I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of...
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of many top 50/60 riders to garner any points in qualifying. Pretty soon very few riders (even much less than now) will be able to rightfully enter a World Cup without being on one of the World Series top teams or federation entries. With the switch to the points now staying with the teams and not the riders this year there will even less power of advantage and bargaining for top riders. (Note if teams kept points last year - Teams like the Union would still be in game) In a years time there will be less teams and less riders and very little change in the make up of teams (top 10 teams given a 3 year license) and bike brands competing in the World Cups. It could become very stale and boring with very little chance for breakout riders emerging on the scene unless they have already been picked up as a junior on one of the World Series teams.
Dude, you've really got to stop being so logical. it's really throwing off the general population,
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card.But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in...
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card. But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in his 1st qualifying run, he took the jump & the second of 3 poles clearly outlining both sides of the jump is there. He took the line to get an advantage, not out of some human error. They'd ridden the track 4 days straight. Really wish Trek had caught it sooner. I hate cheating in sports.
Here's something to think on regarding new format and points awarded?Elite men example:-Points only in Q1 for top 20 ( fastest 50pts/ slowest 5pts)-No points in...
Here's something to think on regarding new format and points awarded?
Elite men example:
-Points only in Q1 for top 20 ( fastest 50pts/ slowest 5pts)
-No points in Q2
-Points in final for top 30 ( fastest 250pts/ slowest 30pts)
If you're a rider that consistently finishes 21st - 30th in Q1 and goes 11th-15th in Q2 not only will you never race in a final but you will have 0 points to show for an entire season even though on average you would be considered a top 25 rider in the world. With no points to show after what would normally be considered a good season, what's the value to their team? Also, I imagine that UCI/WBD will continue to use '24 UCI points to build their start list for the next race because outside of Polands top 30 no other riders currently have points... Hmmm.... Thoughts?
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of...
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of many top 50/60 riders to garner any points in qualifying. Pretty soon very few riders (even much less than now) will be able to rightfully enter a World Cup without being on one of the World Series top teams or federation entries. With the switch to the points now staying with the teams and not the riders this year there will even less power of advantage and bargaining for top riders. (Note if teams kept points last year - Teams like the Union would still be in game) In a years time there will be less teams and less riders and very little change in the make up of teams (top 10 teams given a 3 year license) and bike brands competing in the World Cups. It could become very stale and boring with very little chance for breakout riders emerging on the scene unless they have already been picked up as a junior on one of the World Series teams.
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how far in advance you have to work it all out, etc. Does it ever prevent teams & riders from being a "late" entry or a Fill In?
If it's complex to jump internationally, how do they expect teams to just add/remove racers during a season? Would think work visas & points changes make it almost impossible to get and KEEP sponsorship if you can't guarantee a certain level of exposure for specific racers at all times. Let alone privateers and wild cards. Sponsors want definitive & known exposure time frames to financially back a racer, team or sport.
Here's something to think on regarding new format and points awarded?Elite men example:-Points only in Q1 for top 20 ( fastest 50pts/ slowest 5pts)-No points in...
Here's something to think on regarding new format and points awarded?
Elite men example:
-Points only in Q1 for top 20 ( fastest 50pts/ slowest 5pts)
-No points in Q2
-Points in final for top 30 ( fastest 250pts/ slowest 30pts)
If you're a rider that consistently finishes 21st - 30th in Q1 and goes 11th-15th in Q2 not only will you never race in a final but you will have 0 points to show for an entire season even though on average you would be considered a top 25 rider in the world. With no points to show after what would normally be considered a good season, what's the value to their team? Also, I imagine that UCI/WBD will continue to use '24 UCI points to build their start list for the next race because outside of Polands top 30 no other riders currently have points... Hmmm.... Thoughts?
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of...
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of many top 50/60 riders to garner any points in qualifying. Pretty soon very few riders (even much less than now) will be able to rightfully enter a World Cup without being on one of the World Series top teams or federation entries. With the switch to the points now staying with the teams and not the riders this year there will even less power of advantage and bargaining for top riders. (Note if teams kept points last year - Teams like the Union would still be in game) In a years time there will be less teams and less riders and very little change in the make up of teams (top 10 teams given a 3 year license) and bike brands competing in the World Cups. It could become very stale and boring with very little chance for breakout riders emerging on the scene unless they have already been picked up as a junior on one of the World Series teams.
