Interesting to think about, he made every finals this year, clearly excels on certain types of tracks. Average finish position this year at World Cups of...
Interesting to think about, he made every finals this year, clearly excels on certain types of tracks. Average finish position this year at World Cups of 15th. Maybe a little bit off winning, but many a rider has that "click" that sets winning consistently in motion etc..
The secret is @Sugarbrad slips a little non-ethanol Appalachian white corn liquor in his water bottle once we get stateside. 🙃
If Dane Jewett hadn't gotten the Canuck Curse on his race run crash, we might be chatting about him. Jacob Jewett busted a top 5 at...
If Dane Jewett hadn't gotten the Canuck Curse on his race run crash, we might be chatting about him. Jacob Jewett busted a top 5 at Whistler from a slower qualy & Dane qualified 3rd or 4th for a "What could have been?" run in drier conditions on his best course.
Want to say both dealt with the injury bug this season?
Jakob had total shoulder reconstruction in Spain last December. Same doctor that repaired Angel's and several high profile athletes. We weren't even sure if he could race so to skip a few rounds then build, qualify, and crack a top 5 is insane. Dane stayed healthy all year. His P1 Q2 in Whistler didn't surprise me at all. He was 1 tenth of a second from getting through at LP in Q2 as were a lot of guys. Gutted for Rémi, dislocated elbow in Whistler after qualifying in Q1.
Random question:I saw on the other site there was a leak of potential 2027 UCI dates, but no specific venues attached to them. Last year I...
Random question:
I saw on the other site there was a leak of potential 2027 UCI dates, but no specific venues attached to them. Last year I thought the UCI released the 2026 schedule right about now, if not a week ago… Does anyone know anything concrete? You can PM me if you don’t want to make it public.
I have to pick my vacations soon, and I want to know when Whistler is happening next year! 😉
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name...
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
I just need to know which weeks to secure at this point.
This info tracks as it’s the only weekend “outside Europe” that looks downhill specific.
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name...
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
I just need to know which weeks to secure at this point. This info tracks as it’s the only weekend “outside Europe” that looks downhill specific.
I just need to know which weeks to secure at this point.
This info tracks as it’s the only weekend “outside Europe” that looks downhill specific.
I highly doubt that Whistler will be the Oct 8-10 weekend as that is Canadian Thanksgiving and the resort will be busy as well its the traditional closing weekend of the bike park. Whistler wants to host it in the shoulder season to fill a lull in tourism after the summer.
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name...
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
I highly doubt that Whistler will be the Oct 8-10 weekend as that is Canadian Thanksgiving and the resort will be busy as well its the...
I highly doubt that Whistler will be the Oct 8-10 weekend as that is Canadian Thanksgiving and the resort will be busy as well its the traditional closing weekend of the bike park. Whistler wants to host it in the shoulder season to fill a lull in tourism after the summer.
Right. I used to be on the OC for another alpine resort World Cup, and hosting during high season was always a total non-starter.
Then again, the UCI has thrown more than just one handshake deal out the window in the past. 😄
Curious how racers will feel on a change to Whistler timing
I feel like this year was pretty epic for most. First race back after a big break, got to come as early as desired to Whis, and the whole park was open. Seemed to really bring some stoke to everyone.
That said, I understand why some would want it be be the finale. Will be interesting to find out
If the UCI and HBO Max are really worried about the plastics being used for course tape, they could use hemp plastic to make the course tape. I have not seen that suggestion. I supposed to be biodegradable.
Curious how racers will feel on a change to Whistler timingI feel like this year was pretty epic for most. First race back after a big...
Curious how racers will feel on a change to Whistler timing
I feel like this year was pretty epic for most. First race back after a big break, got to come as early as desired to Whis, and the whole park was open. Seemed to really bring some stoke to everyone.
That said, I understand why some would want it be be the finale. Will be interesting to find out
I think it will be welcomed. Riders can stay after they just wouldn’t get the full park but can also ride knowing that a crash will not mess up there race week. Teams can also do any testing they need to do. Overall it will be less travel for everyone. West coast riders and those doing hardline don’t have to fly back and forth across a continent and an easier flight for Aus/NZ riders to go home.
