2026 Team Rumors

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bizutch
Posts
1435
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Fletcher, NC US
1/20/2026 6:39am
Jett to Frameworks

Jett to FrameworksIMG 8028 0.png?VersionId=69

khand187 wrote:

Stamp it.

I just wish Barcia would get serious on the rides with Mitch Ropelato & really let it hang out on a DH or slalom rig. 
That dude at HardLine Tasmania might scare some folks. :D

 

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2
Yoda
Posts
127
Joined
9/24/2021
Location
IT
1/20/2026 7:25am
LePigPen wrote:
i dont know how things play out for Ed... But if this means no WynTV and no Ed Bull Media House next year... as well as...

i dont know how things play out for Ed... But if this means no WynTV and no Ed Bull Media House next year... as well as a limited Vital Raw schedule again? we're up a certain creek without a particular paddle

ideal scenario would be wyn and ed teaming up, figuratively and literally, and being able to cover the races with each other. wyn more on interviews and ed more on riding. i dunno... a man can dream

WBD, are making it harder for media at WC, unless you are part of their official media team

roundman69 wrote:

I have heard of numerous team media needing to find new work because of wbd

So stupid of them. I'd think team media do much more for engagement and to build compelling stories around riders than cannibalizing subscribing viewers.

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lloyd506
Posts
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Joined
7/10/2016
Location
CA
1/20/2026 7:35am

WBD, are making it harder for media at WC, unless you are part of their official media team

roundman69 wrote:

I have heard of numerous team media needing to find new work because of wbd

Yoda wrote:

So stupid of them. I'd think team media do much more for engagement and to build compelling stories around riders than cannibalizing subscribing viewers.

Didn’t you see the number WBD put out for viewers? They are crushing previous years and really expanding the sport to the masses. 

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1/20/2026 8:23am
lloyd506 wrote:

Didn’t you see the number WBD put out for viewers? They are crushing previous years and really expanding the sport to the masses. 

Conspiracy: WBD allows the bootleg streams to persist in exchange for the sites disclosing their viewership counts to boost the WBD viewership counts. 

 

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Mr.Nally
Posts
654
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Location
AS
1/20/2026 9:23am
roundman69 wrote:

I have heard of numerous team media needing to find new work because of wbd

Still waiting on the list of who's lost their jobs...

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28
1/20/2026 11:30am
roundman69 wrote:

I have heard of numerous team media needing to find new work because of wbd

Mr.Nally wrote:

Still waiting on the list of who's lost their jobs...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

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Mr.Nally
Posts
654
Joined
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Location
AS
1/20/2026 1:07pm
Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

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jstuhlman
Posts
23
Joined
12/24/2018
Location
Charlotte, NC US
1/20/2026 1:07pm Edited Date/Time 1/20/2026 1:07pm

I, for one, am all in to support the MoiMastersMedia Conglomerate. Maybe they could partner with Sleeperco to get some decent editing too!

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1/20/2026 1:21pm
jstuhlman wrote:

I, for one, am all in to support the MoiMastersMedia Conglomerate. Maybe they could partner with Sleeperco to get some decent editing too!

The footage and commentary is usually pretty good, but holy cow the yelling! Track side footage from either of them was often only palatable at very low volumes.

Something about that Aussie and Kiwi squawk, can even hear it on Vital Raw segments. 😀

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13
1/20/2026 2:12pm
Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Mr.Nally wrote:
Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades. And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. Vital...

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

Sounds like you'd enjoy a "Known facts with dates, names, and proof" thread

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1/20/2026 2:24pm
roundman69 wrote:

I have heard of numerous team media needing to find new work because of wbd

Mr.Nally wrote:

Still waiting on the list of who's lost their jobs...

Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Correct. Snitches get stitches. You must be new to this thread

5
1/20/2026 2:26pm
Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Mr.Nally wrote:
Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades. And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. Vital...

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

It is not “some one lost their job” it was “WBD want to control more media and limiting team media” 

8
casey79
Posts
366
Joined
3/21/2010
Location
Sydney, NSW AU
1/20/2026 3:08pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2026 2:15am
Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Mr.Nally wrote:
Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades. And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. Vital...