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how...
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how far in advance you have to work it all out, etc. Does it ever prevent teams & riders from being a "late" entry or a Fill In?
If it's complex to jump internationally, how do they expect teams to just add/remove racers during a season? Would think work visas & points changes make it almost impossible to get and KEEP sponsorship if you can't guarantee a certain level of exposure for specific racers at all times. Let alone privateers and wild cards. Sponsors want definitive & known exposure time frames to financially back a racer, team or sport.
I can’t really speak for Europe specifically but visas have certainly effected plenty of riders trying to compete in the states. And with the abnormally inconsistent policies out of our state and security departments I would expect that to be more of an issue the upcoming seasons for both people trying to compete here and Americans trying to compete abroad in return. And the bike industry doesn’t have the grease or weight to pull much on those levers of government.
But in general many European countries are pretty flexible about spending short periods of time conducting business weather it’s agriculture, steel, or bike racing. But when you are housed in one country traveling to a few others for half a week here and there for half the year then it’s a diffirent story. You are effectively living there. And the bar for the right to profit while living there gets raised. And if you have big international brands/agents to help you navigate those waters and preliminary contracts signed in October of the year before it’s pretty feasible. But if you don’t have those resources or need to try to push things thru quickly it can be really difficult. Especially when goalposts start moving cause of political turmoil. Luckily Europe is in general more lenient in terms of spending time in a country while getting your visa sorted than the us. But that leniency may be no longer allowed for Americans if we get even more strict with our polices. And while the lowest level of privateer can probably just risk vagabonding it. Even a privateer with minor support probably wouldn’t want to risk sponsorship by wantonly ignoring visa laws.
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of...
I've mentioned this worrying trend in depth in a few podcasts over the course of last year. From last year they have hindered the ability of many top 50/60 riders to garner any points in qualifying. Pretty soon very few riders (even much less than now) will be able to rightfully enter a World Cup without being on one of the World Series top teams or federation entries. With the switch to the points now staying with the teams and not the riders this year there will even less power of advantage and bargaining for top riders. (Note if teams kept points last year - Teams like the Union would still be in game) In a years time there will be less teams and less riders and very little change in the make up of teams (top 10 teams given a 3 year license) and bike brands competing in the World Cups. It could become very stale and boring with very little chance for breakout riders emerging on the scene unless they have already been picked up as a junior on one of the World Series teams.
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how...
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how far in advance you have to work it all out, etc. Does it ever prevent teams & riders from being a "late" entry or a Fill In?
If it's complex to jump internationally, how do they expect teams to just add/remove racers during a season? Would think work visas & points changes make it almost impossible to get and KEEP sponsorship if you can't guarantee a certain level of exposure for specific racers at all times. Let alone privateers and wild cards. Sponsors want definitive & known exposure time frames to financially back a racer, team or sport.
I can’t really speak for Europe specifically but visas have certainly effected plenty of riders trying to compete in the states. And with the abnormally inconsistent...
I can’t really speak for Europe specifically but visas have certainly effected plenty of riders trying to compete in the states. And with the abnormally inconsistent policies out of our state and security departments I would expect that to be more of an issue the upcoming seasons for both people trying to compete here and Americans trying to compete abroad in return. And the bike industry doesn’t have the grease or weight to pull much on those levers of government.
But in general many European countries are pretty flexible about spending short periods of time conducting business weather it’s agriculture, steel, or bike racing. But when you are housed in one country traveling to a few others for half a week here and there for half the year then it’s a diffirent story. You are effectively living there. And the bar for the right to profit while living there gets raised. And if you have big international brands/agents to help you navigate those waters and preliminary contracts signed in October of the year before it’s pretty feasible. But if you don’t have those resources or need to try to push things thru quickly it can be really difficult. Especially when goalposts start moving cause of political turmoil. Luckily Europe is in general more lenient in terms of spending time in a country while getting your visa sorted than the us. But that leniency may be no longer allowed for Americans if we get even more strict with our polices. And while the lowest level of privateer can probably just risk vagabonding it. Even a privateer with minor support probably wouldn’t want to risk sponsorship by wantonly ignoring visa laws.
There are no issues for Visa's for US riders in Europe, except you cant stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period. No tax or other issues.
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on Novy Parts
Yeah! Where's the B practice podcast! Need me some Jason,Dak, and Steven
Don't fret, B PRACTICE IS HAPPENING THS YEAR!
