Bouladou to Scott, Nukeproof, Mondraker or Norco or Yeti ?
If Lisa is actually looking to move to a new team I'd love to see her with Norco. They'd have a group of women to rival Commençal Schwalbe's team in terms of depth, with the added benefit that all 3 women would be Elites.
I hope not, besides being absolutely atrocious looking, that Scott DH bike looks like it is awful. Benoit, Dak and Jess seem to have fallen off...
I hope not, besides being absolutely atrocious looking, that Scott DH bike looks like it is awful. Benoit, Dak and Jess seem to have fallen off a bit since joining that team.
Possibly, Benny seemed to have a little resurgence and Ethan has had moments of brilliance. Im hoping Benny just needs a little confidence back, Ethan doesnt hit the deck and Dak just needs more thsn one yr on a bike for it to feel intuitive. It js a french run team and Bouladou should have some confidence going forward and that could only help Jess get her flow back. Theyre both super talented and it'd probably be helpful to work together. Or maybe the bike is shit. They win a few and all of a sudden it's a looker
I hope not, besides being absolutely atrocious looking, that Scott DH bike looks like it is awful. Benoit, Dak and Jess seem to have fallen off...
I hope not, besides being absolutely atrocious looking, that Scott DH bike looks like it is awful. Benoit, Dak and Jess seem to have fallen off a bit since joining that team.
Possibly, Benny seemed to have a little resurgence and Ethan has had moments of brilliance. Im hoping Benny just needs a little confidence back, Ethan doesnt...
Possibly, Benny seemed to have a little resurgence and Ethan has had moments of brilliance. Im hoping Benny just needs a little confidence back, Ethan doesnt hit the deck and Dak just needs more thsn one yr on a bike for it to feel intuitive. It js a french run team and Bouladou should have some confidence going forward and that could only help Jess get her flow back. Theyre both super talented and it'd probably be helpful to work together. Or maybe the bike is shit. They win a few and all of a sudden it's a looker
Bike should not be the problem to be honest.
There were fantastic runs done on it, esp. From Craig and Benny too.
The reasons for Jess and Dak not beeing on top ain' t a bike problem...
Possibly Bouladou takes the place from Blewitt.
Can't imagine Bouladou moving to Norco, although it would be very cool!
But she's a frenchie and needs the family vibe i would guess. Therefor: commencal Mucoff or staying with goodman.
If Lisa is actually looking to move to a new team I'd love to see her with Norco. They'd have a group of women to rival...
If Lisa is actually looking to move to a new team I'd love to see her with Norco. They'd have a group of women to rival Commençal Schwalbe's team in terms of depth, with the added benefit that all 3 women would be Elites.
Four if Erice makes her way back to the races.
She's such a killer rider. I hope she can get back to full health and drop the baggage of those crashes. I still have little alarm bell moments from some inconsequential-in-the-long-run crashes I've had. I can't imagine what it's like to prep to drop in only to look up at a 15 feet-high lip after the shit she's gone through.
Bike should not be the problem to be honest.There were fantastic runs done on it, esp. From Craig and Benny too.The reasons for Jess and Dak...
Bike should not be the problem to be honest.
There were fantastic runs done on it, esp. From Craig and Benny too.
The reasons for Jess and Dak not beeing on top ain' t a bike problem...
Possibly Bouladou takes the place from Blewitt.
Can't imagine Bouladou moving to Norco, although it would be very cool!
But she's a frenchie and needs the family vibe i would guess. Therefor: commencal Mucoff or staying with goodman.
Commencal muc-off makes a lot of sense for Bouladou as she is such good friends with Myriam. But do Commencal actually need another women? Maybe they want to keep a women on Muc-Off after Myriam retired as speculated in this thread
Four if Erice makes her way back to the races.She's such a killer rider. I hope she can get back to full health and drop the...
Four if Erice makes her way back to the races.
She's such a killer rider. I hope she can get back to full health and drop the baggage of those crashes. I still have little alarm bell moments from some inconsequential-in-the-long-run crashes I've had. I can't imagine what it's like to prep to drop in only to look up at a 15 feet-high lip after the shit she's gone through.
I can't forgive myself for overlooking Erice. I have been a major fan of hers since the day she led the Kiwi Sweep at Ft. Bill in the 2023 World Championships.
