2024 TEAM RUMORS

mtbAndy
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8/9/2023 4:22am Edited Date/Time 8/9/2023 4:22am
Big Bird wrote:

I had it on good authority last year that Greg was going to retire. That didn't happen. Perhaps this year?

His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got the vibe he wanted one more go at World's and didn't want it to end with a mechanical issue. Also seeing Kathy Sessler there, it seemed like she may have been there to watch his last race.

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One Ghost
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8/9/2023 9:23am
Big Bird wrote:

I had it on good authority last year that Greg was going to retire. That didn't happen. Perhaps this year?

mtbAndy wrote:
His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got...

His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got the vibe he wanted one more go at World's and didn't want it to end with a mechanical issue. Also seeing Kathy Sessler there, it seemed like she may have been there to watch his last race.

I heard the same about GM. We will see. With him married and all his other businesses still doing well, he could easily bow out. I also know he did want that last rainbow so we will see

One Ghost
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8/9/2023 9:25am
bizutch wrote:
So on the GM "rumor", if he were to "retire" would Santa Cruz have budget to keep him on in some context?  Peaty is still in...

So on the GM "rumor", if he were to "retire" would Santa Cruz have budget to keep him on in some context?  Peaty is still in the fold & seems to enjoy his work.  Can't imagine there's room for two of the greatest of all time on as ancillary staff.

And if he did/does retire, who do they fill his slot with?  As The Hoff mentioned, with juniors getting video exposure...would they close out his Elite spot on Syndicate & fill a junior slot instead?  That way they can keep big paycheck Goldstone & Greenland & pay below market for a Junior.  Kids like Asa Vermette moving into Juniors gives teams a 3 year slot of exposure at a lower cost than an elite rider.

Most likely he would stay on in product development and to help coach the next generation. 

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bulletbass man
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8/9/2023 10:21am

Hopefully he takes a year or two to chill and comes back in a media role.  James Stewart has brought a lot of fans back with him into motocross.  RC’s involvement also brings a lot of interest from sponsors and fans.

guys like Warner are the exception (and eso stupidly lost him).  Having personalities that can bring their own fanbases to watch events are super important to keep growing the sport over generations of fans.

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bizutch
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8/9/2023 11:28am
Hopefully he takes a year or two to chill and comes back in a media role.  James Stewart has brought a lot of fans back with...

Hopefully he takes a year or two to chill and comes back in a media role.  James Stewart has brought a lot of fans back with him into motocross.  RC’s involvement also brings a lot of interest from sponsors and fans.

guys like Warner are the exception (and eso stupidly lost him).  Having personalities that can bring their own fanbases to watch events are super important to keep growing the sport over generations of fans.

You mean Red Bull smartly hung onto him? Evil

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Losifer
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8/9/2023 12:41pm

Getting my WWGD? (What Will Greg Do?) bracelet ready.

In an interview I heard last year, I want to say on Making up the Numbers?, Greg talked about the work and financial planning he's done over the years to ensure his future.

I'm selfishly hoping for one more season with fewer injuries and equipment problems, but whenever he decides to walk away he will owe us nothing, he's given this sport so much. 

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lloyd506
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8/10/2023 12:11pm

Greg will semi-retire and start a new team bringing Honda and Showa back. 

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8/11/2023 4:05am

Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher probability of exposure given only 30 elite men and 15 elite women make the cut for finals (and semis likely going away soon). ROI might be higher with a fast Junior and a top 30 rider compared with like one top 30 and one top 50 rider. And Related to this, I can only speculate the likes of Jackson Goldstone or Jordan Williams would demand higher bas salaries if they were to be hired by a team now, compared to being brought up from the Junior fields within the same team infrastructure (it would be cool to know more about pros contract and how they are usually structured for different kind of racers, but it's still a Tabù in MTB sadly). Soo... Any first year Junior likely to get picked up by a top team next year? 

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dolface
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8/11/2023 6:10am
Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher...

Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher probability of exposure given only 30 elite men and 15 elite women make the cut for finals (and semis likely going away soon). ROI might be higher with a fast Junior and a top 30 rider compared with like one top 30 and one top 50 rider. And Related to this, I can only speculate the likes of Jackson Goldstone or Jordan Williams would demand higher bas salaries if they were to be hired by a team now, compared to being brought up from the Junior fields within the same team infrastructure (it would be cool to know more about pros contract and how they are usually structured for different kind of racers, but it's still a Tabù in MTB sadly). Soo... Any first year Junior likely to get picked up by a top team next year? 

Sacha Earnest seems like a good candidate.

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veefour
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8/11/2023 6:48am
Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher...

Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher probability of exposure given only 30 elite men and 15 elite women make the cut for finals (and semis likely going away soon). ROI might be higher with a fast Junior and a top 30 rider compared with like one top 30 and one top 50 rider. And Related to this, I can only speculate the likes of Jackson Goldstone or Jordan Williams would demand higher bas salaries if they were to be hired by a team now, compared to being brought up from the Junior fields within the same team infrastructure (it would be cool to know more about pros contract and how they are usually structured for different kind of racers, but it's still a Tabù in MTB sadly). Soo... Any first year Junior likely to get picked up by a top team next year? 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Christian Hauser move to a bigger team.

2
8/11/2023 9:26am
veefour wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised to see Christian Hauser move to a bigger team.

He is definitely an interesting profile, however I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at the Union, I have a feeling the pressure got to him slightly after winning his first ever WC (just an itch). We'll see. Concerning Earnest, any rumors as to why she raced a Trek at the Bill (on RS suspension and Pirelli tires like TFR)?

Maxipedia
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8/11/2023 9:32am

You guys know that Greg must be reading this thread too at some point and smiling at the things people assume what they know about him and what they believe he will do, right? This interest in a person alone, stemming from multiple people from across the globe is worth more than a bit, if we talk about marketing.

As far as I am concerned, I was lucky enough to cross paths with Greg a few times in this lifetime. First one was at Kaprun 2002, a race I hitchhiked to. I ended up watching the 4-cross qualies with Greg and Nigel Page, both injured that year, and chatting minor things together. I was just a fan, living the dream to watch a World Championship. That weekend, evert time I met Greg in the pits, he was the one greeting me first. I believe this says a lot about his character and his level of class.

Two years later, I was in Livigno, after the last World Cup of the year, and talked to Martin Whiteley about riders' support and what not. They were taking the Honda pits down, in the background, all riders helping, just like anybody else too, no superstar attitude. That year, Greg and Cyrille Kurtz were on the team. Martin pointed at them and said ”You see these riders? They are some of the best in the world. If it is needed, they can work on their bikes by themselves. Of course, they don't need to, because we have mechanics, but if they had to, they could fix their own bikes.” It made me ponder. I'd like to point out that in 2004 Martin Whiteley supported two World Cup riders out of his own pockets. You could easily recognise them by the black Oakley clothing and the black bikes, an M1 and a 224: Justin Havukainen and Matti Lehikoinen.

Last thing, we went to those weird 2020 Worlds in Leogang with our national team and I headed to the Syndicate pits with a bottle of good local wine, knowing they would probably appreciate it. Greg, as polite as ever, invited me inside, thanked me and showed me an app that rates wine. I honestly expected nothing, they were all busy there, everybody was, but the man still took his time. I guess this is just class, down-to-earthness and well upbringing coming full circle.

Just like somebody else said before: Greg doesn't owe anybody anything, he's been around enough and we should probably appreciate his presence while it lasts.

Just hats off,
Mx

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Losifer
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8/11/2023 9:35am
veefour wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised to see Christian Hauser move to a bigger team.

He is definitely an interesting profile, however I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at the Union, I have a feeling the pressure got to...

He is definitely an interesting profile, however I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at the Union, I have a feeling the pressure got to him slightly after winning his first ever WC (just an itch). We'll see. Concerning Earnest, any rumors as to why she raced a Trek at the Bill (on RS suspension and Pirelli tires like TFR)?

She was a privateer, right? I seem to remember that Transition was helping her out, but I don't think she had a contract with anyone. Trek having top notch women on two different sponsored teams would certainly be a positive for the brand.

 

deeboy
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8/11/2023 11:55am
Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher...