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

roundman69 wrote:

It is not “some one lost their job” it was “WBD want to control more media and limiting team media” 

Redbull did the same when they had the rights to broadcast the World Cups. Nothing particular new.

I believe the bike industry being in turmoil (Canyon overnight reduced their office work force by 20%) and limited team / marketing budgets has more to do with videographers loosing their contracts (like the Fox Racing Shox Dialed video series being concluded after the 2023 season) is more relevant. 

2
Johnboy
Posts
118
Joined
7/31/2018
Location
AU
1/21/2026 3:25am Edited Date/Time 1/21/2026 3:31am

Hill with a new bike build for RB Hardline... 

1000033229
1
1/21/2026 4:45am

Looks like Fox/Shimano, a bit of a departure for Mr Sram Hill.

4
VandR
Posts
28
Joined
9/22/2022
Location
Somewhere, WA US
1/21/2026 7:34am

Looks like Fox/Shimano, a bit of a departure for Mr Sram Hill.

Yeah, the Shimano rotors and Fox uppers. Commencal?

1/21/2026 8:23am

Possibly a Mondraker, the shop he rides for is a Mondraker dealer

5
Mr.Nally
Posts
654
Joined
1/2/2021
Location
AS
1/21/2026 8:56am

Possibly a Mondraker, the shop he rides for is a Mondraker dealer

looks like e.thirteen wheels and a dark blue bit of chainstay sticking out, so Mondraker fits.

3
densign
Posts
3
Joined
5/30/2025
Location
Beverly, MA US
1/21/2026 10:05am

Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

IMG 4423
4
1/21/2026 10:05am
Why are you being such a narc?Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the...

Why are you being such a narc?

Quite a few people in here can't post the concrete information they know as they could be identified as the leaker. Leave the dude alone, it's called rumours for a reason. 

Mr.Nally wrote:
Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades. And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. Vital...

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

roundman69 wrote:

It is not “some one lost their job” it was “WBD want to control more media and limiting team media” 

Hi, long time WC media guy here (14 years long).. I'm also very curious to hear some names and facts about this from you 

But in the meantime let me share some of my own. Each team is allowed to register photographers and videographers (each team then receives a set number of photo and video bibs for the season). if someone doesnt work for a team they can register as independent media once they have letters of assignment from a verified media outlet.  there are little to no restrictions as to what can be shot/posted.  This hasnt changed since the red bull days.

you know who can't get access?? JohnnyVideo guy who isn't registered with a team and doesn't have editorial work and wants to play camera man on the weekend.  

WORKING media has had zero restrictions and have been very happy with the vetting process.  

I've definitely heard a few "local"  guys complaining they couldn't get credentials at Lake Placid, but when pressed further they didn't actually have any work and just wanted access

if it's your JOB there's no trouble. and the teams are allowed staff photo/video crew.

no team contract or editorial assignment? you didn't lose your job. You lost your illegitimate access.

 

71
sspomer
Posts
6022
Joined
6/26/2009
Location
Boise, ID US
1/21/2026 10:34am

fwiw, last year was the first year we ever had to pay to get lawlor his creds at a world cup. $3k for the races we attended. it's not a budget killer for us, but $3k goes along way on other projects for us.

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saskskier
Posts
323
Joined
11/4/2017
Location
Calgary, AB CA
1/21/2026 11:12am

Cami Nogueira announced today that she's of POC

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1
1/21/2026 12:01pm
sspomer wrote:
fwiw, last year was the first year we ever had to pay to get lawlor his creds at a world cup. $3k for the races we...

fwiw, last year was the first year we ever had to pay to get lawlor his creds at a world cup. $3k for the races we attended. it's not a budget killer for us, but $3k goes along way on other projects for us.

this I did hear from a few privateer teams and non paddock partner brands/editorial 

The UCI team fees cover media rights for the 20-25 teams, and rhey have access to an additional additional content pool of WBD stuff

if not in that group your team/brand has to pay for media rights. there is no fee for photography, just video. And what breaks down to essentially $300/round seems reasonable 

Still not sure how anyone's lost their job or coverage has been restricted.  other rhan there no longer being 50 kids with video cameras in the finish corral shooting for kicks

World Cup is a high level sport and access to it is restricted.  far less so than something like supercross that's for sure, where I've worked for brands that were told it was $1500/round to shoot photos for ad campaign content 

 

12
Cashman76
Posts
6
Joined
1/29/2019
Location
Benćiči HR
1/21/2026 12:38pm
densign wrote:
Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

IMG 4423

Fox/RF

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2
1/21/2026 1:01pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2026 1:13pm
Mr.Nally wrote:
Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades. And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. Vital...

