one of Manchester’s skate parks. If he’s on two wheels, he’s got a smile on his face.
A mountain bike coach, photographer, insane rider, creative mind or just the loudest man in the room; Leo Smith AKA Lando Steezy has it all.A huge shout out goes to Dirt Factory, Stockport that have really supported Leo. Whilst you can’t build a mountain in a city, Dan Makin and team have brought an amazing MTB taster menu to the city. This facility has been key to giving Leo a home to ride whilst at college in Manchester.
Special thanks to all of Leo’s sponsors for 2023; Adidas, Shimano, Marzocchi, Burgtec, Camelback, Halo, Schwalbe, Giro and The Dirt Factory.
We’re stoked to welcome Leo to Nukeproof, 2023- Let's Go...
Maybe they just got bored waiting for the promised live coverage of enduro .
One of the talkers in one of the podcasts I listened to over the weekend mentioned it, and said "oops I'm not sure if that's a secret or not. Well it's not a secret any more".
(It was so rainy that I listened to a lot of podcasts this weekend, and when I remember which one it was, I will edit and update)
The latest ride companion with Brendan Fairclough
do you mean test weekend like motoGP, F1...?
Yes, that's it. Lourdes VTT posted it on their Facebook page last month so I'm surprised no-one has picked up on it. I don't know if it will be broadcast but it's clearly meant to be a dress rehearsal. Let's hope for the riders that the someone has found a solution to the massive queues for the funicular.
Is it the same test event that was originally scheduled for February in that leaked document that was put up and then swiftly removed from Vital some months ago? I wonder how long it took them to realise that a test event in Europe in February might be problematic?
Apologies for derailing the thread, maybe we should take this discussion here;
https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/The-Hub,2/UCI-grant-Discovery-WC-rights…
Lenzerheide dropped their schedule for the world cup!
semi final & final on the same day
https://www.bikekingdomgames.ch/de/Rennprogramm#timetable
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters are doing a non-live, dry run before the actual season starts. could be wrong. if that is the case, i'd imagine they prepare some kind of show from it. sure hope so. world cup heavies racing DH in lourdes? must watch.
thanks @Jones_Lp for the lenzerheide schedule too!
The content produced from the test event might also be meant to showcase and market disco's coverage. Like to try to convince us fans that their wc coverage will be worth paying for. We'll see.
Edit: I'd forgotten that U23s will race xc short track this season, which is cool.
if this was posted already, sorry, but just got email - GT Factory on Continental tires. here's the PR
GT / Continental Factory Racing latest DH and Enduro team to switch to Conti rubber
GT / Continental Factory Racing joins RockShox Trek Race Team, Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing, as the premium tire brand increases its investment in mountain bike racing
15 March 2023 - Korbach, Germany: GT / Continental Factory Racing has selected Continental as co-title and official tire partner for 2023.
Continental’s Gravity range of tires was officially launched in April 2022, following three year’s development by Continental’s category-leading R&D team and testing by athletes across the Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing teams. A wide-ranging portfolio engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of every rider, the Gravity range was designed to instill maximum confidence on every type of trail.
This close relationship between athlete and engineering was proven with Continental-supported teams enjoying an exceptional 2022 season, with a mud-soaked UCI Downhill World Cup in Snowshoe leading to podium finishes for four Continental riders across Elite men and Junior women.
Both Continental and GT have long histories of supporting both emerging talent and established racers, combining inspiring and entertaining personalities with strong results and expertise on the trails. The 2023 GT/Continental Factory Racing roster is no exception. With a DH team comprising Jess Blewitt (NZL), Ethan Craik (GBR) and Ryan Pinkerton (USA), all under the age of 21, this youthful crew is ready to capitalize on their momentum from the 2022 season. The Enduro squad is led by Noga Korem (ISR) and Katy Winton (SCO), both of whom are feeling strong going into the new season.
Cam Cole will continue to manage GT/Continental Factory Racing operations with Mark Maurissen, Matteo Nati, and Rich Simpson, with new addition Matt "Snowy" Clark joining as mechanic.
No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year.
Kelsey Rollet, Marketing Manager Bicycle Tires, Continental, said: “We’re delighted that GT has chosen to roll with Continental for 2023. The team has an electric combination of exciting young talent and more experienced voices, so we can’t wait to see them pushing their limits on the Gravity range and our prototype tires.”
Steve Spencer, GT Global Sports Marketing, said: "We always strive to find the best products possible for the team to perform at the highest level and instill confidence and Continental has checked off all of the boxes. To see and hear the athletes immediate reactions to the product is exciting. On top of stellar product the Conti' crew has been great to work with. All great ingredients to a solid partnership!"
John Barreira, GT Mountain Product Manager, said: “The right tires can make or break any ride. Continental has always been at the forefront of tire technologies and now partnering with our Factory Racing program has us excited for a multitude of reasons. In conjunction with our racers, the in-house development team has had the chance to test some of the new Conti products and we’re excited to deliver these rad tires on key complete offerings for 2023 and beyond.”
Wyn Masters said: “I’m stoked to be rolling on Continental Tires going forward, after spending some time on the tires recently I definitely have no doubts about their performance and I can’t wait to get racing on them!”
Katy Winton said: "Really impressed with the Continental tyres, we have a lot of options to ensure we have the best tyre for every condition. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at the races!"
Ethan Craik said: "I have put the Continental tyres through a mixed range of weather, surface conditions and it's safe to say I have full faith in my bike sticking to the ground as hard as I push it whilst rolling at a much faster speed than other tyre brands. I'm excited to push myself to add more podiums to Continental's resume as we partner together from 2023. It's great to be with such a forward-thinking company trying to push the boundaries of our sport and bike performance.”
Jess Blewitt said: “Absolutely love them, the best tires I’ve ever used. They hook up nicely and it makes no compromise at all to the rolling speed. They also have thicker casings which offer better puncture resistance on rocks. Stoked to be running Conti!”
Noga Korem said: “For me, confidence is key, and these tires definitely give me so much of it! Looking forward to getting the Conti’s on the racetracks!”
"No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year."
Yeeeeah boyeeeee!!! :D
Test event clashes with Sea Otter. so not all team will be in attendance
I don't think people will be too upset to miss Sea Otter..
I think a few big teams will have already committed to Sea Otter for sponsor reasons.
Cedric Gracia confirmed on Giant.
So random...
https://fullattack.cc/cedric-gracia-desormais-ambassadeur-giant-france/
Although nice to see Giant get back on track with good looking bikes and sponsoring more riders.
What does that mean for his e-bike brand?
It was not his brand as he was never the owner of Forestal ...
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
https://powersport.motul.com/stories/read/2048--2505/
Also in this interview with Vital the way he talks alludes to more than just being sponsored by them. He certainly played a role in developing the Forestal ebike.
https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Getting-Personal-C-dric-Gracia,3…
Pretty sure Dan Paley is on Giant, judging from his recent post.
As a Forestal (bike)owner I was also under that impression until Forestal postet a "CG parted way" 1,5 years ago. I asked the owner back than and he said that CG was just a brand ambassador.
That said, i listend to an interview on GMBN or EMBN between him and Steve Jones where CG literally said "I'm a partner..."
Whatever that meant, I'm not a CG fanboy since then anymore. On the other hand I like the bike very much, so as he helped develop the bike I have to acknowledge he did a good a job.
Not surprising to learn this I guess. He’s the og mtb hype-boi after all.
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