2026 Race Talk

3/22/2026 10:54am

I think just people are less value oriented than they were 10-20 years ago in general (especially in the outdoor sports world) and giant always did a good job of catering to the I just want something affordable that works crowd.   The more trendy and/or dtc brands discounting have also cut into that value proposition.  

I’d kind of like them to focus on that sub 1000 hardtail (with decent parts) categories for kids, teens, young adults.  I think they are one of a few brands who could really change that market for the better with their scale.

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sspomer
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3/22/2026 11:22am

Live timing for Tennessee National - https://artiming.com/results/2026/redbulltennessenational/

Ams underway now. Other start times (local time)

2:26pm - Cat 1 Women 17-18

2:36pm - Cat 1 Men 17-18

3:04pm - Pro Women

3:23pm - Pro Men (last rider, Aaron Gwin, drops at 4:08pm)

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Buckets Up
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3/22/2026 1:13pm

What happened to Gwin?!


Please tell me it was a mechanical.

sspomer
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3/22/2026 1:26pm
Screen Shot 2026-03-22 at 2.28.11 PM
hogfly
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3/22/2026 1:28pm

What’s the story on Dak? Looked like issues yesterday in seeding and then DNS today?

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sspomer
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3/22/2026 1:57pm

if they were going 20mph at the finish line, the winning margin is 1.41 inches LOL. if they're going 30mpf, it's 2.11 inches. mental!

unsure on dak at this point. jack saw him after seeding and said he looked physically ok, but obviously he didn't start today. bummer for sure.

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Mr.Nally
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3/22/2026 2:56pm
Rob25001 wrote:
I own 2 Giant bikes. They used to be everywhere and every second bike was a Giant. Nowadays I hardly see any. What happened to the...

I own 2 Giant bikes. They used to be everywhere and every second bike was a Giant. Nowadays I hardly see any. What happened to the Giant of cycling. 

lloyd506 wrote:
Geometry of 29” took off. Giant put everything behind 27.5” wheels and missed the boat on developing the reign to 29”. When they came in with...

Geometry of 29” took off. Giant put everything behind 27.5” wheels and missed the boat on developing the reign to 29”. When they came in with the 29” reign and trance it was behind the other bikes in the categories and they have been scratching to get back. 
 

The Vital MTB Forum Law strikes again: "given sufficient time, all threads descend into pointless tech talk" 🙏

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sspomer
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3/22/2026 4:36pm

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

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3/22/2026 5:16pm
sspomer wrote:
intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough...

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

Any reason Asa wasn't racing?

Buckets Up
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3/22/2026 6:09pm
sspomer wrote:
intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough...

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

Any reason Asa wasn't racing?

It was mentioned somewhere that he is injured.

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63expert
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3/22/2026 6:42pm
sspomer wrote:
intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough...

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

Any reason Asa wasn't racing?

A bit crazy there has been zero statement from Neko/FW on this matter

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DIGRIDEPARTY
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3/22/2026 7:10pm
sspomer wrote:
intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough...

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

Any reason Asa wasn't racing?

63expert wrote:

A bit crazy there has been zero statement from Neko/FW on this matter

They put out a whole comedy skit about it. He's in Colorado chilling and getting ready for the season. 

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roost66
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3/22/2026 7:16pm
sspomer wrote:
intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough...

intel that just came through from TN national - luca flat, ronan flat, gwin lost traction in the chicane berms, dak's crash yesterday was pretty rough. apparently coughing up blood, so they thought maybe punctured lung. obviously he laid low today.

Any reason Asa wasn't racing?

