2026 Team Rumors

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

Yoda wrote:

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains...

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.

WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains with Netflix. Paramount doesn't seem to be giving up. 

Mr.Nally wrote:

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things? So we could be left with WBD organising but...

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things?

 

So we could be left with WBD organising but no-one willing to broadcast? 🤔😭

Yoda wrote:

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains...

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.

WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains with Netflix. Paramount doesn't seem to be giving up. 

Mr.Nally wrote:

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things? So we could be left with WBD organising but...

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things?

 

So we could be left with WBD organising but no-one willing to broadcast? 🤔😭

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

BGoldstone wrote:

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and...

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and the NFL was becoming a priority.

 

Mr.Nally wrote:

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics...

Oakley and Luxottica could not care less about gravity MTB. They will throw some cash and marketing at the XC athletes going to the LA Olympics, which is probably why they are cutting budgets now. But in general, they have not updated an MTB goggle in years and could really care less about MTB.

Best thing for riders and fans to do is not buy Oakley. Although sadly their lenses are great for trail riding.

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

BGoldstone wrote:

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and...

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and the NFL was becoming a priority.

 

Yoda wrote:

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains...

At this point the WBD merger and its implications must be the biggest 'what if' left.

WBD board informed shareholders yesterday again that the preferred deal remains with Netflix. Paramount doesn't seem to be giving up. 

Mr.Nally wrote:

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things? So we could be left with WBD organising but...

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things?

 

So we could be left with WBD organising but no-one willing to broadcast? 🤔😭

Mr.Nally wrote:

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things? So we could be left with WBD organising but...

I thought if it is the Netflix merger then it does not include the WBDsports/events side of things?

 

So we could be left with WBD organising but no-one willing to broadcast? 🤔😭

mickey wrote:

back to Rocky Roads it is

Maxipedia wrote:

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every...

I think everybody cares about their logo being on a podium or on television, let's not fool ourselves. At the same time, some contracts finish every year and some brands bid more than others; it's business as usual. I bet Henri's situation is not the same with Vaea's and I also think there are always brands who want a piece of the exposure pie, regardless of the discipline. Speaking of eyewear, I think in the last couple of years Viris has been a pretty cool and interesting story, starting from a grassroots level and making it to the big dogs, like Minnaar.

Your last phrase also seems kinda counterintuitive: ”don't buy from these guys, even though they have the best shit”. You can hate on Luxottica as much as you want, but Oakley isn't the benchmark of eyewear since the 80's just by chance. They have great product.

Steve Blick has been Oakley's athlete representative for a long time and he always had the coolest shit on him. I remember being at the 2004 Worlds with our national team, waiting for the 4X qualies to begin, riders in silly skinny XC jerseys, as that's what the national federation gave us, and here comes Steve with a batch of next year's glasses for the likes of Lopes and Gracia. We looked in disbelief at the stars with their fresh swag and one of my friends who were riding that day said ”damn, we look like fucking homeless people...”. One week later, in Livigno, Cedric tossed both of his goggles in the crowd and I managed to rebound one pair, channeling more motivation than Rodman on the Spurs; I still have them, of course.

Anyway, goggle-nerdiness aside, what official announcements are we still waiting for?

Cheers,
Mx

BGoldstone wrote:

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and...

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and the NFL was becoming a priority.

 

NotarealMTBer... wrote:

LUX does indeed no longer care about it's "legacy sports" marketing. They are investing more into the traditional ball sports here as they try to position...

LUX does indeed no longer care about it's "legacy sports" marketing. They are investing more into the traditional ball sports here as they try to position Oakley as the next Rayban. They started a build up to the LA olympics in 2024 and that is largely because it is on Oakley's home ground.

Blick was the glue that held the cycling program together and when he left so did any care for the sport.

Breanainn wrote:

I heard Vital Global Media made a compelling offer of $100 cash money, a demo bike SantaCruz may or may not have forgotten about and one...

I heard Vital Global Media made a compelling offer of $100 cash money, a demo bike SantaCruz may or may not have forgotten about and one set of signed Dak custom bars!

BGoldstone wrote:

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and...