Responding to previous comments, I agree with Juniors' races being broadcast it makes a lot of sense to hire them, even just because it's a higher probability of exposure given only 30 elite men and 15 elite women make the cut for finals (and semis likely going away soon). ROI might be higher with a fast Junior and a top 30 rider compared with like one top 30 and one top 50 rider. And Related to this, I can only speculate the likes of Jackson Goldstone or Jordan Williams would demand higher bas salaries if they were to be hired by a team now, compared to being brought up from the Junior fields within the same team infrastructure (it would be cool to know more about pros contract and how they are usually structured for different kind of racers, but it's still a Tabù in MTB sadly). Soo... Any first year Junior likely to get picked up by a top team next year? 

It seems Poppy Lane has been travelling with Sacha for a month now, both look to be in Andorra right now riding, team’s better grab them quickly!!

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bizutch
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8/11/2023 12:10pm
lloyd506 wrote:

Greg will semi-retire and start a new team bringing Honda and Showa back. 

Which immediately makes me think of Husquavarna and their big push with mopeds.
Could see GM showing up with a moto brand as a moped ambassador like all the other former heroes of pedal sports.

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dylanjp006
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8/11/2023 5:11pm

Definitely something going on with sacha and trek. Posted something on her story taging trek, rs, sram and pirelli

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FullSend
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8/13/2023 12:11pm
Big Bird wrote:

I had it on good authority last year that Greg was going to retire. That didn't happen. Perhaps this year?

mtbAndy wrote:
His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got...

His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got the vibe he wanted one more go at World's and didn't want it to end with a mechanical issue. Also seeing Kathy Sessler there, it seemed like she may have been there to watch his last race.

I got that too. Where ever he appeard on video recently, he always looked to me like he's REALLY not feeling it anymore.

But then again, five years ago we said the same thing about Aaron Gwin - just for him to make a comeback and go from barely competitive to regular podium contender within a year.

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metadave
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8/13/2023 4:30pm

I think that was more of a Kenda problem and not as much not feeling it. I haven't seen anyone stay upright on those tires in 15 years. Although once he was on Vee Rubber and the podium again, he was technically........ re-tired 

 

Fozzie-bear.jpg?VersionId=lKjIZyhUH5tpLLPdHVvRFN0Q.tHE

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mfoga
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8/13/2023 6:04pm
Big Bird wrote:

I had it on good authority last year that Greg was going to retire. That didn't happen. Perhaps this year?

mtbAndy wrote:
His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got...

His interview after his Worlds run seemed to be the most down I've ever heard him. Maybe I'm the only one that felt that? I got the vibe he wanted one more go at World's and didn't want it to end with a mechanical issue. Also seeing Kathy Sessler there, it seemed like she may have been there to watch his last race.

FullSend wrote:
I got that too. Where ever he appeard on video recently, he always looked to me like he's REALLY not feeling it anymore. But then again...

I got that too. Where ever he appeard on video recently, he always looked to me like he's REALLY not feeling it anymore.

But then again, five years ago we said the same thing about Aaron Gwin - just for him to make a comeback and go from barely competitive to regular podium contender within a year.

Gwin was old enough to be his teammates dad either. 

sethimus
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8/14/2023 6:50am Edited Date/Time 8/14/2023 6:51am
metadave wrote:
I think that was more of a Kenda problem and not as much not feeling it. I haven't seen anyone stay upright on those tires in...

I think that was more of a Kenda problem and not as much not feeling it. I haven't seen anyone stay upright on those tires in 15 years. Although once he was on Vee Rubber and the podium again, he was technically........ re-tired 

 

Fozzie-bear.jpg?VersionId=lKjIZyhUH5tpLLPdHVvRFN0Q.tHE

as a team owner, his very own problem 

but hey, those mac mansions don’t build themselves, right?

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bizutch
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8/14/2023 12:36pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2023 12:36pm
metadave wrote:
I think that was more of a Kenda problem and not as much not feeling it. I haven't seen anyone stay upright on those tires in...

