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Is Jack on the new unreleased TRPs?
Mark Wallace riding his old Canyon in Costa Rica this past weekend at the continental series
Another +1 for revgrips but the Oury V2 or new(er) Rogue single clamp seen to work almost as well for me and I prefer to not have an outboard clamp.
/Derailment over.
Hurricane Helene has me grateful to be alive & thankful to ride my bike.
But then my local trail club posted narcissistic pics of themselves mopeding in Pisgah to "do trail work"
So yeah....I'm back to Wound Up status.
T Mac just announced he's riding for Ari Bikes on his Youtube channel.
Ari putting together a strong freeride squad...
My next bike will be an Ari, they are going all in to include helping out grassroots domestic USDH riders
TMAC video for more details. I'm HYPED for Tyler! And I agree, Ari has been making a push in all the right spots.
Edit: The white crowns look so good with this frame. And HUNT 'Special Project' wheels. Interesting considering HUNT doesn't currently make a DH wheel.
A DH_Wide would be interesting. Maybe it'd look like the old SunRingle doublewide that Remy Morton still runs?
Heard some pretty good things about the bike as well.
Perfectly legit reason to back a company.
Support those who support you. 🤘
official specialized factory xc announcement
Specialized Factory Racing Unveils 2025 Roster, Race Calendar, and Season Objectives
Morgan Hill, CA—Specialized Factory Racing is proud to announce its team lineup for the 2025 season officially. The team has a broad race calendar and ambitious goals for the year ahead. Committed to excellence, innovation, and podium performances, the team is set to compete in premier events worldwide.
Innovative Leadership Strategy
Specialized Factory Racing is thrilled to announce Tara Lazarski as the Head of sport for the 2025 season, managing the Specialized Factory Racing MTB team. With years of experience in high-performance cycling, Lazarski offers a fresh perspective and a dedication to keeping the team competitive at the highest level.
"I feel it is a privilege to be joining this team, and I’m looking forward to getting the season underway. As a sport physio, I now have over 20 years of experience across cycling disciplines, including 3 Olympic games and various leadership and management positions. I plan to work together with the incredible staff and riders to continue to achieve the highest possible level in the sport. Everyone has big goals for this World Cup season, and we will make sure they have all the support needed to reach them. " - Tara Lazarski, head of sport.
Trinity Racing – A Proven Development Pathway
Specialized Bicycles' development program, Trinity Racing, has been instrumental in developing world-class talent. It provides young riders with a direct pathway to the elite ranks. Many top athletes have emerged from this program, including Adrien Boichis, who will make his debut with Specialized Factory Racing in 2025.
"I had a fantastic year in the U/23 category during the 2023 season, winning several world cups. After a challenging year in 2024, battling illness, I am excited to join Specialized Factory Racing in 2025. The team fosters an environment where I can grow and learn from riders like Victor Koretzky and Chris Blevins. I am looking forward to seeing the progress throughout the year. Competing for a full season in the elite category will be tough, but this is the biggest racing stage in the world, and I am ready to put in the hard work. It's a significant challenge, but I am eager to take it on. Brazil is on my list of races that I want to experience and excel in. The Specialized S-Works Epic 8 is an incredible bike for training and racing, and after riding Specialized bikes for years, having this close relationship with the factory, engineers, and the product team is a dream come true." - Adrien Boichis.
With Boichis joining the squad, the team remains unchanged from the 2024 season, reflecting Specialized's commitment to continuity and high performance. This consistency strengthens team chemistry and ensures a seamless progression into the new season.
Sports Marketing Director
Scott Jackson has successfully led the team for several years and is looking to build on past successes with a fresh team of leaders. With a wealth of experience in brand development and athlete sponsorships, he will be crucial in elevating the team's global presence and fostering key industry partnerships.
“Nothing makes me happier than continuing with the same athletes year over year. In 2024, Specialized was the most winning brand in the sport of MTB, and we all have a lot to live up to, athletes and staff, but we are proud of the riders and support team going into the 2025 season and have big hopes for the season." - Scott Jackson
2025 Specialized Factory Racing Roster
Victor Koretzky (FRA) – A proven elite competitor with a strong track record in cross-country racing, Koretzky is a former World Cup winner and an Olympic contender known for his aggressive riding style. His palmarès include five UCI MTB World Cup victories in 2024, the XCC World Championship title, a European XCO Championship title, and a top-five finish at the 2024 Marathon World Championships.
