I know it's not teams related, but has the Test Event in Lourdes been mentioned here? 21-23 April apparently. Not sure if it's going to be...
I know it's not teams related, but has the Test Event in Lourdes been mentioned here? 21-23 April apparently. Not sure if it's going to be broadcast, but it's been reported on FullAttack in France.
Yes, that's it. Lourdes VTT posted it on their Facebook page last month so I'm surprised no-one has picked up on it. I don't know if it will be broadcast but it's clearly meant to be a dress rehearsal. Let's hope for the riders that the someone has found a solution to the massive queues for the funicular.
I know it's not teams related, but has the Test Event in Lourdes been mentioned here? 21-23 April apparently. Not sure if it's going to be...
I know it's not teams related, but has the Test Event in Lourdes been mentioned here? 21-23 April apparently. Not sure if it's going to be broadcast, but it's been reported on FullAttack in France.
Is it the same test event that was originally scheduled for February in that leaked document that was put up and then swiftly removed from Vital some months ago? I wonder how long it took them to realise that a test event in Europe in February might be problematic?
Apologies for derailing the thread, maybe we should take this discussion here;
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters are doing a non-live, dry run before the actual season starts. could be wrong. if that is the case, i'd imagine they prepare some kind of show from it. sure hope so. world cup heavies racing DH in lourdes? must watch.
thanks @Jones_Lp for the lenzerheide schedule too!
The content produced from the test event might also be meant to showcase and market disco's coverage. Like to try to convince us fans that their wc coverage will be worth paying for. We'll see.
Edit: I'd forgotten that U23s will race xc short track this season, which is cool.
if this was posted already, sorry, but just got email - GT Factory on Continental tires. here's the PR
GT / Continental Factory Racing latest DH and Enduro team to switch to Conti rubber
GT / Continental Factory Racing joins RockShox Trek Race Team, Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing, as the premium tire brand increases its investment in mountain bike racing
15 March 2023 - Korbach, Germany: GT / Continental Factory Racing has selected Continental as co-title and official tire partner for 2023.
Continental’s Gravity range of tires was officially launched in April 2022, following three year’s development by Continental’s category-leading R&D team and testing by athletes across the Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing teams. A wide-ranging portfolio engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of every rider, the Gravity range was designed to instill maximum confidence on every type of trail.
This close relationship between athlete and engineering was proven with Continental-supported teams enjoying an exceptional 2022 season, with a mud-soaked UCI Downhill World Cup in Snowshoe leading to podium finishes for four Continental riders across Elite men and Junior women.
Both Continental and GT have long histories of supporting both emerging talent and established racers, combining inspiring and entertaining personalities with strong results and expertise on the trails. The 2023 GT/Continental Factory Racing roster is no exception. With a DH team comprising Jess Blewitt (NZL), Ethan Craik (GBR) and Ryan Pinkerton (USA), all under the age of 21, this youthful crew is ready to capitalize on their momentum from the 2022 season. The Enduro squad is led by Noga Korem (ISR) and Katy Winton (SCO), both of whom are feeling strong going into the new season.
Cam Cole will continue to manage GT/Continental Factory Racing operations with Mark Maurissen, Matteo Nati, and Rich Simpson, with new addition Matt "Snowy" Clark joining as mechanic.
No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year.
Kelsey Rollet, Marketing Manager Bicycle Tires, Continental, said: “We’re delighted that GT has chosen to roll with Continental for 2023. The team has an electric combination of exciting young talent and more experienced voices, so we can’t wait to see them pushing their limits on the Gravity range and our prototype tires.”
Steve Spencer, GT Global Sports Marketing, said: "We always strive to find the best products possible for the team to perform at the highest level and instill confidence and Continental has checked off all of the boxes. To see and hear the athletes immediate reactions to the product is exciting. On top of stellar product the Conti' crew has been great to work with. All great ingredients to a solid partnership!"
John Barreira, GT Mountain Product Manager, said: “The right tires can make or break any ride. Continental has always been at the forefront of tire technologies and now partnering with our Factory Racing program has us excited for a multitude of reasons. In conjunction with our racers, the in-house development team has had the chance to test some of the new Conti products and we’re excited to deliver these rad tires on key complete offerings for 2023 and beyond.”
Wyn Masters said: “I’m stoked to be rolling on Continental Tires going forward, after spending some time on the tires recently I definitely have no doubts about their performance and I can’t wait to get racing on them!”
Katy Winton said: "Really impressed with the Continental tyres, we have a lot of options to ensure we have the best tyre for every condition. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at the races!"
Ethan Craik said: "I have put the Continental tyres through a mixed range of weather, surface conditions and it's safe to say I have full faith in my bike sticking to the ground as hard as I push it whilst rolling at a much faster speed than other tyre brands. I'm excited to push myself to add more podiums to Continental's resume as we partner together from 2023. It's great to be with such a forward-thinking company trying to push the boundaries of our sport and bike performance.”
