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yeah, might be some truth to it since vali mentioned on WynTV that she learned to read her contracts carefully for the future... i mean that clause alone shows everyone how shitty of a company YT is, since it looks like they already knew that the end could be near 🤬
plus signing andi kolb to a 4 year contract which didn't even last for 10 months is just baffling.
Yeah signing Kolb to 4 years when they knew things were going south is just the worst. After hearing the pinkbike (was it? Or was it someone else?) interview with Kolb talking about how Oisin told him it was clear to him YT were saving and cutting costs on things for the Mob right from the get go this preseason.
To be completely fair, that's probably something written into most contracts - I doubt they wrote that in there thinking the business was going to collapse at some point. Why would they even bother having a race team then? I'm sure with the money involved lawyers are most definitely involved with that stuff. Plus how do you expect to get paid if the business no longer exists?
What if the verbiage was “nobody gets paid if the MOB folds/closes” and not “nobody gets paid if YT closes”.
That would’ve been shady. They could than have folded the MOB at any point they chose and not paid out what was owed on the contracts even if YT had been able to continue.
Just listened to the latest OTB . They have osin to Trek and apparently Trek wanted him to sign in the mid season transfer window but YT wouldn't release him which is pretty rubbish considering they can't or aren't paying him . Makes his own kit purchase protest pretty justified I reckon.
They got caravan money bro.
One of the biggest ballers in Australia, believe it or not owns Lotus caravans.
Big money in Old people doing 20kph under the speed limit towing these things
Missed the last 3 races I think with a pretty bad concussion. He'd qualified for finals for the previous couple of races after some bad luck in qualifying early on in the season . That whole Trek team has had an up and down year with injuries and crashes but also podiums .
OO seems like he could win four races with trek factory racing. No idea why but that seems like a great fit!
OO on Trek would be sick. I think the Session is a pretty solid bike, and they need someone in the upper rankings like Loris used to be. Pairing him with Lachie would be pretty rad and make for at least two contenders week in, week out. I'm not sure about their current contract situation, but they've got three guys who have made only 2-3 finals appearances each this season (Hauser, Davis, Walker).
Trek pretty much started new this season so I would imagine they are all on 2 year contracts minimum. Not sure of Hauser’s situation as recall he wasn’t on the full Trek program at the start of the year.
But since we are throwing out scenarios. OO replaces Matt Walker at Trek and Matt Walker replaces Matt Walker at Pivot.
Did anybody discuss the silly Daprela statement already? I know it's a dead horse but I just thought it was a laughably bad statement and wanted others opinions on how it shakes out for his career (ie, are things going to get better or worse):
"Statement
But, does that mean the team is getting big caravan money?
Somewhere in here there is a OO to AON joke...
Though I feel Ronan has played on the caravan joke more so than OO. Also bummed we're not likely to get the boys on the same team. That would make for fun team social media. Their duo previews are already class
Whole industry ignores him except when he podiums.
I’d be willing to bet had he continued to podium after vds someone would’ve taken a chance. But his results haven’t been much to write home about outside of one weather affected race. And I imagine the majority of the Industry sighed a breath of relief when Troy took him off the hot seat.
Ultimately even in a small sport like mtb if you can produce enough and shut up, people will start looking the other way. But ultimately there’s too many riders who are equally skilled without all the baggage. And when he cries foul or threatens lawsuits without telling his side of the story. I think that’s pretty damning in most people’s eyes. The few statements he has made has not helped him at all.
I wish he would just quietly exit stage left.
Can't imagine racing with such a limited budget 'pays the bills'. Unless he has an optimally flexible gig during the off season... I don't see how he continues to race without even getting results. Did Monster stick with him or no? Only bonus he'd likely have gotten is just a podium bonus for 3rd. Not much to write home about.
On his insta 6 days ago he lists:
@rogueracing_team
@monsterenergy
@trpcycling
@htcomponents
@srsuntour_inc
@vittoriatires
@fomgroup
@fivegloves
@clorofilla_bike
@resolvbike
@innteckbike
@skfautomotive
@alexander_bikewear
@sambudadesign
I wonder if any of the other sponsors offer a notable bonus. I know Monster does. Monster kinda known for sticking with athletes even through some turbulence.