It might sound ridiculous, but I've had laryngitis for over a month, which makes it pretty hard to podcast haha Also Dak is in full training/recovery mode and returns texts/calls on average in 7-10 business days.
Dak just got to Europe, so we are planning to podcast later this week after he wraps up some testing.
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card.But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in...
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card. But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in his 1st qualifying run, he took the jump & the second of 3 poles clearly outlining both sides of the jump is there. He took the line to get an advantage, not out of some human error. They'd ridden the track 4 days straight. Really wish Trek had caught it sooner. I hate cheating in sports.
Except there was at least one other jump on the track where the B line and main lines were split by a pole.Having inconsistent course markings...
Except there was at least one other jump on the track where the B line and main lines were split by a pole.
Having inconsistent course markings is a recipe for misinterpretation and ambiguity.
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles leading up the jump's left side. There were NO other yellow markers further left to indicate any sort of B Line. Nah...he knew what he was doing.
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card.But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in...
Amaury cutting the course on video wasn't on my bingo card. But to anyone who says that was an "ambiguous" marking of the course, note that in his 1st qualifying run, he took the jump & the second of 3 poles clearly outlining both sides of the jump is there. He took the line to get an advantage, not out of some human error. They'd ridden the track 4 days straight. Really wish Trek had caught it sooner. I hate cheating in sports.
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles...
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles leading up the jump's left side. There were NO other yellow markers further left to indicate any sort of B Line. Nah...he knew what he was doing.
I'm not sure what you are screenshotting (Q1, Q2, finals, elite or junior), but the pole locations weren't staying consistent. Nico brought this up on the Downtime podcast.
Here's from Amaury's Q1... only 2 polls where your sceenshot shows 3.
And again, other jumps on the track where the rider can go on either side of a middle pole. Very confusing. A simple fix would be a different color pole when the rider can go on either side.
There are no issues for Visa's for US riders in Europe, except you cant stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period. No tax...
There are no issues for Visa's for US riders in Europe, except you cant stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period. No tax or other issues.
That still takes some work to manage the 90 days. UK riders can go home but non euro riders are either going to Andorra or the UK instead of staying to train in EU countries
That still takes some work to manage the 90 days. UK riders can go home but non euro riders are either going to Andorra or the...
That still takes some work to manage the 90 days. UK riders can go home but non euro riders are either going to Andorra or the UK instead of staying to train in EU countries
Very true, the management of the 90 days can take some doing but Andorra is a nice place😂
I suppose the sad thing is we as an online forum have seemed to put more effort into figuring out what the fcuk is going on with the course marking... Than UCI officials put into marking the course intelligently and intuitively in the first place.
Somebody who knows someone tell UCI to paint 'jump markers' pink (or red... or literally any other color than the same one used to mark the course boundary).
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't get a cople hundreds 6 months "sport visas"? Absurd
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on...
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on Novy Parts
Good find, but more suited for tech rumors rather then here 🙂
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't...
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't get a cople hundreds 6 months "sport visas"? Absurd
how is this suddenly WBD/UCI problem? Under no circumstance in any sport is visas the direct responsibility of organisers or series owners. Yes they may be able to help in some way providing a letter of support or evidence of need to compete etc... But Visas are usually strictly a personal matter for individuals and in some cases their employers.
There is no "visa" thing, literally nothing has changed in terms of visas for US or EU this year compared to previous, bar the fact that there are is two/three extra races in Europe this year.
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't...
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't get a cople hundreds 6 months "sport visas"? Absurd
how is this suddenly WBD/UCI problem? Under no circumstance in any sport is visas the direct responsibility of organisers or series owners. Yes they may be...
how is this suddenly WBD/UCI problem? Under no circumstance in any sport is visas the direct responsibility of organisers or series owners. Yes they may be able to help in some way providing a letter of support or evidence of need to compete etc... But Visas are usually strictly a personal matter for individuals and in some cases their employers.
There is no "visa" thing, literally nothing has changed in terms of visas for US or EU this year compared to previous, bar the fact that there are is two/three extra races in Europe this year.