Jess Blewitt said: “Absolutely love them, the best tires I’ve ever used. They hook up nicely and it makes no compromise at all to the rolling speed. They also have thicker casings which offer better puncture resistance on rocks. Stoked to be running Conti!”
Noga Korem said: “For me, confidence is key, and these tires definitely give me so much of it! Looking forward to getting the Conti’s on the racetracks!”
"No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year."
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters...
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters are doing a non-live, dry run before the actual season starts. could be wrong. if that is the case, i'd imagine they prepare some kind of show from it. sure hope so. world cup heavies racing DH in lourdes? must watch.
thanks @Jones_Lp for the lenzerheide schedule too!
Test event clashes with Sea Otter. so not all team will be in attendance
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters...
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters are doing a non-live, dry run before the actual season starts. could be wrong. if that is the case, i'd imagine they prepare some kind of show from it. sure hope so. world cup heavies racing DH in lourdes? must watch.
thanks @Jones_Lp for the lenzerheide schedule too!
Also in this interview with Vital the way he talks alludes to more than just being sponsored by them. He certainly played a role in developing the Forestal ebike.
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
https://powersport.motul.com/stories/read/2048--2505/
Also in this interview with Vital the way he...
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
Also in this interview with Vital the way he talks alludes to more than just being sponsored by them. He certainly played a role in developing the Forestal ebike.
As a Forestal (bike)owner I was also under that impression until Forestal postet a "CG parted way" 1,5 years ago. I asked the owner back than and he said that CG was just a brand ambassador.
That said, i listend to an interview on GMBN or EMBN between him and Steve Jones where CG literally said "I'm a partner..."
Whatever that meant, I'm not a CG fanboy since then anymore. On the other hand I like the bike very much, so as he helped develop the bike I have to acknowledge he did a good a job.
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
https://powersport.motul.com/stories/read/2048--2505/
Also in this interview with Vital the way he...
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
Also in this interview with Vital the way he talks alludes to more than just being sponsored by them. He certainly played a role in developing the Forestal ebike.
As a Forestal (bike)owner I was also under that impression until Forestal postet a "CG parted way" 1,5 years ago. I asked the owner back than...
As a Forestal (bike)owner I was also under that impression until Forestal postet a "CG parted way" 1,5 years ago. I asked the owner back than and he said that CG was just a brand ambassador.
That said, i listend to an interview on GMBN or EMBN between him and Steve Jones where CG literally said "I'm a partner..."
Whatever that meant, I'm not a CG fanboy since then anymore. On the other hand I like the bike very much, so as he helped develop the bike I have to acknowledge he did a good a job.
Not surprising to learn this I guess. He’s the og mtb hype-boi after all.
What's going on with Sam then? Looks like he's over in Maydena and riding with Troy - although no mention of him in any of Nukeproof's socials since they've been over in Taz and done their team shoots etc, and there's no mention of nuke in any of his stuff since he's made his way over there - bit odd? Hopefully he's racing
What's going on with Sam then? Looks like he's over in Maydena and riding with Troy - although no mention of him in any of Nukeproof's...
What's going on with Sam then? Looks like he's over in Maydena and riding with Troy - although no mention of him in any of Nukeproof's socials since they've been over in Taz and done their team shoots etc, and there's no mention of nuke in any of his stuff since he's made his way over there - bit odd? Hopefully he's racing
curious what’s going on at canyon with Jesse, Dimi, and the spectral.
imagine Ford built the GT40 for Le Mans, and Ken decided to race...
curious what’s going on at canyon with Jesse, Dimi, and the spectral.
imagine Ford built the GT40 for Le Mans, and Ken decided to race the mustang. Not a bad car, but, wasn’t built to race Le Mans…
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but...
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but...
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took...
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
Pretty sure in a podcast a few weeks back he said he was planning on riding the Spectral for the first 2 rounds and using the long break after to spend more time on the Strive.
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but...
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took...
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but...
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took...
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
https://youtu.be/uT9_HLBleZQ
he‘s on a size S spectral according to the upper video, so there isn‘t a strive at the moment that fits him (S strive is...
he‘s on a size S spectral according to the upper video, so there isn‘t a strive at the moment that fits him (S strive is more like a M).
Begs the question what was discussed during contract negotiations. He had to have rode a strive at some point right? He would have had plenty of time to get comfy testing a strive. Why spend all that time testing and dialing in only the spectral for 1 or 2 rounds?
So. New strive in the works? Rode the smallest one he could and it was too big? Maybe they were close to a finished product of a new one, he rode it, it wasn’t going to be ready so he focused on the spectral to be in the championship hunt at the beginning of the series. Use the break to dial in the new strive.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took...