Thank you for reminding me, as embarrassing as it is to have forgotten.
I do find the Aldridge to Thomas Maxon move a bit strange. He's a WC winner, and gone toe-to-toe with Pidcock, plus he has style for...
I do find the Aldridge to Thomas Maxon move a bit strange. He's a WC winner, and gone toe-to-toe with Pidcock, plus he has style for miles. So why hasn't he ended up at a worldwide brand, rather than one who only seems to sell in Switzerland? Either the money is great, or there were not many/any offers on the table?
Agree - I was expecting him to sign for one of the big teams, or even possibly a Road team. I didn't have Thoemas-Maxon on my bingo card. He brings Phil Dixon & Kenta Gallagher with him, so there is some continuity for all of them. I wonder if that was really the only viable team left - no space anywhere else.
And Maxon are meant to be worth mega money......so budget is probably decent.
If teams and companies' are dropping as many riders and as much as it looks like they're going to, is this finally the time where some outside the WC teams are built and we start seeing movement to more outside events and series?
Money talks and if the prize money of a new competition is good enough the riders will compete
And if the media exposure is big enough then it won't be hard to please the bike companies who are probably unsatisfied with the recent world cup format limiting their appearance time on screen
Much as I want it to happen I have my doubts that a successful series can be successfully organised outside the UCI by anyone apart from Red Bull. They have the experience and the commentary team for it
Money talks and if the prize money of a new competition is good enough the riders will competeAnd if the media exposure is big enough then...
Money talks and if the prize money of a new competition is good enough the riders will compete
And if the media exposure is big enough then it won't be hard to please the bike companies who are probably unsatisfied with the recent world cup format limiting their appearance time on screen
Much as I want it to happen I have my doubts that a successful series can be successfully organised outside the UCI by anyone apart from Red Bull. They have the experience and the commentary team for it
The NORBA series was successful for a long time. And Crankworx to a point but only to a point.
One misconception that comes up often here is that Red Bull have experience running races. Hardline races are run by Red Bull in that country. Not by a central organizing group within Red Bull. Red Bull media house, who previously broadcast the World Cups is separate but related to Red Bull the drinks company.
Red Bull Media House did not organize the World Cup series when they broadcast it. That was the UCI. Currently the UCI do not organize the World Cup Series. Warner Bros do. Or whatever horrific name they have now chosen for the company after the paramount takeover. Sundance sports or something?
So, ya the current turn down in team numbers and riders getting dropped is concerning. Whether it's as a direct result of how the world cup series is being run I'm not convinced. So many factors at play across the bike industry and globally since the brief post COVID boom.
It's a serious shame WBD couldn't do a better job keeping these new venues they brought in in recent years. But we can only assume profits are more important than building long term relationships
If teams and companies' are dropping as many riders and as much as it looks like they're going to, is this finally the time where some...
If teams and companies' are dropping as many riders and as much as it looks like they're going to, is this finally the time where some outside the WC teams are built and we start seeing movement to more outside events and series?
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder...
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder...
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?
"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029. All events will take place at Purgatory Resort and will feature Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track, and Ebike disciplines."
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder...
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will...
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?
"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029. All events will take place at Purgatory Resort and will feature Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track, and Ebike disciplines."
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will...
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?
"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029. All events will take place at Purgatory Resort and will feature Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track, and Ebike disciplines."
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller on their payroll living in Durango, RB has mentioned expanding the series, and they haven’t had a US Hardline yet. Plus they have an existing resort to build around. Regardless of what it is, I’m going and I’m taking my bike. Durango is an amazing spot to visit.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
I agree with your statement: it's mountain bikers who watch mountain biking. I teach in North Vancouver, and I can confirm kids who don't ride, don't care. I will sometimes play an objectively sick bike video (Semenuk, Jackson, Asa, Fairclough, Sleeper edits, etc.) in my class. The sad part? I'm usually the only one who's into it - even on the North Shore, MTB is not mainstream - we are niche and will be niche.
With that said, I'm pretty excited about Beyond Gravity and hope that it's a success, showing brands that there is value in supporting riders.
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller...
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller on their payroll living in Durango, RB has mentioned expanding the series, and they haven’t had a US Hardline yet. Plus they have an existing resort to build around. Regardless of what it is, I’m going and I’m taking my bike. Durango is an amazing spot to visit.
