2026 Team Rumors

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NJPA Rider
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Lakewood, NJ US
10/8/2025 6:46pm
Rol wrote:
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...

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.

Was Danny a one year signing? He should have at least another year with Norco. 

1
marsch
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Location
Altdorf DE
10/8/2025 10:55pm Edited Date/Time 10/8/2025 10:56pm
Rol wrote:
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...

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.

NJPA Rider wrote:

Was Danny a one year signing? He should have at least another year with Norco. 

I can't imagine that (a one year contract). Last season riders owned the points, which should have given them the upper hand in contract negotiations.

10/8/2025 11:56pm

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

11
2
Bomberone
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CC DE
10/9/2025 12:45am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

Thats the hard truth. And you can count some more in:

Kerr, Walker, ....

3
10/9/2025 12:52am

I'm not sure if its already been mentioned but the recent OTB podcast had some discussion about whether finn could leave specialized gravity? not sure if his contract is up or not but could be an interesting move if he did leave.

1
Bananamoon
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Ulricehamn SE
10/9/2025 2:23am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

Bomberone wrote:

Thats the hard truth. And you can count some more in:

Kerr, Walker, ....

Who had Minnaar for world champ in 21?

11
Finkill
Posts
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Location
GB
10/9/2025 3:43am
Rol wrote:
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...

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.

NJPA Rider wrote:

Was Danny a one year signing? He should have at least another year with Norco. 

I mentioned this in the thread previously but 99% sure Danny is on a 2 year contract. 

4
Brian_Peterson
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Location
Canyon Country, CA US
10/9/2025 3:47am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

Might be a good move for Danny... I'm not sure, but it feels like he's missed more finals than he's made this season..

1
10/9/2025 5:46am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

Might be a good move for Danny... I'm not sure, but it feels like he's missed more finals than he's made this season..

You're right: He's only made it to the finals in 4 of the 9 races so far. 

Danny has had only 1 podium in the last 5 years.

I'm as big a Danny fan as there is, but as much as it pains me to say it, I'd be surprised if any team would pay much to have him if Norco lets him go. 

2
hwizzle32
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Location
Anderson Creek , NC US
10/9/2025 6:29am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

Might be a good move for Danny... I'm not sure, but it feels like he's missed more finals than he's made this season..

You're right: He's only made it to the finals in 4 of the 9 races so far. Danny has had only 1 podium in the last 5...

You're right: He's only made it to the finals in 4 of the 9 races so far. 

Danny has had only 1 podium in the last 5 years.

I'm as big a Danny fan as there is, but as much as it pains me to say it, I'd be surprised if any team would pay much to have him if Norco lets him go. 

Father time is undefeated, it catches up to everyone eventually. It would be cool to see some of the guys just outside of the top 20-30 of world cups focus on Crankworx, Monster pro-downhill series. They are still insanely fast and would raise up the level of those races and make for great viewing. 

10
trexyz
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RO
10/9/2025 6:35am
Rol wrote:
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...

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.

NJPA Rider wrote:

Was Danny a one year signing? He should have at least another year with Norco. 

Finkill wrote:

I mentioned this in the thread previously but 99% sure Danny is on a 2 year contract. 

In one of his first interviews after signing with Norco, he said that he had signed a two-year deal with an option for a one-year extension.

3
mfoga
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Moreno Valley, CA US
10/9/2025 6:46am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

That seems unlikely that all all are are under 23.   There are only 2 in this year's top 10 that would under 23 next season.    

2
Brian_Peterson
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Canyon Country, CA US
10/9/2025 7:06am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2025 7:06am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

mfoga wrote:
That seems unlikely that all all are are under 23.   There are only 2 in this year's top 10 that would under 23 next season...

That seems unlikely that all all are are under 23.   There are only 2 in this year's top 10 that would under 23 next season.    

But there are some juniors getting ready to move up that have the potential to score some top 10s pretty quickly...

1
amaranth
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Nutley, NJ US
10/9/2025 7:11am

As good as Danny is, I don't think it's going to trend up for him anymore at world cups, sadly. Same goes for all the Norco elite males, I think they really need to sign someone that at least makes finals regularly and be a consistent top 10 threat. The next year both Alrans, Asa, Taylor, and Oli are moving up to elite, I imagine they'll take at least 3-4 spots consistently of the top 30, and maybe all 5 on a good day. Rude needs to find his form again, same goes for Finn. It's going to be really hard for whoever is on the bubble this year to compete next year unless something clicks. The women have a bit more breathing room imo before both Rosas and Aletha move up.

10
LePigPen
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Harbor City, CA US
10/9/2025 8:15am

if finn leaves I hope he goes to Orbea... just so we can hear everyone's feelings and opinions about that (bonus points for a lot more screen in screen shots of partners during a race run) 

7
2
10/9/2025 8:22am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

mfoga wrote:
That seems unlikely that all all are are under 23.   There are only 2 in this year's top 10 that would under 23 next season...