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
https://youtu.be/uT9_HLBleZQ
he‘s on a size S spectral according to the upper video, so there isn‘t a strive at the moment that fits him (S strive is...
Begs the question what was discussed during contract negotiations. He had to have rode a strive at some point right? He would have had plenty of...
Begs the question what was discussed during contract negotiations. He had to have rode a strive at some point right? He would have had plenty of time to get comfy testing a strive. Why spend all that time testing and dialing in only the spectral for 1 or 2 rounds?
So. New strive in the works? Rode the smallest one he could and it was too big? Maybe they were close to a finished product of a new one, he rode it, it wasn’t going to be ready so he focused on the spectral to be in the championship hunt at the beginning of the series. Use the break to dial in the new strive.
Honestly, just check out his post in the Tech Rumors thread. he straight up talks about it. plus his downtime podcast:
do you mean test weekend like motoGP, F1...?
Yes, that's it. Lourdes VTT posted it on their Facebook page last month so I'm surprised no-one has picked up on it. I don't know if it will be broadcast but it's clearly meant to be a dress rehearsal. Let's hope for the riders that the someone has found a solution to the massive queues for the funicular.
Is it the same test event that was originally scheduled for February in that leaked document that was put up and then swiftly removed from Vital some months ago? I wonder how long it took them to realise that a test event in Europe in February might be problematic?
Apologies for derailing the thread, maybe we should take this discussion here;
https://www.vitalmtb.com/forums/The-Hub,2/UCI-grant-Discovery-WC-rights…
Lenzerheide dropped their schedule for the world cup!
semi final & final on the same day
https://www.bikekingdomgames.ch/de/Rennprogramm#timetable
interesting about lourdes. originally had heard DH test event was going to be in portugal somewhere. my understanding about the event is that the new broadcasters are doing a non-live, dry run before the actual season starts. could be wrong. if that is the case, i'd imagine they prepare some kind of show from it. sure hope so. world cup heavies racing DH in lourdes? must watch.
thanks @Jones_Lp for the lenzerheide schedule too!
The content produced from the test event might also be meant to showcase and market disco's coverage. Like to try to convince us fans that their wc coverage will be worth paying for. We'll see.
Edit: I'd forgotten that U23s will race xc short track this season, which is cool.
if this was posted already, sorry, but just got email - GT Factory on Continental tires. here's the PR
GT / Continental Factory Racing latest DH and Enduro team to switch to Conti rubber
GT / Continental Factory Racing joins RockShox Trek Race Team, Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing, as the premium tire brand increases its investment in mountain bike racing
15 March 2023 - Korbach, Germany: GT / Continental Factory Racing has selected Continental as co-title and official tire partner for 2023.
Continental’s Gravity range of tires was officially launched in April 2022, following three year’s development by Continental’s category-leading R&D team and testing by athletes across the Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing teams. A wide-ranging portfolio engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of every rider, the Gravity range was designed to instill maximum confidence on every type of trail.
This close relationship between athlete and engineering was proven with Continental-supported teams enjoying an exceptional 2022 season, with a mud-soaked UCI Downhill World Cup in Snowshoe leading to podium finishes for four Continental riders across Elite men and Junior women.
Both Continental and GT have long histories of supporting both emerging talent and established racers, combining inspiring and entertaining personalities with strong results and expertise on the trails. The 2023 GT/Continental Factory Racing roster is no exception. With a DH team comprising Jess Blewitt (NZL), Ethan Craik (GBR) and Ryan Pinkerton (USA), all under the age of 21, this youthful crew is ready to capitalize on their momentum from the 2022 season. The Enduro squad is led by Noga Korem (ISR) and Katy Winton (SCO), both of whom are feeling strong going into the new season.
Cam Cole will continue to manage GT/Continental Factory Racing operations with Mark Maurissen, Matteo Nati, and Rich Simpson, with new addition Matt "Snowy" Clark joining as mechanic.
No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year.
Kelsey Rollet, Marketing Manager Bicycle Tires, Continental, said: “We’re delighted that GT has chosen to roll with Continental for 2023. The team has an electric combination of exciting young talent and more experienced voices, so we can’t wait to see them pushing their limits on the Gravity range and our prototype tires.”
Steve Spencer, GT Global Sports Marketing, said: "We always strive to find the best products possible for the team to perform at the highest level and instill confidence and Continental has checked off all of the boxes. To see and hear the athletes immediate reactions to the product is exciting. On top of stellar product the Conti' crew has been great to work with. All great ingredients to a solid partnership!"