Well, in a sense, you could argue that UCI/WB is the general owner of the whole Circus ( i wonder who takes care of visas for the NBA games in China, do team owners do it or does the NBA lesdership arrange the whole thing). In any case, for several reasons the WC is still Europe based and It should be easier for two Big orgs like UCI and WB to open a channel within the EU authorities so the teams can apply for some sort of workvisa so people from outside the EU can stay here for the whole thing if they want to do so.
I do hope I'm making some sense and this is not some outrageous proposal.
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on...
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on Novy Parts
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles...
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles leading up the jump's left side. There were NO other yellow markers further left to indicate any sort of B Line. Nah...he knew what he was doing.
I'm not sure what you are screenshotting (Q1, Q2, finals, elite or junior), but the pole locations weren't staying consistent. Nico brought this up on the...
I'm not sure what you are screenshotting (Q1, Q2, finals, elite or junior), but the pole locations weren't staying consistent. Nico brought this up on the Downtime podcast.
Here's from Amaury's Q1... only 2 polls where your sceenshot shows 3.
And again, other jumps on the track where the rider can go on either side of a middle pole. Very confusing. A simple fix would be a different color pole when the rider can go on either side.
SOLVED IT! Went through people's helmet cam's from Jackson's course preview through Ronan Dunne's practice, Jenna's qualifying day practice, Amaury's qualifying run & Nina's & Oisin's race runs.
3rd pole was ADDED to the left side of the jump prior to Finals. Sooo...what team spotted him going around in qualy & got UCI to add a 3rd pole? Why didn't UCI notify teams of the course marking? Why didn't UC then enforce their own course change? Who told Trek to protest? Since they would have protested immediately if they'd been the ones to report & request better mark?
Needles? Wyn? Sven? Jackie? Lawlor? Pole Gate awaits.
1. it was addressed in this forum hours after it happened with the link to the carlson trackwalk video saying the b zone is around the jump in track and the timing banner being the course limit.
2. countless number of podcasts and people you just mentioned above talked about it after it was sorted here.
the answers were out there days ago. doesn't change the fact course labeling was bush-league, but it's done and gone. all we can do is see how loudenvielle is laid out.
Dude, you've really got to stop being so logical. it's really throwing off the general population,
Rear is a dirty dan, first ride even!
Good counter point. Well played.
Can you explain the thing with Europe & work Visas you mentioned elsewhere? I don't know how all that works, the limitations, the time lines, how far in advance you have to work it all out, etc. Does it ever prevent teams & riders from being a "late" entry or a Fill In?
If it's complex to jump internationally, how do they expect teams to just add/remove racers during a season? Would think work visas & points changes make it almost impossible to get and KEEP sponsorship if you can't guarantee a certain level of exposure for specific racers at all times. Let alone privateers and wild cards. Sponsors want definitive & known exposure time frames to financially back a racer, team or sport.
Just the button for Risk Racing's automated roll off device.
I can’t really speak for Europe specifically but visas have certainly effected plenty of riders trying to compete in the states. And with the abnormally inconsistent policies out of our state and security departments I would expect that to be more of an issue the upcoming seasons for both people trying to compete here and Americans trying to compete abroad in return. And the bike industry doesn’t have the grease or weight to pull much on those levers of government.
But in general many European countries are pretty flexible about spending short periods of time conducting business weather it’s agriculture, steel, or bike racing. But when you are housed in one country traveling to a few others for half a week here and there for half the year then it’s a diffirent story. You are effectively living there. And the bar for the right to profit while living there gets raised. And if you have big international brands/agents to help you navigate those waters and preliminary contracts signed in October of the year before it’s pretty feasible. But if you don’t have those resources or need to try to push things thru quickly it can be really difficult. Especially when goalposts start moving cause of political turmoil. Luckily Europe is in general more lenient in terms of spending time in a country while getting your visa sorted than the us. But that leniency may be no longer allowed for Americans if we get even more strict with our polices. And while the lowest level of privateer can probably just risk vagabonding it. Even a privateer with minor support probably wouldn’t want to risk sponsorship by wantonly ignoring visa laws.
Saw this too but it's on Jackson's bike. But also noticed Jackson using that headware as well as Thibaut. Good call.
There are no issues for Visa's for US riders in Europe, except you cant stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period. No tax or other issues.
Always interesting to see when the racers are using suspension bits from outside their main sponsor (back when Amaury was trying the Secus). Apparently Jackson on Novy Parts
Don't fret, B PRACTICE IS HAPPENING THS YEAR!