I imagine those sponsors just keep the team ride-ready and budgeted... I'm sure he has some form of contract/salary but... Ehhh how significant could it be at this point? Even with a normal brand his bargaining power would be middling. Like even WITHOUT the drama. Just results wise.
He's a podium or crash rider , the question is can he turn it into more podium than crashes in the way that ronan has seemed to do recently.
I think someone alluded to it already but my guess would be after their success this year a good offer has been floated to the team but it comes with the condition that they don't want to be associated with him .
Should have figured as much. Every time I ask 'how does this rider pay the bills without good results?' ... The answer always seems to be the same.
I avoid the occams razor cuz I like to pretend its all more grass roots than it is... But at the end of the day, it's mountain bike racing... In the mountains. It's not quite soccer or skateboarding in terms of 'barrier to entry'. Meh
Aon should rob Fort Knox first then.
Results were pretty damn good before he crashed a bit 2 race ago. He was 6 or 7 in the overall. With an almost no-budged-team. He has also learned not to overcook the runs like 3 years ago or so.
Don't want to go offtopic:
Could anyone tell me (pm only), with references please, what daprela is exactly accused of and what is proven? Thank you.
https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/what-going-thibault-daprela?page=0
Thanks!
KHS is closing its US distribution at the end of the year, and with it, the KHS Factory Racing team. For anyone who has raced DH in the states the past 30 years, KHS has always been a staple brand at the races. Definitely a bummer for the current team riders, and a bit sad to see an era come to a close.
From KHS:
After more than three decades of racing excellence, the KHS Pro MTB Race Team will conclude its journey at the end of the 2025 season. The decision comes as a direct response to the continued economic challenges facing the bicycle industry, which has experienced a significant downturn in recent years. While this marks the end of an era, it also serves as a moment to celebrate one of the longest-running and most successful gravity mountain bike programs in North America.
Since its formation in the early 1990s, the KHS Pro MTB Team has become a defining force in competitive mountain biking. Known for its professionalism, consistency, and ability to nurture top talent, the team has achieved countless podium finishes across downhill, enduro, and slalom disciplines. Over the decades, KHS athletes have represented the brand at national and international events, helping to shape the reputation of KHS as a manufacturer of performance-driven bikes capable of competing at the highest level.
Under the leadership of Logan Binggeli, the team evolved into a symbol of dedication and passion within the sport. From National Championships to World Cup appearances, the KHS Pro MTB Team built not only a record of success but also a community of riders and fans who shared a deep appreciation for racing and innovation.
While the racing chapter will close at the end of 2025, the legacy of the KHS Pro MTB Team will continue to inspire the next generation of riders. KHS Bicycles remains committed to supporting the cycling community and advancing the sport through innovation, quality, and the same competitive spirit that has defined the brand for over 50 years.
Still see Maples with the syndicate.
Is there any world where the Syndicate could get both Kolb and Maples (or other combos of elite men)? Greenland has been trending down (though I like the dude), and there are no junior men to speak of in their pipeline. The same goes for Elite women, with just Nina right now (although Ellie is fast). Do they like to keep things simple with a small team?
I was having a discussion with a friend about the title winning years that KHS had.. Am I wrong in my recollection that there were several titles won on restickered bikes in the DH side of things? I was too tired to start deep diving on this last night..
I think it will be a very interesting off-season. Many riders who were unlucky this season will probably stay on the track. The new UCI rules are not good for the majority of riders, especially since there is no feeder series.
I assume that riders ranked below 22nd will have a very difficult time.
Greenland, Hatton, Hart, Wilson are some of the ones I'm worried about. Wilson has a team, just like Gwin. But both riding and managing seem difficult to me today. Kerr is good, but his injury has ruined his season.
There will be a big shake-up and cheap money will be invested in new talent. It's all about the top 10. Everyone else is just window dressing these days. I THINK THAT'S A SHAME.
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