The purpose of the event will be to test the course, similar to 1199 in Whistler. They're not going to be hosting Hardline to prepare for World Champs.
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder...
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
Your second paragraph falls in line, in my opinion, with the direction Cannondale racing has gone (not including the HQ lay offs), and looking more to influencer, lower key customer engagement. I think there are other brands gone along this route as well and may well in the future as well. Especially as racing becomes more expensive.
These are interesting times. As long as things done become too fragmented and to, niche, within a niche, within a niche.
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller...
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller on their payroll living in Durango, RB has mentioned expanding the series, and they haven’t had a US Hardline yet. Plus they have an existing resort to build around. Regardless of what it is, I’m going and I’m taking my bike. Durango is an amazing spot to visit.
The purpose of the event will be to test the course, similar to 1199 in Whistler. They're not going to be hosting Hardline to prepare for...
The purpose of the event will be to test the course, similar to 1199 in Whistler. They're not going to be hosting Hardline to prepare for World Champs.
I think that’s what the 2029 World Cup race is for. Maybe a Crankworx then? That could be classified as a “major international” race. I forget about Crankworx all the time…
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will...
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?
"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029. All events will take place at Purgatory Resort and will feature Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track, and Ebike disciplines."
It will be either Continental Champs or Master's World Champs. That's the usual way a new world champs venue prepares for the event. They do a big UCI event like continental or Master's and then a WC followed by World Champs.
The 2028 and 2029 UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships have been awarded to Aprica, Italy, featuring both Downhill (DHI) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) disciplines.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a...
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
I agree with your statement: it's mountain bikers who watch mountain biking. I teach in North Vancouver, and I can confirm kids who don't ride, don't...
I agree with your statement: it's mountain bikers who watch mountain biking. I teach in North Vancouver, and I can confirm kids who don't ride, don't care. I will sometimes play an objectively sick bike video (Semenuk, Jackson, Asa, Fairclough, Sleeper edits, etc.) in my class. The sad part? I'm usually the only one who's into it - even on the North Shore, MTB is not mainstream - we are niche and will be niche.
With that said, I'm pretty excited about Beyond Gravity and hope that it's a success, showing brands that there is value in supporting riders.
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t speak for all. It’s not uncommon for kids in Squamish who aren’t into MTB to shun it a bit as they grow up, because it gets so much attention.
Does anyone not interested in F1 or MotoGP sit down to watch it? Or even leave a screen on, playing it in the background? I don’t think what we’re seeing is specific to our beloved sport.
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t...
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t speak for all. It’s not uncommon for kids in Squamish who aren’t into MTB to shun it a bit as they grow up, because it gets so much attention.
Does anyone not interested in F1 or MotoGP sit down to watch it? Or even leave a screen on, playing it in the background? I don’t think what we’re seeing is specific to our beloved sport.
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends who teach in Squamish, outside of CMA, the general population of kids who ride is not as large as you'd expect. All I'm saying is: even where MTB is popular, viewership is very "core" and that won't change.
Maybe we need a "Ride to Survive" Netflix series to open it up to outside investment. I know I'd watch.
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t...
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t speak for all. It’s not uncommon for kids in Squamish who aren’t into MTB to shun it a bit as they grow up, because it gets so much attention.
Does anyone not interested in F1 or MotoGP sit down to watch it? Or even leave a screen on, playing it in the background? I don’t think what we’re seeing is specific to our beloved sport.
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends...
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends who teach in Squamish, outside of CMA, the general population of kids who ride is not as large as you'd expect. All I'm saying is: even where MTB is popular, viewership is very "core" and that won't change.
Maybe we need a "Ride to Survive" Netflix series to open it up to outside investment. I know I'd watch.
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends...
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends who teach in Squamish, outside of CMA, the general population of kids who ride is not as large as you'd expect. All I'm saying is: even where MTB is popular, viewership is very "core" and that won't change.
Maybe we need a "Ride to Survive" Netflix series to open it up to outside investment. I know I'd watch.
