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From what I've heard - they're running a little extra above and then down into the park trails for '25, but '26 they'll have a track off the Sunrise (I think?) lift which is getting replaced. They may potentially still build the track they have planned this year and shuttle riders up, just depends on budgets. Nothing really will be decided place until April/May when things start to dry out.

Stoked on the Solitude race! But, unless they use two lifts the total ascent of the current bike park lift (Moonbeam) is like 600ft. I've been scratching my head on how they're going to run this race, does anyone have details?! I raced there and my time was like 2:30s and I'm slow af.

Solitude! Been too long since there was a big DH race in Utah.

And she's picked up a Rivian sponsorship.

Kaos riding new Orbea? Dont look like e.

Peak #teamrumors flex is going back and searching through a couple dozen forum pages to quote your own (correct) predictions. Not bad.

Unless Fox brings back Dialed, it doesn't matter who is riding there stuff.

Lets be honest, the difference between tuned boxxer and 40 is negligible, both are absolutely capable of winning races so I doubt performance is the answer, more likely its the money. Also dont forget the current itteration of Commecal team with Pierron and PomPom started on SRAM

I explored their website, and I never realized the dozens of applications that belts are used for. I think another sponsor helping field DH teams can only be a good thing. Like others said, time will tell if belt drives are more competitive with these teams on board. Will be an interesting season!

You mean to tell me that we were this close to having a Loris-Jordi reunion, and now it’s gone?!?! That’s criminal!

I think the Gamux still takes the cake.

My guess would be that they're going to handle distribution themselves. I will say that the YT Mill experience is pretty amazing (if you've never been to one). I'm not sure how the financials work on them, since they're basically just a marketing effort without any real profitability, but they've done such an amazing job at the one in Bentonville. They're constantly hosting community activations, parties, dig days, jam sessions, screenings, etc... For example: this Friday they're screening the new In the Hills Gang film at all the Mills (or at least at Bentonville and San Clemente for sure). And...

People assume way too much about gearboxes and belts. Do not judge until your ride one. The reports you read about the drag or gripshift appear to be mostly from people who haven't ridden a gearbox bike and are just repeating what they heard. I have a gearbox bike with a belt drive, 155mm cranks. Full suspension with idler and tensioner. So lots of added "drag" beyond the gearbox itself. It's a big enduro bike that gets used for bike parks and shuttle laps too. I've beat it to hell and back for the last 3 years, broken frames, bent...

Yes, something else is happening. All of the following is a guess, but I think a pretty good one. Gates, a company already well known for Motorcycle belts and that according to google, has $830m in revenue but has only dabbled in cycling in the fringes for years is saying LFG. They likely want in on the E-bike market as mixed motors/drivetrains evolve and full power E-bikes ditch derailleurs because lets be honest, traditional drivetrains just don't hold up as well under an e-bike mashing, and they know DH is going to test the to the limits. This is going...

As others have said, maybe because they actually think its going to make the difference in winning races and competing? Free shifting, weight distribution, unsprung mass. If one of these teams wins, it doesn't just get them 100k, it buys the team/brand credibility. If gearbox bikes come out of this year with a 2 wins and a few podiums, your not interested? Crazy how much skepticism something new and progressive is getting.

Does anyone have insight on additional financial support for all these teams switching to belt drives? It doesn't seem like the low (and further decreasing) probability of winning a mere $100,000 would move the needle any meaningful amount. The most plausible reasons would be additional sponsorship funds from the belt associated brands or hoping to take advantage of the seemingly disproportionate publicity about the $100,000 prize. Additional sponsorship seems most likely, wondering if that's documented anywhere.

As I have said, no way do the financials add up: to produce a fleet of bikes for a team is more than 100k. Something else is going on. Plus, half these teams realize they will not win it.

Dang, beat me to it!