Blick has been gone for a few years. He’s at Shimano now. Even when he was it was a struggle for MTB at Oakley. Golf and the NFL was becoming a priority.

 

NotarealMTBer... wrote:

LUX does indeed no longer care about it's "legacy sports" marketing. They are investing more into the traditional ball sports here as they try to position...

LUX does indeed no longer care about it's "legacy sports" marketing. They are investing more into the traditional ball sports here as they try to position Oakley as the next Rayban. They started a build up to the LA olympics in 2024 and that is largely because it is on Oakley's home ground.

Blick was the glue that held the cycling program together and when he left so did any care for the sport.

63expert wrote:

Oakley rode into the game on two wheels, then ghost rode that shit laughing all the way to the bank. 

63expert wrote:

Oakley rode into the game on two wheels, then ghost rode that shit laughing all the way to the bank. 

sspomer wrote:

Gwinterview is live. podcast and youtubeTopics0:00 - Intro and What About Crestline?9:34 - History with Neko12:26 - How Can Frameworks Afford Gwin?15:38 - Does...

Gwinterview is live. podcast and youtube

Topics
0:00 - Intro and What About Crestline?
9:34 - History with Neko
12:26 - How Can Frameworks Afford Gwin?
15:38 - Does Gwin Have to Race Now?
19:14 - Dealing with So Many Product Changes
32:31 - Does the Frameworks Accomodate Gwin's Riding Style?
43:00 - Being on a Team with Asa Vermette, Battling the Kids
49:50 - Game Plan for 2026 Races
53:55 - Gwin's Training Regimen
1:00:35 - Involvement with Lake Placid World Cup and TN National in 2026?
1:06:30 - Racing Hardline Tasmania
1:11:32 - Aaron Gwin 2011 vs. Aaron Gwin 2026?

swadd1er wrote:

He did.

He did.

63expert wrote:

Oakley rode into the game on two wheels, then ghost rode that shit laughing all the way to the bank. 

Puneta wrote:

Kasper Woolley on MS racing!! did not have that one on my bingo cards. 

ArchiRaph wrote:

Goodman Santa Cruz is becoming Santa Cruz Burgtec for 2026!

And as previously announced they received the "old" Syndicate truck and pit setup.

Mr.Nally wrote:

Credit to Burgtec. They have this team as co-title sponsors, and also sponsor Trek Factory, Commencal Muc-Off, Syndicate, Yeti Factory and they just picked up Frameworks...

Credit to Burgtec. They have this team as co-title sponsors, and also sponsor Trek Factory, Commencal Muc-Off, Syndicate, Yeti Factory and they just picked up Frameworks. Some serious talent there. No idea where the budget comes from hahahahah

DontWorryImAPilot wrote:

This is why I bought a Burgtec stem and bars. If they support the things I care about I’ll support them.If nothing else, Bryceland and Brage...

This is why I bought a Burgtec stem and bars. If they support the things I care about I’ll support them.

If nothing else, Bryceland and Brage? Respect. 

Adding Frameworks and the Goodman team just makes me more hyped. 

sspomer wrote:

Gwinterview is live. podcast and youtubeTopics0:00 - Intro and What About Crestline?9:34 - History with Neko12:26 - How Can Frameworks Afford Gwin?15:38 - Does...

Gwinterview is live. podcast and youtube

Topics
0:00 - Intro and What About Crestline?
9:34 - History with Neko
12:26 - How Can Frameworks Afford Gwin?
15:38 - Does Gwin Have to Race Now?
19:14 - Dealing with So Many Product Changes
32:31 - Does the Frameworks Accomodate Gwin's Riding Style?
43:00 - Being on a Team with Asa Vermette, Battling the Kids
49:50 - Game Plan for 2026 Races
53:55 - Gwin's Training Regimen
1:00:35 - Involvement with Lake Placid World Cup and TN National in 2026?
1:06:30 - Racing Hardline Tasmania
1:11:32 - Aaron Gwin 2011 vs. Aaron Gwin 2026?

Puneta wrote:

Kasper Woolley on MS racing!! did not have that one on my bingo cards.