I think that was more of a Kenda problem and not as much not feeling it. I haven't seen anyone stay upright on those tires in 15 years. Although once he was on Vee Rubber and the podium again, he was technically........ re-tired 

 

Fozzie-bear.jpg?VersionId=lKjIZyhUH5tpLLPdHVvRFN0Q.tHE

sethimus wrote:

as a team owner, his very own problem 

but hey, those mac mansions don’t build themselves, right?

Are we all pretending that Kenda cut THAT big of a check to AG?  I seriously doubt it.  

The irony of AG selling a brand is that the brands get some marketing traction, but they almost get too much singular attention for ANYTHING good or bad to do with him.  

A dozen Maxxis riders could come rolling down on flats and nobody immediately points out it's the failings of the brand & not a line or setup by the rider.
AG comes down on a flat Bontrager, Specialized, Onza, Kenda or Vee....it's witch hunt time.

9
8/14/2023 12:45pm
bizutch wrote:
Are we all pretending that Kenda cut THAT big of a check to AG?  I seriously doubt it.   The irony of AG selling a brand is...

Are we all pretending that Kenda cut THAT big of a check to AG?  I seriously doubt it.  

The irony of AG selling a brand is that the brands get some marketing traction, but they almost get too much singular attention for ANYTHING good or bad to do with him.  

A dozen Maxxis riders could come rolling down on flats and nobody immediately points out it's the failings of the brand & not a line or setup by the rider.
AG comes down on a flat Bontrager, Specialized, Onza, Kenda or Vee....it's witch hunt time.

Kenda likely paid him more than Maxxis AND, more importantly, gave him his own signature tire. The "Pinner" which he will likely get royalties from for it's lifetime. Way more money than a year or two worth of a Maxxis tire contract. He had hope to continue to develop tires, casings and compounds with them, but they just never delivered. Hence his move to Vee. 

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lloyd506
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8/14/2023 6:11pm

How many tire issues has Greg had this season? Barely finished a decent run without a tire/wheel issue. 

barryjenson
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8/14/2023 11:33pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2023 11:34pm
lloyd506 wrote:

How many tire issues has Greg had this season? Barely finished a decent run without a tire/wheel issue. 

Pretty much every race, new Santa Cruz rim and tyre compatibility issues?

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dylanjp006
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8/15/2023 4:42am Edited Date/Time 8/15/2023 6:59am

Not a team rumour but just something people should check out, jakob jewett from pivot factory racing made a completely self filmed edit and its really impressive - https://youtu.be/FMsy1l_yc30

 

4
8/15/2023 12:59pm

I see from IG Dakota Norton is hanging out a bit with riders from The Union (they even posted a pic of him wearing their apparel).Is his contract with IFR up after this season? Or am I reading to much into this? 😆

Screenshot 2023-08-15-21-57-34-176 com.instagram.android.jpg?VersionId=IouYW06

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schwaaa31
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8/15/2023 1:14pm
I see from IG Dakota Norton is hanging out a bit with riders from The Union (they even posted a pic of him wearing their apparel).Is...

I see from IG Dakota Norton is hanging out a bit with riders from The Union (they even posted a pic of him wearing their apparel).Is his contract with IFR up after this season? Or am I reading to much into this? 😆

Screenshot 2023-08-15-21-57-34-176 com.instagram.android.jpg?VersionId=IouYW06

His girlfriend rides for the Union I believe. 

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dolface
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8/15/2023 1:17pm
I see from IG Dakota Norton is hanging out a bit with riders from The Union (they even posted a pic of him wearing their apparel).Is...

I see from IG Dakota Norton is hanging out a bit with riders from The Union (they even posted a pic of him wearing their apparel).Is his contract with IFR up after this season? Or am I reading to much into this? 😆

Screenshot 2023-08-15-21-57-34-176 com.instagram.android.jpg?VersionId=IouYW06

schwaaa31 wrote:

His girlfriend rides for the Union I believe. 

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Mr.Nally
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8/15/2023 10:04pm

Pretty much every race, new Santa Cruz rim and tyre compatibility issues?

A Greg and Tire/Rim compatibility issue is the more likely answer. The rest of the team along with the many other riders on that rim/tire combo have had zero issues

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