Wasn't Warner planning on filming the BTS of races etc to recreate something like Drive to Survive for it? Always got the impression that was their plan with buying the rights for DH, to give it the same boost F1 got when Liberty Media bought them out. So far tho it's been pretty disappointing
If Lisa is actually looking to move to a new team I'd love to see her with Norco. They'd have a group of women to rival Commençal Schwalbe's team in terms of depth, with the added benefit that all 3 women would be Elites.
Possibly, Benny seemed to have a little resurgence and Ethan has had moments of brilliance. Im hoping Benny just needs a little confidence back, Ethan doesnt hit the deck and Dak just needs more thsn one yr on a bike for it to feel intuitive. It js a french run team and Bouladou should have some confidence going forward and that could only help Jess get her flow back. Theyre both super talented and it'd probably be helpful to work together. Or maybe the bike is shit. They win a few and all of a sudden it's a looker
Bike should not be the problem to be honest.
There were fantastic runs done on it, esp. From Craig and Benny too.
The reasons for Jess and Dak not beeing on top ain' t a bike problem...
Possibly Bouladou takes the place from Blewitt.
Can't imagine Bouladou moving to Norco, although it would be very cool!
But she's a frenchie and needs the family vibe i would guess. Therefor: commencal Mucoff or staying with goodman.
Four if Erice makes her way back to the races.
She's such a killer rider. I hope she can get back to full health and drop the baggage of those crashes. I still have little alarm bell moments from some inconsequential-in-the-long-run crashes I've had. I can't imagine what it's like to prep to drop in only to look up at a 15 feet-high lip after the shit she's gone through.
Commencal muc-off makes a lot of sense for Bouladou as she is such good friends with Myriam. But do Commencal actually need another women? Maybe they want to keep a women on Muc-Off after Myriam retired as speculated in this thread
Rosa has signed a long term with Cube.
I can't forgive myself for overlooking Erice. I have been a major fan of hers since the day she led the Kiwi Sweep at Ft. Bill in the 2023 World Championships.
Thank you for reminding me, as embarrassing as it is to have forgotten.
Agree - I was expecting him to sign for one of the big teams, or even possibly a Road team. I didn't have Thoemas-Maxon on my bingo card. He brings Phil Dixon & Kenta Gallagher with him, so there is some continuity for all of them. I wonder if that was really the only viable team left - no space anywhere else.
And Maxon are meant to be worth mega money......so budget is probably decent.
XCC World champion Laura Stigger dropped by Specialized.........😱
If teams and companies' are dropping as many riders and as much as it looks like they're going to, is this finally the time where some outside the WC teams are built and we start seeing movement to more outside events and series?
Money talks and if the prize money of a new competition is good enough the riders will compete
And if the media exposure is big enough then it won't be hard to please the bike companies who are probably unsatisfied with the recent world cup format limiting their appearance time on screen
Much as I want it to happen I have my doubts that a successful series can be successfully organised outside the UCI by anyone apart from Red Bull. They have the experience and the commentary team for it
The NORBA series was successful for a long time. And Crankworx to a point but only to a point.
One misconception that comes up often here is that Red Bull have experience running races. Hardline races are run by Red Bull in that country. Not by a central organizing group within Red Bull. Red Bull media house, who previously broadcast the World Cups is separate but related to Red Bull the drinks company.
Red Bull Media House did not organize the World Cup series when they broadcast it. That was the UCI. Currently the UCI do not organize the World Cup Series. Warner Bros do. Or whatever horrific name they have now chosen for the company after the paramount takeover. Sundance sports or something?
So, ya the current turn down in team numbers and riders getting dropped is concerning. Whether it's as a direct result of how the world cup series is being run I'm not convinced. So many factors at play across the bike industry and globally since the brief post COVID boom.
It's a serious shame WBD couldn't do a better job keeping these new venues they brought in in recent years. But we can only assume profits are more important than building long term relationships
laura stigger off specialized after 8 years!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DfUch62jWEZ/?exln=OXlha2p6Y2FvaWN3
according to a vlog from her it wasn’t her decision and she’s disappointed.
https://www.maydenabikepark.com/beyond-gravity/
The issue for the sport is outside of World Cups the exposure isn't good enough - add in a ridiculously long off-season is it any wonder sponsors aren't interested. Better value in a 2nd/ 3rd division Road team who can get more exposure in a few months.
