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Bit of 2025 talk, bit of 2026. Sounds like the specialized dh bike is launching soonish
Is the Sleeper dirt jump guy also associated with SleeperCo?
Lukas Schäfer aka Sheeper13, not Sleeper. No association, but both are sick.
Thanks. I'm old. "Sheeper", not Sleeper. Love that guy's dj videos.
Not Race Talk but...if you're a fan of steeze, this guy's turn-downs and look backs are cranked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=antRw5p5_5k
iXS extends the Gravity Alliance – and strives to create the biggest MTB team in history!
In 2024, the Swiss helmet, protection and apparel brand iXS has launched the iXS Gravity Alliance to support privateer racers inside the iXS Downhill Cups. Now, iXS takes the program one step further: the Support Program for Privateers will now include Downhill, Enduro and Slopestyle/Freeride. More than a sponsorship, the Gravity Alliance is a movement dedicated to real riders – those who live for the race tape and contest podiums, not the social media spotlight.
From the roots of downhill racing to new frontiers in enduro and slopestyle, the iXS Gravity Alliance unites gravity athletes who share one mindset: progress. It’s a collective for riders and opinion leaders who push their limits, refine their skills, and elevate the sport together – one run at a time.
Alliance members receive full professional support from iXS, including race kits, helmets, and protective gear designed for athletes who give everything along the course. For those focusing on racing, each rider’s entry to the iXS European Downhill Cup is fully covered. The iXS Gravity Alliance is for those who ride with a race state of mind. Not necessarily between the tapes only, but with heart, determination, and the pursuit of both speed and style on any terrain.
The Gravity Alliance represents iXS’s next step in supporting the grassroots side of gravity racing and competing on a global scale. As the series grows internationally, iXS continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to authentic riders and the spirit of mountain biking in the field of Downhill, Enduro and Freeriding.
Applications for the iXS Gravity Alliance are now open.
Do you thrive between the tape? Are you constantly working towards your next podium , adventure or perfect line and always looking for ways to reach your next level? Then you're exactly who we're looking for.
Apply now on https://www.ixs.com/en-ch/pages/gravity-alliance-2026?utm_campaign=DE-AT-CH-FR-IT-ES-UK-2025-12-01-K8-GA25-CPL-BOF&utm_content=ZG-8-Ad-earned-media-media&utm_source=banner&utm_medium=CPL.
"We commit to protect. You commit to ride."
Thanks for a great year of chatting all things racing. Let's do it again in 2026: https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2026-race-talk.
See you all there!
Strictly speaking this isn't racing news, but I figured it feels right to share it here:
Crankworx and the FMBA Unveil the Slopestyle Super League: A Bold New Era for Competitive Slopestyle Mountain Biking Begins in 2026
Whistler, BC, December 3, 2025 - Crankworx and the Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) announce a major evolution in the world of Slopestyle mountain biking with the launch of the Slopestyle Super League (SSL). Debuting in 2026, this new competitive structure redefines what the typical Slopestyle season looks like and is designed to strengthen the sport, expand opportunities for athletes, and provide a clearer, more engaging global season for fans.
The Slopestyle Super League is the result of an extensive review of the FMBA competition framework, incorporating input from the FMBA Advisory Board, event organizers, and athlete representatives. The SSL replaces the former Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) and introduces a streamlined, high-stakes format featuring a Regular Season followed by Playoffs, culminating in a “Winner Takes All” Slopestyle Super League Final.
A New Structure for a New Era
Beginning in 2026, the Slopestyle Super League will feature:
1. Regular Season
A calendar of designated Gold and Diamond events will make up the SSL Regular Season.
Key elements include:
Athletes accumulate points across all Regular Season events.
All results count toward SSL standings each year.
The number of counted results will be based on the final number of confirmed events in the season.
At the conclusion of the Regular Season:
Top 3 men and top 2 women in the standings receive automatic qualification to the SSL Finals.
Men ranked 4–15 and women ranked 3–8 in league standings qualify for Round 1 of the Playoffs.
2026 SSL Regular Season Events
The inaugural season will include five events:
February: Gold - Crankworx Christchurch Slopestyle, New Zealand
March: Diamond - Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle, New Zealand
May: Gold - Event in Europe (details coming soon)
July: Diamond - Event in Europe (details coming soon)
August: Diamond - Crankworx Whistler Slopestyle, Canada
The two European events will be revealed in 2026
2. Playoffs
The SSL Playoffs will determine the first-ever Slopestyle Super League Champions.
Round 1
The first Playoffs event will feature a total of 18 men and 9 women, drawn from:
12 men + 6 women from SSL Regular Season standings
Additional 6 men + 3 women invited from the FMB 52-week World Ranking
Additional details:
Points earned in this competition count toward the FMB World Ranking.
The top 7 men and top 3 women from Round 1 advance to Round 2 - the SSL Finals.
In 2026, this event will be the Crankworx SilverStar Slopestyle (Gold)
Round 2: Finals
The SSL Finals will bring together 10 men and 5 women:
3 men + 2 women pre-qualified from the Regular Season
7 men + 3 women advancing from Round 1 of the Playoffs.