It might sound ridiculous, but I've had laryngitis for over a month, which makes it pretty hard to podcast haha Also Dak is in full training/recovery mode and returns texts/calls on average in 7-10 business days.
Dak just got to Europe, so we are planning to podcast later this week after he wraps up some testing.
Is there a list of all the new permanent numbers that winning riders have chosen?
the results sheet will have them. just takes someone to compile them to our forum thread about it for easy reference - https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2025-world-cup-rider-plate-numbers
(clears throat) Did someone make a request for a person with way too much time on their hands??
edit: although didnt Casey already do it? or is that not everyone? (and shout out to the goat choosing 13 lol, does he even need a number now?)
So...I went & looked at Max Alran's winning run, Amaury & other's GoPro camera runs. The jump he went around...it's VERY clear there were 3 poles leading up the jump's left side. There were NO other yellow markers further left to indicate any sort of B Line. Nah...he knew what he was doing.

I'm not sure what you are screenshotting (Q1, Q2, finals, elite or junior), but the pole locations weren't staying consistent. Nico brought this up on the Downtime podcast.
Here's from Amaury's Q1... only 2 polls where your sceenshot shows 3.
And again, other jumps on the track where the rider can go on either side of a middle pole. Very confusing. A simple fix would be a different color pole when the rider can go on either side.
That still takes some work to manage the 90 days. UK riders can go home but non euro riders are either going to Andorra or the UK instead of staying to train in EU countries
Very true, the management of the 90 days can take some doing but Andorra is a nice place😂
As far as polegate goes. Course tape works well.
I suppose the sad thing is we as an online forum have seemed to put more effort into figuring out what the fcuk is going on with the course marking... Than UCI officials put into marking the course intelligently and intuitively in the first place.
Somebody who knows someone tell UCI to paint 'jump markers' pink (or red... or literally any other color than the same one used to mark the course boundary).
UCI website has had the list since January https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/72wBVZnZVuGFJjl8eUx1ro/3fa15e…
The Visa thing is ridiculous. Millions are entering the Old Continent illegaly every year, countries are giving out citizenships like cookies... and yet the UCI/WB can't get a cople hundreds 6 months "sport visas"? Absurd
A Matter of taste i guess but of all the changes WB have done going with poles is certainly not the worst. Tape looks wacky on TV, just my two cents
In jest. 😅
Good find, but more suited for tech rumors rather then here 🙂
how is this suddenly WBD/UCI problem? Under no circumstance in any sport is visas the direct responsibility of organisers or series owners. Yes they may be able to help in some way providing a letter of support or evidence of need to compete etc... But Visas are usually strictly a personal matter for individuals and in some cases their employers.
There is no "visa" thing, literally nothing has changed in terms of visas for US or EU this year compared to previous, bar the fact that there are is two/three extra races in Europe this year.
Well, in a sense, you could argue that UCI/WB is the general owner of the whole Circus ( i wonder who takes care of visas for the NBA games in China, do team owners do it or does the NBA lesdership arrange the whole thing). In any case, for several reasons the WC is still Europe based and It should be easier for two Big orgs like UCI and WB to open a channel within the EU authorities so the teams can apply for some sort of workvisa so people from outside the EU can stay here for the whole thing if they want to do so.
I do hope I'm making some sense and this is not some outrageous proposal.
Never heard of this guy.
SOLVED IT!
Went through people's helmet cam's from Jackson's course preview through Ronan Dunne's practice, Jenna's qualifying day practice, Amaury's qualifying run & Nina's & Oisin's race runs.
3rd pole was ADDED to the left side of the jump prior to Finals.
Sooo...what team spotted him going around in qualy & got UCI to add a 3rd pole?
Why didn't UCI notify teams of the course marking?
Why didn't UC then enforce their own course change?
Who told Trek to protest? Since they would have protested immediately if they'd been the ones to report & request better mark?
Needles? Wyn? Sven? Jackie? Lawlor? Pole Gate awaits.
1. it was addressed in this forum hours after it happened with the link to the carlson trackwalk video saying the b zone is around the jump in track and the timing banner being the course limit.
2. countless number of podcasts and people you just mentioned above talked about it after it was sorted here.
the answers were out there days ago. doesn't change the fact course labeling was bush-league, but it's done and gone. all we can do is see how loudenvielle is laid out.
Post a reply to: 2025 Race Talk