"It's exciting to continue racing with Specialized in 2025. Wearing the rainbow jersey feels incredible, and the team had great success in 2024. The level of racing at the top is very high, and I always strive to improve. Having a team of talented riders motivates us all to perform better. Everyone on this squad possesses unique talents, and I look forward to the season. My primary goal will be the XCO World Championship, while keeping a close eye on the overall for the XCO. I'm fully committed to defending my XCC jersey, and I can’t wait to go racing this weekend in Banyoles. " - Victory Koretzky
Christopher Blevins (USA) – A powerhouse in cross-country racing and a key figure in Specialized's global success, Blevins made history as the first American to win an XCO World Cup in over 25 years. He is also a former XCC World Champion, showcasing his versatility across disciplines.
Martin Vidaurre (CHI) – An emerging talent with a bright future in elite competition, Vidaurre dominated the U23 circuit and is now poised to make an impact at the elite level. After a challenging 2024 season, he started 2025 strong with three wins from three races in Chile. He wants to continue climbing the elite rankings as he grows into the longer XCO races.
Adrien Boichis (FRA) – A young and determined athlete with great potential, Boichis has shown exceptional promise with multiple strong performances in the U23 category. In 2025, he will race MTB for Specialized Factory Racing and compete on the road for Red Bull BORA-Hansgrohe, further expanding his versatility and racing experience.
Laura Stigger (AUT) – The current Austrian XCO and XCC Champion, Stigger's rise in the elite ranks has been steadily climbing. She had an excellent finish to the 2024 season and will continue to build on that momentum. In addition to her MTB commitments, she will also race on the road with SD Worx ProTime, further diversifying her racing experience.
"Being part of this team since I started my professional career has been incredible. I have matured as a rider and credit my success to the support and environment provided by Specialized Factory Racing. In 2025, I aim to build on the consistency achieved in 2024 while continuing to learn from my teammates and collaborate with the product team. The atmosphere within the team is one of the most important factors for me, and I truly feel at home away from home here squad." - Laura Stigger
Sina Frei (SUI) – An exceptional athlete and an indomitable force in cross-country racing, Frei is not only a former XCC World Champion but also the victorious competitor in two World Cup races in 2024. Following a powerful finish to the season, she is determined to harness her late-season momentum and maintain her pursuit of excellence at the highest level of competition.
Haley Batten (USA) – She burst onto the 2024 season with a bang, claiming victory in two World Cups right out of the gate and dazzling the world with a silver medal performance at the Paris Olympics. However, unforeseen challenges threw a wrench in her momentum late in the season. Undeterred, she is fiercely committed to reclaiming her championship form and re-establishing herself as a powerhouse in the sport’s elite ranks.
Performance Director
Specialized Factory Racing is excited to announce Prof Michael Posthumus as the team's Performance Director for 2025. With extensive expertise in exercise science and elite athlete development, Posthumus will enhance the team's performance and ensure that riders remain in top condition throughout the season.
"We are extremely fortunate to continue working with the same core of riders for the upcoming season. We have big goals again for the 2025 season and look forward to continuing to define the meaning of high performance within our team environment." - Prof Michael Posthumus
2025 Race Calendar & Equipment Highlights
Specialized Factory Racing is set for an exhilarating season, competing in the full UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season and selected marathon and gravel races as applicable. The team will race on the S-Works Epic 8 paired with Roval Control SL wheels, Body Geometry developed gear, and mirror technology for all MTB races; the S-Works Tarmac SL8 for road racing; and a combination of the S-Works Diverge STR and S-Works Crux for gravel events, ensuring they have top-notch equipment for every terrain. The team's roster features a dynamic mix of world-class athletes, each contributing a unique blend of skills developed through mountain biking, road racing, and gravel disciplines. Their ability to transition smoothly between formats highlights their elite-level adaptability, technical expertise, and relentless drive for success.