If any one cares, Collegiate MTB Nationals is happening right now in Grand Junction Co
As someone living just outside of GJ, I did not know this was going on this weekend. Either it is marketed less than in the past or I am less connected than I used to be to the local racing scene. Probably that latter...
[I guess it's too early for a 2027 Race Talk thread, so I'll go ahead and post this here since I found myself thinking about it.]One...
[I guess it's too early for a 2027 Race Talk thread, so I'll go ahead and post this here since I found myself thinking about it.]
One aspect that made this an exciting year in World Cup was seeing some Elite riders get their first wins: Hattie Harnden, Anna Newkirk, Lisa Bouladou, Luca Shaw, Asa Vermette, and Max Alran won. I wonder if any of the current Elite riders will get their first win in 2027. (Or maybe a first-year Elite - say, Jonty Williamson or one of the top women graduating from Juniors for example - will get a win the way Asa and Max did this year.)
Here, in no particular order, are some of the Elite men who have at least one full season under their belts but haven’t got a World Cup win yet (sorry, I haven't looked at the women yet):
Ryan Pinkerton: 26 World Cup races, best finish: 3rd
Till Alran: 9 races, best finish: 5th
Henri Kiefer: 24 races, best finish: 2nd
Dylan Maples: 42 races, best finish: 4th
Richie Rude: 36 races, best finish: 4th
Ethan Craik: 37 races, best finish: 2nd
Lachie Stevens-McNab: 30 races, best finish: 2nd
Nathan Pontvianne: 24 races, best finish: 4th
Bodhi Kuhn: 23 races, best finish: 9th
Charlie Hatton: 71 races, best finish: 7th
Dakota Norton: 77 races, best finish: 2nd
Bernard Kerr: 119 races, best finish: 2nd
Here's my top five picks for first wins:
1. Aletha
2.Lachie
3. Ethan Craik
4. Jonty Williams
5. Richie
I'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that given just the right circumstances, he could. It's hard not to imagine Aletha and Lachie winning (at least) one next year. Ethan Craik is maybe more of a wildcard, but I love his riding. Jonty might not be as quick to get there as Max and Asa this year, but obviously, he knows how to win Juniors.
Here's my top five picks for first wins: 1. Aletha 2.Lachie3. Ethan Craik4. Jonty Williams5. RichieI'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that...
Here's my top five picks for first wins:
1. Aletha
2.Lachie
3. Ethan Craik
4. Jonty Williams
5. Richie
I'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that given just the right circumstances, he could. It's hard not to imagine Aletha and Lachie winning (at least) one next year. Ethan Craik is maybe more of a wildcard, but I love his riding. Jonty might not be as quick to get there as Max and Asa this year, but obviously, he knows how to win Juniors.
I agree with that list mostly, I have a feeling Till Alran will come out swinging next year. Watching your twin and Asa, one of your closest competitors, winning has to light a fire for the off-season and bring a lot of motivation.
Here's my top five picks for first wins: 1. Aletha 2.Lachie3. Ethan Craik4. Jonty Williams5. RichieI'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that...
Here's my top five picks for first wins:
1. Aletha
2.Lachie
3. Ethan Craik
4. Jonty Williams
5. Richie
I'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that given just the right circumstances, he could. It's hard not to imagine Aletha and Lachie winning (at least) one next year. Ethan Craik is maybe more of a wildcard, but I love his riding. Jonty might not be as quick to get there as Max and Asa this year, but obviously, he knows how to win Juniors.
Don't sleep on Rosa Zierl. It's not just Aletha who is going to drop a bomb on elites next year. Gonna be good racing!
Here's my top five picks for first wins: 1. Aletha 2.Lachie3. Ethan Craik4. Jonty Williams5. RichieI'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that...
Here's my top five picks for first wins:
1. Aletha
2.Lachie
3. Ethan Craik
4. Jonty Williams
5. Richie
I'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that given just the right circumstances, he could. It's hard not to imagine Aletha and Lachie winning (at least) one next year. Ethan Craik is maybe more of a wildcard, but I love his riding. Jonty might not be as quick to get there as Max and Asa this year, but obviously, he knows how to win Juniors.