I just assumed he doesn’t want race at windrock because of his crash in 24’.  Just guessing.   

sspomer
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3/22/2026 8:08pm

Post-race Unc Chats with Luca Cometti and all the hitters

0:00 - Austin Dooley
1:14 - Aaron Gwin
2:23 - Ronan Dunne
3:57 - Dakotah Norton
5:52 - Cole Suetos
7:29 - Eliot Jackson
8:57 - Aletha Ostgaard
10:42 - Taylor Ostgaard
11:52 - Rob Warner
13:59 - Lucas Dedora
14:59 - Mack Manietta
15:56 - Kailey Skelton
17:12 - Dylan Maples
18:35 - Podium shots
19:42 - Raina Logar
21:17 - Mikey Delesalle
22:37 - Dante Silva
25:03 - Ryan Pinkerton
26:44 - Luca Shaw

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3/22/2026 10:44pm

Elliot Jackson in 6th. and Rob Warner in 9th?
Ok I'm confused, I admit it!


Or do the old dogs still have some life left in them?

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2
boozed
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3/23/2026 2:08am Edited Date/Time 3/23/2026 3:54am
Dave Waugh wrote:

Elliot Jackson in 6th. and Rob Warner in 9th?
Ok I'm confused, I admit it!


Or do the old dogs still have some life left in them?

Those are timestamps in the video!

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cegg
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3/23/2026 5:26am

Damn I hope Dak's ok

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sspomer
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3/23/2026 3:10pm

Tennessee National Race Replay show!

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sspomer
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3/24/2026 11:48am

gwin's race run POV

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3/25/2026 5:28am

Remi Thirion - never not relevant!

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sspomer
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3/25/2026 12:44pm
SPECIALIZED BICYCLES AND HARD MTB LEAGUE TEAM UP FOR 2026
 
Powering the All‑Around Format and the Riders Who Define It
 
BOISE, IDAHO — Hard MTB League is proud to welcome Specialized Bicycles as an official sponsor of the 2026 season. Through this partnership, Specialized brings its involvement to the most demanding multi‑discipline mountain bike competition on the planet—alongside dedicated support for the Specialized athletes competing in the League.
 
What is Hard MTB League?
 
The Hard MTB League was built to showcase the world’s most versatile MTB riders, combining four core disciplines: Downhill, Tech Climbing, Raw Slalom, and Tech Rhythm, into one high-energy, spectator-friendly event. It’s the ultimate testing ground and stage for the riders to push themselves and their bikes to the absolute limit.
 
“Specialized is the perfect sponsor for what we’re building,” said Mitch Ropelato, Hard MTB Athlete. “Supporting the League shows exactly how committed they are to pushing the sport forward and backing the riders who make it exciting.”
 
Hard MTB League: Mission
 
The Hard MTB League is dedicated to supporting athletes at every level. Beyond the $125k+ prize purse for the 2026 season, world-class courses, and an incredible competition experience, we provide brand coaching, skills coaching, and mental performance coaching to help riders perform at their best, on and off the bike. Our Global Travel Awards ensure geography is never a barrier, giving international riders a path to the qualifier and a shot at the finals. And by pairing our youngest riders with League veterans, we’re building a culture of mentorship that carries the sport forward. At the heart of it all our mission is to ignite resilience and inspire greatness.
 
Beyond the competitive stage, we’re passionate about getting out into the community through our Hard MTB Challenge group rides. Camaraderie thrives, riders lift each other up, and new friendships are forged on the trails. It’s the spirit of Hard MTB brought to everyday riders everywhere.
 
Hard MTB League: Timeline
 
2024  — October 23–26: Hard MTB League “Test Event” 
 
 
2026  March 28 & April 11: Local Challenges, San Diego & Boise 
 
2026 — May 20–23: Hard MTB League Open Qualifier
 
2026 — October 21–24: Hard MTB League Finals w/$125K Prize Purse
 
As an Official Race Sponsor, Specialized will have its presence felt across the full event, along with three of the most multi-dimensional riders taking part in the Open Qualifying event in May:
 
•                Mitch Ropelato: U.S. national champion and one of the most technically complete riders in mountain biking—from downhill, enduro, dual slalom, and even competing in Red Bull Rampage. 
 