John Barreira, GT Mountain Product Manager, said: “The right tires can make or break any ride. Continental has always been at the forefront of tire technologies and now partnering with our Factory Racing program has us excited for a multitude of reasons. In conjunction with our racers, the in-house development team has had the chance to test some of the new Conti products and we’re excited to deliver these rad tires on key complete offerings for 2023 and beyond.”
Wyn Masters said: “I’m stoked to be rolling on Continental Tires going forward, after spending some time on the tires recently I definitely have no doubts about their performance and I can’t wait to get racing on them!”
Katy Winton said: "Really impressed with the Continental tyres, we have a lot of options to ensure we have the best tyre for every condition. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at the races!"
Ethan Craik said: "I have put the Continental tyres through a mixed range of weather, surface conditions and it's safe to say I have full faith in my bike sticking to the ground as hard as I push it whilst rolling at a much faster speed than other tyre brands. I'm excited to push myself to add more podiums to Continental's resume as we partner together from 2023. It's great to be with such a forward-thinking company trying to push the boundaries of our sport and bike performance.”
Jess Blewitt said: “Absolutely love them, the best tires I’ve ever used. They hook up nicely and it makes no compromise at all to the rolling speed. They also have thicker casings which offer better puncture resistance on rocks. Stoked to be running Conti!”
Noga Korem said: “For me, confidence is key, and these tires definitely give me so much of it! Looking forward to getting the Conti’s on the racetracks!”
"No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters - both on the track and in the pits - so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year."
Yeeeeah boyeeeee!!! :D
Test event clashes with Sea Otter. so not all team will be in attendance
I don't think people will be too upset to miss Sea Otter..
I think a few big teams will have already committed to Sea Otter for sponsor reasons.
Cedric Gracia confirmed on Giant.
So random...
https://fullattack.cc/cedric-gracia-desormais-ambassadeur-giant-france/
Although nice to see Giant get back on track with good looking bikes and sponsoring more riders.
What does that mean for his e-bike brand?
It was not his brand as he was never the owner of Forestal ...
In this interview (posted a month ago) he describes himself as co founder of Forestal Bikes.
https://powersport.motul.com/stories/read/2048--2505/
Also in this interview with Vital the way he talks alludes to more than just being sponsored by them. He certainly played a role in developing the Forestal ebike.
https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Getting-Personal-C-dric-Gracia,3…
Pretty sure Dan Paley is on Giant, judging from his recent post.
As a Forestal (bike)owner I was also under that impression until Forestal postet a "CG parted way" 1,5 years ago. I asked the owner back than and he said that CG was just a brand ambassador.
That said, i listend to an interview on GMBN or EMBN between him and Steve Jones where CG literally said "I'm a partner..."
Whatever that meant, I'm not a CG fanboy since then anymore. On the other hand I like the bike very much, so as he helped develop the bike I have to acknowledge he did a good a job.
Not surprising to learn this I guess. He’s the og mtb hype-boi after all.
I have no info but sometimes business partnerships end whether amicably or not.
Like the Rob Roscop situation.
What's going on with Sam then? Looks like he's over in Maydena and riding with Troy - although no mention of him in any of Nukeproof's socials since they've been over in Taz and done their team shoots etc, and there's no mention of nuke in any of his stuff since he's made his way over there - bit odd? Hopefully he's racing
He’s registered for dh.
curious what’s going on at canyon with Jesse, Dimi, and the spectral.
imagine Ford built the GT40 for Le Mans, and Ken decided to race the mustang. Not a bad car, but, wasn’t built to race Le Mans…
Maydena is pretty gravity oriented but the other is pretty flat and pedally. Imagine they’ll be on the strive when the rounds return to euro but we will see.
That would be interesting given how particular Jesse is about bike set-up (Dimitri and Jose might too but don't have info on that). IIRC it took him ~3 years to get the Altitude dialed and I have to think that getting new everything (except tires) dialed would be a similar effort. Doing it twice sounds daunting... (Yes he's a pro and it's his job etc. etc.)
Pretty sure in a podcast a few weeks back he said he was planning on riding the Spectral for the first 2 rounds and using the long break after to spend more time on the Strive.
https://youtu.be/uT9_HLBleZQ
he‘s on a size S spectral according to the upper video, so there isn‘t a strive at the moment that fits him (S strive is more like a M).
Begs the question what was discussed during contract negotiations. He had to have rode a strive at some point right? He would have had plenty of time to get comfy testing a strive. Why spend all that time testing and dialing in only the spectral for 1 or 2 rounds?
So. New strive in the works? Rode the smallest one he could and it was too big? Maybe they were close to a finished product of a new one, he rode it, it wasn’t going to be ready so he focused on the spectral to be in the championship hunt at the beginning of the series. Use the break to dial in the new strive.
Honestly, just check out his post in the Tech Rumors thread. he straight up talks about it. plus his downtime podcast:
Post a reply to: 2023 TEAM RUMORS