The move to a paywall hasn't worked - and was never likely to. And increased media coverage from outside the MTB media just hasn't happened.
And as ever, any downturn in the bike industry has knock on effects for MTB racing, as budgets are cut, teams get pulled - whereas over in the road racing world salaries are ever higher, team budgets rise - as the sport is financed by outside sponsors, and not bike factory teams.
I think the reality is that watching mountain bike racing is only ever primarily going to appeal to mountain bikers . Its a niche within a niche and I dont think that will change . Once you have a corporation like warner bros involved it becomes about growth and i just cant see a time where people who dont ride bikes are specifically tuning in to watch world cup racing , at least in any great numbers .
That's why I think something like the beyond race in Tasmania could be a blueprint for the future, give the actual fans of the sport what they want and hopefully they'll pay to watch in enough numbers that sponsors want to get involved at a high enough level that a series could be developed then Santa Cruz say to Jackson we see more benefit in you riding the beyond series than the world cup as the people watching that series are the people who buy bikes .
Is the "major international mountain bike race in 2028" this press release snippet referring to a Beyond series event?
"In the lead-up to 2030, Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029. All events will take place at Purgatory Resort and will feature Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track, and Ebike disciplines."
USOpen?
I would assume “major international” means a Hardline or Beyond Gravity event. Hardline doesn’t seem too far out of reach if RedBull has the fastest downhiller on their payroll living in Durango, RB has mentioned expanding the series, and they haven’t had a US Hardline yet. Plus they have an existing resort to build around. Regardless of what it is, I’m going and I’m taking my bike. Durango is an amazing spot to visit.
I agree with your statement: it's mountain bikers who watch mountain biking. I teach in North Vancouver, and I can confirm kids who don't ride, don't care. I will sometimes play an objectively sick bike video (Semenuk, Jackson, Asa, Fairclough, Sleeper edits, etc.) in my class. The sad part? I'm usually the only one who's into it - even on the North Shore, MTB is not mainstream - we are niche and will be niche.
With that said, I'm pretty excited about Beyond Gravity and hope that it's a success, showing brands that there is value in supporting riders.
The purpose of the event will be to test the course, similar to 1199 in Whistler. They're not going to be hosting Hardline to prepare for World Champs.
Your second paragraph falls in line, in my opinion, with the direction Cannondale racing has gone (not including the HQ lay offs), and looking more to influencer, lower key customer engagement. I think there are other brands gone along this route as well and may well in the future as well. Especially as racing becomes more expensive.
These are interesting times. As long as things done become too fragmented and to, niche, within a niche, within a niche.
I think that’s what the 2029 World Cup race is for. Maybe a Crankworx then? That could be classified as a “major international” race. I forget about Crankworx all the time…
It will be either Continental Champs or Master's World Champs. That's the usual way a new world champs venue prepares for the event. They do a big UCI event like continental or Master's and then a WC followed by World Champs.
Beyond looking for 2 extra venues for the off season in 2028 . The response for the first event must have been pretty positive. Good for them 👏
The 2028 and 2029 UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships have been awarded to Aprica, Italy, featuring both Downhill (DHI) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) disciplines.
Quick goggle search, and did not fact check.
And in Squamish, kids come to school dressed as JG6 for Halloween. You’re right, it’s a niche sport, but one classroom, or even a school, doesn’t speak for all. It’s not uncommon for kids in Squamish who aren’t into MTB to shun it a bit as they grow up, because it gets so much attention.
Does anyone not interested in F1 or MotoGP sit down to watch it? Or even leave a screen on, playing it in the background? I don’t think what we’re seeing is specific to our beloved sport.
For sure! I forgot to add that we do have kids who ride (I coach our school team), and they are nerds about it. Having friends who teach in Squamish, outside of CMA, the general population of kids who ride is not as large as you'd expect. All I'm saying is: even where MTB is popular, viewership is very "core" and that won't change.
Maybe we need a "Ride to Survive" Netflix series to open it up to outside investment. I know I'd watch.
I reckon we’d all be watching that!
Wasn't Warner planning on filming the BTS of races etc to recreate something like Drive to Survive for it? Always got the impression that was their plan with buying the rights for DH, to give it the same boost F1 got when Liberty Media bought them out. So far tho it's been pretty disappointing
Post a reply to: 2027 Team Rumors