Additional details:
Points earned in the Finals also contribute to the FMB World Ranking.
The 2026 Slopestyle Super League Finals will be hosted at the Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Slopestyle (Diamond) in Québec
At the conclusion of the Finals, winners will be crowned Slopestyle Super League Champions.
Invitation Criteria
Regular Season
Invitations to all Gold and Diamond events continue to follow the FMB World Ranking, as outlined in the FMBA Rulebook.
Points earned at SSL events align with the existing FMB World Tour points structure.
Automatic qualification for Finals:
Top 3 men and top 2 women in SSL standings
Round 1 of Playoffs qualification:
Men ranked 4–9 and women ranked 3–5 in SSL standings
Playoffs: Round 1
12 men + 6 women from SSL standings
6 men + 3 women added from the FMB 52-week World Ranking
Total: 18 men + 9 women
Playoffs: Finals
3 men + 2 women pre-qualified from Regular Season
7 men + 3 women advancing from Round 1 of the Playoffs
Total: 10 men + 5 women
Calendar Transition
The 2026 season will serve as a condensed inaugural edition, running January to September 2026.
Starting with the 2026/2027 cycle, the Slopestyle Super League will adopt a dual-year season structure: October 2026 – August 2027 (continuing in similar overlapping seasons each year thereafter)
This change is designed to create a natural competition arc, allow for better planning for organizers and athletes, and align the league with broader seasonal rhythms in mountain biking.
A Vision for the Future
The introduction of the Slopestyle Super League marks a milestone moment for Slopestyle mountain biking. By simplifying the structure, increasing competitive opportunities, and establishing a clear progression toward a season finale, the SSL provides a more compelling framework for athletes and fans alike.
The full structure of the Slopestyle Super League - including rules, rankings, and pathways, is detailed online: www.fmbworldtour.com/slopestyle-super-league/
Fans can follow all updates about the Slopestyle Super League on @fmbworldtour and www.fmbworldtour.com.
I don't regularly folllow slopestyle but this new setup seems to be a move in the right direction and might encourage me to follow more. In the past I've just been confused about ranking, and every event seemed more like a one-off event.
Great content about the season still rolling out. Anthill and Fox have a vid about Jackson’s season premiering at the Whistler film festival tonight, hopefully it’s online soon.
That is some EPIC viewing!
Warner talks with Loic. Look forward to seeing what Bruni and Pidcock came up with.
I see what you did there 😂
"How We Roll" is back!
https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/how-we-roll-ep-01-reset-rebuild-race-orbea-fmd-racing-gravity-cooperative.
Team rumors or race talk?
Please tell me that no matter where Dak ends up that we will still have the B-Practice Pod!! I just need a pick me of good news!!!! The U.S. is a mess and I need my escape from all the madness. I need to here Dak and boys chatting it up and laughing about bikes, racing and general nonsense!!!!
Llleeettsss gooooooo!!!!!
misspent doing their first-ever XC book - https://misspentsummersshop.com/products/2025-xc-yearbook
Oh we podcasting don't you worry! The end of the year has flown by and we've all been busy, but the plan is to podcast soon to have a new episode live around Jan 1. For no specific reason....
mhm Frameworks has usually launched their team news on Jan 1...
WATCH HERE - https://ridefox.com/pages/search-for-milliseconds
The Search for Milliseconds takes viewers inside mountain bike downhill phenom Jackson Goldstone's high-stakes bid to become one of the youngest riders in history to claim the UCI DH Elite overall title. From pre-season testing to the tense, pressure-filled moments leading into the last race of the year, the film follows Jackson and the team that supports him as they hunt for every possible edge in a sport where the smallest fractions of time can define a champion. With the title on the line and only one decisive run remaining, Jackson prepares to risk everything for the win.
A huge thanks to the athletes and partners that made this possible.
Last year they did an XC book with one of Durango’s own, Chris “Un-Believable” Blevins, on the cover. Perhaps they knew he would go on to own the 25 season. The name has changed though.
https://misspentsummers.com/products/class-of-2024-xc-world-cup-season-…
So where is it? I can't seem to find it on the Red Bull Bike YouTube channel. Anyone got a link? Am I just an idiot?
Lol. Took me sec. too BB. Use the Landing Page link posted above. Then click on the sorta hard to find play symbol. It's not a RB thing. Anthill and Fox shocks.
i tweaked the post to make it more clear. not sure why they said "watch on RB" when it was a fox web link
WATCH HERE - https://ridefox.com/pages/search-for-milliseconds
I thought this was a thread about 2025 race talk and not about being computer illiterate.
Fair I suppose. Thanks Sspomer and Pappas. Now back to race talk that's pretty much over for the year...
It eventually showed up on the RB site yesterday morning, but some of the links to it were dead ends.
Props to Fox and Anthill for making this happen.
misspent books available thru a US distro so shipping should be cheaper
That's good news. I picked up a whole pile of stuff when I happened in Les Gets just before the WC stop. Saved something like 40 euros on shipping to Canada. Ha ha
Awesome! I went to HQ in Finale and grabbed a bunch of stuff (relatively... we were traveling around so had to keep it light) from them. Just pulled the trigger on the 2025 Hurly Burly.
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