With experience ranging from thrilling XCC races to tough marathon challenges and dynamic gravel events, Specialized Factory Racing continues to push the limits of the sport. Whether tackling steep climbs, navigating tricky descents, or sprinting to the finish across various terrains, this team embodies the pinnacle of high-performance cycling.
About Specialized Factory Racing
Specialized Factory Racing is one of the top mountain bike teams in the world, competing at the highest levels of cross-country and marathon mountain biking. Supported by Specialized bicycles, Roval wheels, SRAM components, RockShox suspension, HT pedals, Samsonite luggage, and Muc-Off lubricants, the team is committed to pushing the boundaries of human performance and bike technology.
For more information and the latest updates, follow Specialized Factory Racing on social media.
Isla Short Returns to HUNT Mountain – A Proven Partnership Rekindled
We’re stoked to welcome back Scottish XC powerhouse Isla Short to the HUNT Mountain family for 2025! A fierce competitor on the international stage, Isla has built a reputation for her technical skill, relentless drive, and ability to take on the best in the world on the toughest racecourses.
But this isn’t just any athlete signing—Isla’s return to HUNT Mountain is something truly special. She was instrumental in the development of our HUNT Proven Carbon XC range, putting prototype and pre-production wheels to the test in elite-level competition. Many of her most impressive race results were earned on those very wheels, helping shape them into what they are today.
During the 2021 season, Isla delivered standout performances that cemented her status as a top XC rider. She claimed 5th place at the Les Gets World Cup, a career-best result that put her among the world’s strongest riders. She also finished 7th overall in the UCI XCO Short Track (XCC) standings, proving her speed and consistency across multiple race formats. These results came off the back of her 4th place finish at the 2020 UEC European Championships, highlighting her ability to perform at the highest level.
For the 2025 season, we’re supporting Isla and her new race program with the HUNT Proven Carbon Race XC UD wheelset—our lightest, fastest XC race wheel yet. With carbon UD spokes, a tuned carbon rim, and a rapid 2-degree engagement hub, this wheelset is designed to deliver the lightning-fast acceleration and efficiency Isla needs to chase podiums once again.
Her insight, feedback, and results helped us refine these wheels, and now, she’s back to race them once again—this time as a key part of the HUNT Mountain team. We can’t wait to see what she achieves this season!
Stay tuned for race updates, behind-the-scenes content, and Isla’s take on tackling the 2025 season with HUNT.
Photography by Pete Scullion
Hey so what kind of name is Prof Michael Posthumus? Am I just not getting a joke?
Prof Michael Posthumus.
What does this guy say to put on his cup at Starbucks?
Prof Michael Posthumus.
Dude seems pretty prehumus to me...
Good ol' Mikey Aliveguy.
(that edit was made after I remembered "prehumus" was before death not before birth...previously I called him Mikey Fetus which is way funnier to me)
He's there to analyse the dirt after you crash.
Not a rumor but interesting: On the Downtime Podcast Dan Booker said he's on a 2-year contract w/ Santa Cruz that includes all the EDR rounds.
Sounds like a very German name. I’d just wanna be called Prof. “Prof, your fancy cotton candy spiced late, with skim milk and our signature nasty burnt coffee bean flavor is ready for you!”
I was going to ask what happened if he got his PHD? Would he then be Prof. Prof Michael Posthumus? But it turns out he’s actually a professor. Someone forgot to add the period after “Prof”… twice.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-posthumus-sportscience?utm_source=s…
Maybe he already finished eating his humus.
🤔
Looks like it’s from robot’s same loam textbook…
Professor of Dirt? Makes sense.
Choke on your leather elbow patches if you go by “professor” out in the real world. What is that?
Nice, going to be lots of "Boooooooker" echoing in the woods.
Crankbrothers is now the official wheel of choice for Commencal Muc-Off, moving away from ENVE after a number of years:
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Commencal Muc-Off x Crankbrothers
"I am super stoked to be on Crankbrothers. I had already tried them a few times before, and I was really happy how smooth they were and the comfort they can give me. Super excited about what we can do in the future. Let's go!"
- AMAURY PIERRON, 2 x DH WORLD CUP CHAMPION
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon wheel for a while now. This wheel brings something special that provides riders with the extra confidence they need—exactly what we strive to offer in our pursuit of those crucial hundredths of a second that lead to the top step.”