Don't sleep on Rosa Zierl. It's not just Aletha who is going to drop a bomb on elites next year. Gonna be good racing!
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version
, along with Pontvianne and Kiefer.
It's really interesting how the Rookie / Junior Revolution is reshaping the sport. Sucks for older riders, and I'm guessing that it will result in much shorter careers, overall...but it's exciting, and interesting to see how each Rookie adapts to elite-level racing. To wit, Asa: I can't wait for him to adapt that 1st split (Whistler) time to future races. Once he's consistently competitive in the first splits, it's gonna be REALLY hectic the rest of the way down. As an American, I'm eager to watch him become one of the greats of the sport.
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version :), along with Pontvianne and Kiefer. It's really interesting...
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version
, along with Pontvianne and Kiefer.
It's really interesting how the Rookie / Junior Revolution is reshaping the sport. Sucks for older riders, and I'm guessing that it will result in much shorter careers, overall...but it's exciting, and interesting to see how each Rookie adapts to elite-level racing. To wit, Asa: I can't wait for him to adapt that 1st split (Whistler) time to future races. Once he's consistently competitive in the first splits, it's gonna be REALLY hectic the rest of the way down. As an American, I'm eager to watch him become one of the greats of the sport.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
I didn't forget. She won both the Overall and World Championship in 2025. She started 2026 great: A 2nd and a win in her first 2 races. She's outstanding.
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version :), along with Pontvianne and Kiefer. It's really interesting...
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version
, along with Pontvianne and Kiefer.
It's really interesting how the Rookie / Junior Revolution is reshaping the sport. Sucks for older riders, and I'm guessing that it will result in much shorter careers, overall...but it's exciting, and interesting to see how each Rookie adapts to elite-level racing. To wit, Asa: I can't wait for him to adapt that 1st split (Whistler) time to future races. Once he's consistently competitive in the first splits, it's gonna be REALLY hectic the rest of the way down. As an American, I'm eager to watch him become one of the greats of the sport.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
Rosa is going to be a top Elite racer, too. I just think that, given her injury this year, and being away from racing, she's not going to be the first one charging out of the gate. I think that Asa's style and plain talent got him that W at Korea. But Max and Till seemed to warm-up as the season progressed--test the water as they went. I see Rosa doing the same thing. Aletha, I think, will just jump right-in and go for it.
It's all speculation, of course. But isn't that what we do here?!
No matter how it works-out, it's going to be quite thrilling to watch.
As someone living just outside of GJ, I did not know this was going on this weekend. Either it is marketed less than in the past...
As someone living just outside of GJ, I did not know this was going on this weekend. Either it is marketed less than in the past or I am less connected than I used to be to the local racing scene. Probably that latter...
You should come watch, the DH racing starts at 10 am tomorrow, seeding first and then finals later. It would be a good time. Racing pinball alley at Powderhorn.
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name...
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
I would have said that I can’t see Korea not being on the schedule after only one year since WB wants at least 2 year contracts but Neko mentioned on Downtime that they would be using the Beyond Gravity to get some testing in before Loudenvielle. Took that to mean it was the season opener
The secret is @Sugarbrad slips a little non-ethanol Appalachian white corn liquor in his water bottle once we get stateside. 🙃
Jakob had total shoulder reconstruction in Spain last December. Same doctor that repaired Angel's and several high profile athletes. We weren't even sure if he could race so to skip a few rounds then build, qualify, and crack a top 5 is insane. Dane stayed healthy all year. His P1 Q2 in Whistler didn't surprise me at all. He was 1 tenth of a second from getting through at LP in Q2 as were a lot of guys. Gutted for Rémi, dislocated elbow in Whistler after qualifying in Q1.
i wouldn't book non-refundable vacations based on this, but it's been said that whistler is finals and the weekend (that did not have a venue name listed to confirm) on the calendar was oct 1-3. the rest of the calendar looked pretty "normal" with a blank box or two not having venue names. have heard no south korea (extra spicy rumor is that the SK venue hasn't paid racers their prize money yet among other $).
again, no confirmation to any of this, but sources seemed solid.