•                Cody Kelley: A multi-discipline threat with victories across the highest levels of competition in downhill, enduro, and dual slalom.
 
•                Bas van Steenbergen: Back-to-back King of Crankworx, known for dominating pump track and slalom with a rare combination of precision and high-speed aggression.
 
Specialized’s partnership spans the full 2026 season as an Official Race Sponsor of the League. The 2026 Hard MTB League Qualifier runs May 20–23, with the Finals October 21–24. Riders compete for the $125k+ combined prize purse for the 2026 season. 
 
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB League season, visit www.hardmtbleague.com and follow @hardmtbleague on Instagram. 
 
About Hard MTB League:
 
Hard MTB League is the ultimate test of complete mountain biking ability. Founded by professional rider and filmmaker Braydon Bringhurst in 2023, Hard MTB fills a void in the sport by crowning riders who can do it all: climb, descend, jump, and navigate technical terrain at the highest level. While traditional competitions force specialization into strict disciplines, Hard MTB League celebrates versatility, pushing modern trail bikes and their riders to the absolute limit in a spectator-friendly format where fans witness every moment of the action. The league debuted as a Pro Invitational in 2024, showcasing elite athletes alongside community events that welcome riders of all abilities. Hard MTB League is the next evolution of competition, where the most complete all-around rider shows what mountain biking is truly capable of.
 
About Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
 
Specialized Bicycle Components was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Based in Northern California, Specialized focuses on the rider’s need for functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit. Visit specialized.com.
lloyd506
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3/25/2026 1:16pm

Hard mtb league - does any brand that registrars an athlete become a sponsor? 

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StudBeefpile
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3/25/2026 2:25pm

For real.  I hope they just jam every sponsor in there.  Specialized Hard Mountain Bike Presented by ARI and brought to you by Canyon - Muc off by riding addiction yamaha pro circuit. Bet even Rick couldn't say that ten times fast. 

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sspomer
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3/25/2026 6:03pm Edited Date/Time 3/25/2026 6:24pm

Track walk talks at Pro Downhill #1, Ride Rock Creek with Luca Cometti

Interviews
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Dillon Lemarr
2:14 - Gracey Hemstreet
3:06 - Bode Kuhn
4:10 - SR Suntour Holeshot
4:27 - Tayte Proulx Royds
5:24 - Ryan Pinkerton
6:11 - Austin Dooley
6:45 - Abby Ronca
8:35 - Drake Parker
9:14 - Asa Vermette
9:53 - Kai Burleson
11:22 - Tyson Henrie
13:42 - Kasper Woolley
15:03 - Tyler Ervin
16:02 - Cole Suetos
17:14 - Aiden Chapin
18:57 - Nik Nestoroff

Registered riders found here - https://www.bikereg.com/Confirmed/74313

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sspomer
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3/26/2026 2:07pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2026 4:16pm

POV from Rock Creek Pro DH Series with Swerv and Luca

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sspomer
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3/26/2026 9:08pm

DH action from Rock Creek today. The g-forces in those berms are mental

sspomer
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3/27/2026 2:49pm Edited Date/Time 3/27/2026 3:05pm

Elite Women's Seeding Results - Pro Downhill Series, Ride Rock Creek - 37 finishers, 2 DNF - Aletha and Anna in a good battle for race day!

Screenshot 2026-03-27 at 3.48.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=AhUGalR1wQwScreenshot 2026-03-27 at 3.48.16%E2%80%AFPM

Elite Men's seeding (Top 48 plus DNF list) from Rock Creek Pro Downhill Series with a pile of DNFs. 129 riders with times out of 141 riders. Asa and Luca doing World Cup things with the young guns on their heels. Full results - https://www.artiming.com/results/2026/Prodownhillseries1/

Screenshot 2026-03-27 at 4.01.52%E2%80%AFPMScreenshot 2026-03-27 at 4.02.02%E2%80%AFPMScreenshot 2026-03-27 at 4.01.42%E2%80%AFPM

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