- THIBAUT RUFFIN,TEAM MANAGER
"We’ve been chatting to Commencal Muc-Off about a partnership for a few years now, and it’s great to see it come together for 2025 and beyond. With wheels in particular, there is a never-ending search for improvements, and CMO’s approach to product development is second to none. It’s like having a teacher or boss who drives you a little crazy but in the end, makes you better. Our carbon wheel range came to life at the races, and with something new on the horizon for alloy, there couldn’t be a better time to team up."
- GEORGE GORE BROWNE, CRANKBROTHERS MARKETING DIRECTOR
When you're chasing podiums, hundredths of a second can make a huge difference. Arthur Quet, the team's engineer, gave us a rundown on some of the key aspects they look for in a wheel.
From an engineering perspective, what are you looking for in a wheel, and how does Synthesis match up?
AQ: When developing a race wheel, we aim for a balance between precision and compliance combined with high durability. The Synthesis wheels we use provide excellent precision while also filtering terrain feedback. They are forgiving, meaning they absorb impacts smoothly without generating disruptive feedback to the rider.
How does this translate into an overall performance gain?
AQ: This behavior gives riders more confidence, allowing them to push their limits and take greater risks. The wheel’s stiffness and precision help maintain high speed through braking bumps and corners, as it doesn’t deflect unpredictably. This results in better control, improved efficiency, and more speed conservation, which is crucial in race conditions. In short, the Synthesis wheels make the bike both more stable and more responsive, giving riders the best of both worlds.
How are you working together with CB and the team to push further?
AQ: Our team is always chasing performance, meaning that what works today will be reassessed in a few months as we strive for improvements. Crankbrothers wheels are already extremely strong, but we’ve collaborated on optimizing spoke lacing to maximize durability. Now, we’re working on a deeper understanding of wheel structure, fine-tuning the rims, and preparing for future product innovations. We’ve also conducted extensive testing across different Crankbrothers models to determine the best setups for different riders and race tracks.
2025 is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet. 86 days and counting until the first race day of the season. See you in Poland.
Good. The less ENVE I see the better in my eyes.
So now is not the time to say I picked up a set of M8s I guess.
Run what ya brung! 👍
More team news from Privateer/Hunt, busy start to the year for them:
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Welcome to the Squad – Owen Robinson Joins Privateer Bikes
Some riders are fast, some are fearless, and then there’s Owen Robinson—a rider who redefines both. Known for his raw speed, relentless style, and uncanny ability to make the impossible look easy, Owen embodies everything that Privateer Bikes is about. And now, we’re stoked to welcome him to the team.
Privateer Bikes has always been about cutting through the fluff with no-nonsense, race-ready enduro and trail bikes that are built to go full gas and still get you home in one piece. Owen’s weapon of choice? The latest Privateer 161, a bike that epitomizes what Privateer Bikes stands for—durability, adjustability, and outright speed.
With the updated A.L.P suspension platform, oversized 42mm main pivot bearings, and a forged one-piece rocker, the 161 is built to handle the kind of punishment that Owen dishes out daily. The adjustable rear centre and seat stay flip chip let you switch between a full 29er or mullet setup without compromising geometry, kinematics, or handling—just set it, send it, and repeat.
Who is Owen Robinson?
If you don’t already know Owen, you’re about to. As part of The Firm—a crew of aggressive, full-throttle riders—Owen is known for making the impossible look easy. With precision and confidence, he threads the needle through rock-strewn chutes and sends gaps most wouldn’t even consider—his riding does all the talking.
That’s why we’re stoked to see what he can do on the 161. With a bike designed to go full-send and a rider who thrives on pushing limits, this partnership is set to be something special. And because no Privateer should go into battle without the right kit, Owen will also be rolling on HUNT mountain wheels, ensuring The Firm stays rolling strong throughout 2025.
Follow the Journey
This is just the beginning. Expect big things from Owen, The Firm, and Privateer Bikes this season. Follow along on social media and keep up with the action—trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Can I ask why you feel that way? My damn AM30s have been bullet proof. I broke some spokes and they slapped a whole new rim on it and relaced it for free. Got back to me in 5 days too. Everyone there has been super good towards me.
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