I just need to know which weeks to secure at this point.
This info tracks as it’s the only weekend “outside Europe” that looks downhill specific.
I highly doubt that Whistler will be the Oct 8-10 weekend as that is Canadian Thanksgiving and the resort will be busy as well its the traditional closing weekend of the bike park. Whistler wants to host it in the shoulder season to fill a lull in tourism after the summer.
Right. I used to be on the OC for another alpine resort World Cup, and hosting during high season was always a total non-starter.
Then again, the UCI has thrown more than just one handshake deal out the window in the past. 😄
Curious how racers will feel on a change to Whistler timing
I feel like this year was pretty epic for most. First race back after a big break, got to come as early as desired to Whis, and the whole park was open. Seemed to really bring some stoke to everyone.
That said, I understand why some would want it be be the finale. Will be interesting to find out
If the UCI and HBO Max are really worried about the plastics being used for course tape, they could use hemp plastic to make the course tape. I have not seen that suggestion. I supposed to be biodegradable.
I think it will be welcomed. Riders can stay after they just wouldn’t get the full park but can also ride knowing that a crash will not mess up there race week. Teams can also do any testing they need to do. Overall it will be less travel for everyone. West coast riders and those doing hardline don’t have to fly back and forth across a continent and an easier flight for Aus/NZ riders to go home.
If any one cares, Collegiate MTB Nationals is happening right now in Grand Junction Co
As someone living just outside of GJ, I did not know this was going on this weekend. Either it is marketed less than in the past or I am less connected than I used to be to the local racing scene. Probably that latter...
Here's my top five picks for first wins:
1. Aletha
2.Lachie
3. Ethan Craik
4. Jonty Williams
5. Richie
I'd probably like to see Richie win the most, and I think that given just the right circumstances, he could. It's hard not to imagine Aletha and Lachie winning (at least) one next year. Ethan Craik is maybe more of a wildcard, but I love his riding. Jonty might not be as quick to get there as Max and Asa this year, but obviously, he knows how to win Juniors.
I agree with that list mostly, I have a feeling Till Alran will come out swinging next year. Watching your twin and Asa, one of your closest competitors, winning has to light a fire for the off-season and bring a lot of motivation.
Don't sleep on Rosa Zierl. It's not just Aletha who is going to drop a bomb on elites next year. Gonna be good racing!
Rosa and Til were factored into my highly scientific analysis. They'd be in the Top 10 version
, along with Pontvianne and Kiefer.
It's really interesting how the Rookie / Junior Revolution is reshaping the sport. Sucks for older riders, and I'm guessing that it will result in much shorter careers, overall...but it's exciting, and interesting to see how each Rookie adapts to elite-level racing. To wit, Asa: I can't wait for him to adapt that 1st split (Whistler) time to future races. Once he's consistently competitive in the first splits, it's gonna be REALLY hectic the rest of the way down. As an American, I'm eager to watch him become one of the greats of the sport.
Don't wanna be a d*ck. But I feel Rosa Zierl's injury this year has led a lot of us to forget just how fast she is.
I didn't forget. She won both the Overall and World Championship in 2025. She started 2026 great: A 2nd and a win in her first 2 races. She's outstanding.
Rosa is going to be a top Elite racer, too. I just think that, given her injury this year, and being away from racing, she's not going to be the first one charging out of the gate. I think that Asa's style and plain talent got him that W at Korea. But Max and Till seemed to warm-up as the season progressed--test the water as they went. I see Rosa doing the same thing. Aletha, I think, will just jump right-in and go for it.
It's all speculation, of course. But isn't that what we do here?!
No matter how it works-out, it's going to be quite thrilling to watch.
You should come watch, the DH racing starts at 10 am tomorrow, seeding first and then finals later. It would be a good time. Racing pinball alley at Powderhorn.
I would have said that I can’t see Korea not being on the schedule after only one year since WB wants at least 2 year contracts but Neko mentioned on Downtime that they would be using the Beyond Gravity to get some testing in before Loudenvielle. Took that to mean it was the season opener
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