Because I'm a big world cup fan and have been for two decades.

 

And in 2025 I enjoyed more "independent" and rider made media content than ever. 

Vital Raw, PBs stuff, daily Instagram stuff. Sleeper Shredits, riders YouTubes, official GoPro course previews, and all the stuff that comes post race too.

Arguably too much to mention..but because some guy says he heard some other dudes lost their job it's all doom and gloom? Yeah. No thanks. Maybe they lost their jobs cos they are bad at their job?

roundman69 wrote:

It is not “some one lost their job” it was “WBD want to control more media and limiting team media” 

Hi, long time WC media guy here (14 years long).. I'm also very curious to hear some names and facts about this from you But in the...

Hi, long time WC media guy here (14 years long).. I'm also very curious to hear some names and facts about this from you 

But in the meantime let me share some of my own. Each team is allowed to register photographers and videographers (each team then receives a set number of photo and video bibs for the season). if someone doesnt work for a team they can register as independent media once they have letters of assignment from a verified media outlet.  there are little to no restrictions as to what can be shot/posted.  This hasnt changed since the red bull days.

you know who can't get access?? JohnnyVideo guy who isn't registered with a team and doesn't have editorial work and wants to play camera man on the weekend.  

WORKING media has had zero restrictions and have been very happy with the vetting process.  

I've definitely heard a few "local"  guys complaining they couldn't get credentials at Lake Placid, but when pressed further they didn't actually have any work and just wanted access

if it's your JOB there's no trouble. and the teams are allowed staff photo/video crew.

no team contract or editorial assignment? you didn't lose your job. You lost your illegitimate access.

 

Interesting. I guess the team media I heard this from may have their wires crossed. I am more than familiar with how the system works and favours the established media(some media creds for new shooters are basically pointless) . I have shot a few myself for independent media publications and understand it’s not just pick up a camera and get credentials. 

This is a rumours thread and sometimes the rumours aren’t correct. Even if they come from legit sources. It would be sad to see team media dwindle because as we have seen with the enduro video series, wbd can’t do good bts.

better get back to the real rumours I guess

 

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2
densign
Posts
3
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5/30/2025
Location
Beverly, MA US
1/21/2026 1:03pm
densign wrote:
Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

IMG 4423
Cashman76 wrote:

Fox/RF

Pretty sure it says "Charger" right at the top of the stanchion. I'm not aware of another company that has writing on it like that

2
sspomer
Posts
6022
Joined
6/26/2009
Location
Boise, ID US
1/21/2026 2:15pm
this I did hear from a few privateer teams and non paddock partner brands/editorial The UCI team fees cover media rights for the 20-25 teams, and rhey...

this I did hear from a few privateer teams and non paddock partner brands/editorial 

The UCI team fees cover media rights for the 20-25 teams, and rhey have access to an additional additional content pool of WBD stuff

if not in that group your team/brand has to pay for media rights. there is no fee for photography, just video. And what breaks down to essentially $300/round seems reasonable 

Still not sure how anyone's lost their job or coverage has been restricted.  other rhan there no longer being 50 kids with video cameras in the finish corral shooting for kicks

World Cup is a high level sport and access to it is restricted.  far less so than something like supercross that's for sure, where I've worked for brands that were told it was $1500/round to shoot photos for ad campaign content 

 

for us it was $500/round since we only covered 6 rounds.

5
Brian_Peterson
Posts
1131
Joined
4/26/2011
Location
Canyon Country, CA US
1/21/2026 4:14pm
densign wrote:
Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

Remy Métailler on Rockshox 

IMG 4423
Cashman76 wrote:

Fox/RF

densign wrote:

Pretty sure it says "Charger" right at the top of the stanchion. I'm not aware of another company that has writing on it like that

If it's Rock Shox, I would think they would get him on Sram components.. Yet, the rear derailleur isn't covered..

1

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