That seems unlikely that all all are are under 23.   There are only 2 in this year's top 10 that would under 23 next season.    

Lachie, Jackson,  ronan dunne, asa, the alran brothers, henry kiefer,oisin o callaghan.

That's nine.im not saying it's likely , just saying it's possible. 

 

Grumbly
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Location
Seattle, WA US
10/9/2025 8:29am
If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to...

If enough high profile riders can't get a factory ride on a world cup team hopefully the pool of elite riders entering Crankworx will expand to make a more entertaining series and then fans end up with two exciting competitions to follow.

If Danny hart and bernard kerr and Reece wilson were riding I'd definitely  watch crankworx regularly.  

Those guys are never again stepping on a world cup  podium with the new generation of riders that are comin through. 

Its possible The top ten next year could consist of entirely under 23s . 

I believe this is the thesis for growing Monster Pro Downhill. With drastically restricted seats in UCI we'll see talent come back to the national level. With the payouts in USDH they are hoping it attracts high level racers. 

8
10/9/2025 11:15am Edited Date/Time 10/9/2025 11:18am

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

6
krabo83
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AT
10/9/2025 11:39am
Nico_Hrndz wrote:
Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?  

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

sorry don‘t get it… why should it be andi kolb?

2
Samwell
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8/31/2009
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N/A FR
10/9/2025 11:46am

I would guess most likely someone off cube, but who ? max ? jess ?

4
10/9/2025 11:47am
krabo83 wrote:

sorry don‘t get it… why should it be andi kolb?

I assumed the edges of the smallest cube forming a Y were a hint. Someone mentioned it earlier if I recall, so I guessed it wasn't vali or oisin.

Could also just be a brain fart (it does fart a lot lately)

2
amaranth
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Nutley, NJ US
10/9/2025 12:27pm
Nico_Hrndz wrote:
Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?  

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

Looks like someone off Cube imo. I'm going to preface this with I have zero insider info and this is pure speculation - maybe they're going to lose their elite male? I can't see Jess or Rosa being off. 

1
LePigPen
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Location
Harbor City, CA US
10/9/2025 12:37pm

Zierl's stock just went through the roof. While Jess isn't a top racer, she is what I would call a versatile media asset. Borderline free racer. Unless they're paying her too much for some reason, I don't see a reason to ditch her.

But ya if I had to bet my money, Zierl to whatever team pays the most. (Not meant as insult.)

Don't see specific reasons for Max or Kasper to be gone, and not familiar with the XC riders.

bstens
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79
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3/29/2010
Location
Seattle, WA US
10/9/2025 1:56pm Edited Date/Time 10/9/2025 1:56pm

Maybe an unnecessary question but just to get it out of my brain.. Regarding the "feeder" series.. Isn't that a moot point if the "teams own the points"? Or would it be a National jersey kind of thing that still allows "privateers" to race WC? 

10/9/2025 2:04pm
bstens wrote:
Maybe an unnecessary question but just to get it out of my brain.. Regarding the "feeder" series.. Isn't that a moot point if the "teams own...

Maybe an unnecessary question but just to get it out of my brain.. Regarding the "feeder" series.. Isn't that a moot point if the "teams own the points"? Or would it be a National jersey kind of thing that still allows "privateers" to race WC? 

Top 50 in uci points don’t need a team

Podium of a continental round gets an entry to a World Cup

Teams keep “World Cup points”

1
Kale123
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2/23/2022
Location
Brisbane, QLD AU
10/9/2025 2:40pm
Nico_Hrndz wrote:
Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?  

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

Almost the right colours for Irish flag…

3
LePigPen
Posts
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Location
Harbor City, CA US
10/9/2025 2:44pm
Nico_Hrndz wrote:
Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?  

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

Kale123 wrote:

Almost the right colours for Irish flag…

ya i was thinkin about that. doesnt correlate to any current riders (flags) leaving... could imply italian rider going in but... probly not relevant to colors. more so just, a piece of cube is 'going missing'. i suppose.

1
ardor
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10/30/2012
Location
CA
10/9/2025 2:53pm
Nico_Hrndz wrote:
Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?  

Sooooooo Kolb to Cube?

 

IMG 20251009 201757

 

Italian colours on the piece pulled from the rest…

1
10/9/2025 4:46pm
ardor wrote:

Italian colours on the piece pulled from the rest…

So either; 

Gloria Scarsi or maybe Christian Hasser (off of trek to make room for an ex YT rider?)

 

1
10/9/2025 5:15pm
ardor wrote:

Italian colours on the piece pulled from the rest…

Dave Waugh wrote:

So either; 

Gloria Scarsi or maybe Christian Hasser (off of trek to make room for an ex YT rider?)

 

As long as we're guessing Italians I'll say: Maybe either Introzzi or Revelli, two privateers from Italy who are currently 35th and 37th in the overall standings, ahead of some well-known World Cup veterans.

1

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