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Am I the only one who thinks the fact that we've seen some big name not make the show this year makes things pretty exciting?
Being attacked by a rabid dog is also exciting, and also not pleasurable
I just realized Luke Meier-Smith is Continental Champ and I don't think he's wearing any distinct jersey for racing. Also I don't think Kate Hastings does either, she's continental champ from oceania too. Rulebook says continental champions should be wearing the jersey at all times when racing, same happens with worldchamp and national champ, but in this last case and only for DH or enduro, just the sleeve is allowed.
I'm curious about this because Simon Chapelet (Euro champ) wears it but not Luke nor Kate. Luke is only wearing the national champ sleeve. I believe this is kind of a disadvantage for Simon's sponsors as he can't wear their normal jerseys when the others can.
My boyfriend had problems a few years ago because he was master's national champ and referees wouldn't let him race without the sleeve (we thought rule only applied to junior and elites as they're the "real" UCI categories, apparently not). We had to borrow a jersey from the women's elite national champ, tore up his sleeve and wear the sleeve-flag-jersey underneath his normal jersey so it would show...
Does anyone know about this oceania continental championship thing?
I'm hoping this is the appropriate place to ask about this.
If you look at this video, from about 3:55 to 4:15, you'll see a couple of the Whoop padded signs. They appear to be inside the course. There are course marking poles outside each of them. At other places on the course, though, the Whoop signs are outside the poles.
My question is this: If a rider hits one of the signs that are placed inside the poles, is the rider considered to have "left" the course? (I saw a comment elsewhere saying that the riders are told in pre-race meetings that the padded signs are out of bounds, but the UCI rules say nothing about it as far as I can tell.)
My understanding was that those padded signs were course markers as well and you have to be inside them. They're kind of used to mark apexes of corners a lot of the time.
In a post Leogang interview with Ethan Craik he can be heard saying "the team is in a good spot and it's good to see us both in the top ten" (referring only to himself and Ben)... In the June 8 B Practice Podcast Dak says "The only thing I care about is putting it in the finals the next time I'm on the clock. Shit's hitting the fan". He also talked about new mechanics. I believe he's got a three year contract with Scott... but outside looking in, it seems like the bike and team perhaps aren't a perfect fit.
Put it on the Podium in Lenzerheide Dak!
It took Benoit about a season to adjust to the new digs. I’m sure Scott will show a little patience.
I haven't heard the interview, but maybe he said both as it was post race and only himself and Benoit had made the race ? Scott have been patient with Benoit and Ethan so I would hope its the same for Dak, but yeah a podium would certainly help smooth over any potential upsets !
I would take that as it was good that the 2 guys that made finals managed to put it in the top ten.
The trivia when Ethan started was pretty crazy, last Scott men WC DH victory was in freaking 93 :D
We are not required to wear the Oceania sleeve per UCI rules.
Dak has implied repeatedly over the years that he needs time to develop on a bike then consistency on his setup once he gets it there in order to perform at his best. He’s also said that he didn’t have a great offseason. I’m cheering as hard as anyone for him and keep hoping to see him slot it into finals then have a good run, but we probably need to manage expectations for this season, since he’s on this new program and bike. I would expect by the end of the season, he’s much closer to where we hope to see him, setting up well going into next year.
I wasn’t stoked to see him go to Scott as they haven’t demonstrated good results with this bike over the past few years, but seeing that Benoit and Ethan are making it work, I would imagine Dak will get there as well.
Congrats on being at the upper end of 7 racers in a single SECOND.
7th through 13th all just in a pack!
Cheers mate, high anxiety for me but good racing eh
Race Replay, Vital RAW and Course POV - Downhill Southeast Snowshoe, WV
Orbea And Subaru Lay the Foundation for Their First-Ever Partnership, Driven by Adventure and a Shared Purpose
United by a shared passion for performance, adventure, and innovation, the two brands will work together to generate a positive impact on mountain biking through elite competition, compelling storytelling, and global community engagement.
Orbea and Subaru Europe today announced they have entered into a strategic partnership built on a shared belief that the greatest adventures begin where roads end and nature takes over. Bringing together two brands deeply rooted in outdoor exploration, innovation and performance, the collaboration aims to connect and impact a growing community of active, environmentally conscious adventurers.
For decades, Subaru has earned the trust of drivers who embrace an active lifestyle and seek reliable vehicles capable of taking them safely to the mountains, forests and remote outdoor destinations they love. Orbea has earned the trust of riders who embrace an active, adventurous lifestyle, creating high-performance bicycles designed to take them to explore the forests, peaks, and remote destinations they love, backed by the unique vision of a cooperative.
At the heart of this partnership lies a common set of values: adventure, performance, respect for the environment and a passion for the outdoors. Both brands believe that technology should enhance experiences while helping people maintain a closer connection with nature. The agreement will be brought to life through Subaru's active involvement with two of Orbea's leading international mountain bike teams, including elite Downhill & XC competition. Through this presence, Subaru will support Orbea athletes and teams competing at the highest level of the sport while showcasing the shared spirit of determination, resilience and exploration that defines both brands. Beyond the sporting sphere, this collaboration aims to grow mountain biking by reaching new audiences and reinforcing its innovative, aspirational, and global character. “This marks the beginning of a unique commitment that we will progressively reveal, contributing to a positive impact on mountain biking", declared Ander Olariaga, Orbea Brand and Communication Manager.
David Dello Stritto, General Manager Marketing & PR Europe at Subaru Europe, said: "The fit between Subaru and Orbea is remarkably natural. We share the same values of adventure, innovation and respect for nature. Most importantly, we both connect with people who see outdoor experiences not as a hobby, but as a way of life. As Subaru expands its range of zero tailpipe emission vehicles in Europe, we are delighted to partner with a brand that shares our commitment to preserving the environments that inspire our customers' adventures."
The collaboration also reflects Subaru's ongoing transformation towards a future of sustainable mobility. As the company expands its range of zero tailpipe emission vehicles across Europe, it continues to support activities and communities that encourage responsible enjoyment of the natural world. Partnering with ORBEA represents a natural extension of that commitment, bringing together clean mobility solutions and human-powered adventure.
About Subaru Europe NV/SA
Subaru Europe NV/SA is a fully-owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation, the manufacturer of Subaru vehicles in Japan. Headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, Subaru Europe acts as a local hub for all Subaru importers in Europe. It supports the distribution network via a number of functions. These include product and service training, trading, brand marketing, product marketing, market research and public relations as well as the development, testing and distribution of Subaru genuine parts and accessories.
About Orbea S. Coop.
Orbea is a cooperative dedicated to developing and manufacturing high-performance bicycles. Headquartered in Mallabia, Basque Country, the organisation is deeply rooted in this passionate cycling territory. Fully owned by its workers, Orbea manages the entire product lifecycle under one roof—from research and testing to painting, assembly, and distribution. This independent structure enables the creation of unique, personalised bicycles while maintaining a steadfast commitment to community progress.
Lenzerheide forum topic started here - https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/hub/2026-lenzerheide-world-cup-downhill
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