2023 Racing Talk

Atkisa
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3/23/2023 10:09am

Which bike brand is getting rich off bike racing?

Atkisa wrote:

Take you pick of any brand paying rubbish wages to racers while turning a profit. Why should they get the exposure racing brings for free?

I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys...

I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys by and large are making a decent salary.  

 

internationial racing is insanely expensive.  There are few and basically no title team sponsors from outside the industry.  Only reason these series exist and there is a deep field of upcoming riders is because the brands are as passionate about bike racing as fans are.  That’s not to take away from the talent and dedication it takes to be a top 20 rider.  And a top 20 rider can make some money if they can create a following for their personality or want to ride for the best paying brand they can find as opposed to one with proven winning equipment.  Because for some brands a top 10 actually translates to exposure that may be worth the investment.  What does a top 10 mean to maxxis when they have a guy on the podium.

we’re a niche sport and racing (especially internationally) is probably the most niche part of it.  
 

I certainly hope the sport grows to the point where coke or Bank of America will pay a million dollar prize purse to be attached to the snowshoe World Cup or the likes.  But I don’t think the bike industry isn’t valuing racing.  If anything it’s quite the opposite.

To go with your example, the idea that a company like maxxis makes any decisions around spending money on racing because they think it's neat is for the birds.

Again, why should maxxis make profit and expect it's workers to live on poor pay?

1
bulletbass man
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3/23/2023 11:33am
Atkisa wrote:

Take you pick of any brand paying rubbish wages to racers while turning a profit. Why should they get the exposure racing brings for free?

I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys...

I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys by and large are making a decent salary.  

 

internationial racing is insanely expensive.  There are few and basically no title team sponsors from outside the industry.  Only reason these series exist and there is a deep field of upcoming riders is because the brands are as passionate about bike racing as fans are.  That’s not to take away from the talent and dedication it takes to be a top 20 rider.  And a top 20 rider can make some money if they can create a following for their personality or want to ride for the best paying brand they can find as opposed to one with proven winning equipment.  Because for some brands a top 10 actually translates to exposure that may be worth the investment.  What does a top 10 mean to maxxis when they have a guy on the podium.

we’re a niche sport and racing (especially internationally) is probably the most niche part of it.  
 

I certainly hope the sport grows to the point where coke or Bank of America will pay a million dollar prize purse to be attached to the snowshoe World Cup or the likes.  But I don’t think the bike industry isn’t valuing racing.  If anything it’s quite the opposite.

Atkisa wrote:
To go with your example, the idea that a company like maxxis makes any decisions around spending money on racing because they think it's neat is...

To go with your example, the idea that a company like maxxis makes any decisions around spending money on racing because they think it's neat is for the birds.

Again, why should maxxis make profit and expect it's workers to live on poor pay?

I mean the decision to send these guys free product and pay for teams budget to travel says a lot about their commitment to racing.  They are a top tier sponsor for multiple regional series.  Loads of their employees attend the snowshoe wc just to fan out and many race or raced at one point.  To me it’s almost a little annoying how much the industry favors racing (especially at the international level) over all the other ways to have fun on a bike or grow the sport when it comes to their budgets.  

2
Guncar
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3/23/2023 1:49pm
I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys...

I have a hard time believing short of consistently getting on the podium many riders are actually having results translate to bike sales.  And those guys by and large are making a decent salary.  

 

internationial racing is insanely expensive.  There are few and basically no title team sponsors from outside the industry.  Only reason these series exist and there is a deep field of upcoming riders is because the brands are as passionate about bike racing as fans are.  That’s not to take away from the talent and dedication it takes to be a top 20 rider.  And a top 20 rider can make some money if they can create a following for their personality or want to ride for the best paying brand they can find as opposed to one with proven winning equipment.  Because for some brands a top 10 actually translates to exposure that may be worth the investment.  What does a top 10 mean to maxxis when they have a guy on the podium.

we’re a niche sport and racing (especially internationally) is probably the most niche part of it.  
 

I certainly hope the sport grows to the point where coke or Bank of America will pay a million dollar prize purse to be attached to the snowshoe World Cup or the likes.  But I don’t think the bike industry isn’t valuing racing.  If anything it’s quite the opposite.

Atkisa wrote:
To go with your example, the idea that a company like maxxis makes any decisions around spending money on racing because they think it's neat is...

To go with your example, the idea that a company like maxxis makes any decisions around spending money on racing because they think it's neat is for the birds.

Again, why should maxxis make profit and expect it's workers to live on poor pay?

I mean the decision to send these guys free product and pay for teams budget to travel says a lot about their commitment to racing.  They...

I mean the decision to send these guys free product and pay for teams budget to travel says a lot about their commitment to racing.  They are a top tier sponsor for multiple regional series.  Loads of their employees attend the snowshoe wc just to fan out and many race or raced at one point.  To me it’s almost a little annoying how much the industry favors racing (especially at the international level) over all the other ways to have fun on a bike or grow the sport when it comes to their budgets.  

Because sport is first and foremost a competition of who is faster and where you have to prove yourself and not count on points from someone you like (the judge).  This has been the case since ancient times. Racing attracts people.
Competition attracts people and people buy products based on what they see and who they see in and on them - a bike, clothes, parts. And if it's someone they're rooting for then they'll buy products they use this way or different way.
Yes, this also applies to those who show off or just ride, but racing was and is the engine for testing new developments. It is the same with bicycles or cars and even skiing or running.

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lloyd506
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3/23/2023 2:08pm

Not sure how enduro registration happens. UCI DH and XC you need points and/or a country jersey if not enough points to race. 
how is this working for edr? Didn’t ews have qualifers? Limited numbers? 
why are dh pros allowed to just come in and race, while privateers have to jump through hoops and get a run around? 

sspomer
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3/24/2023 12:46pm

just getting word that neko crashed today at windrock in practice. unconfirmed, but hearing fractured pelvis and hip : ( sucks so bad, especially after his crankworx NZ result.

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bulletbass man
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3/24/2023 6:49pm
sspomer wrote:
just getting word that neko crashed today at windrock in practice. unconfirmed, but hearing fractured pelvis and hip : ( sucks so bad, especially after his...

just getting word that neko crashed today at windrock in practice. unconfirmed, but hearing fractured pelvis and hip : ( sucks so bad, especially after his crankworx NZ result.

Super gutted.  Luckily he still has a fair amount of time till the bulk of the season.  Dude can’t catch a break.

Losifer
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3/26/2023 11:39am
BGoldstone wrote:

Final round of Cerro Abajo goes off tomorrow in Mexico

 

 

Someone needs to stop Jackson Goldstone. 
 

Second place at his second ever attempt at a fairly specialized form of racing. Ridiculous. This kid is scary good.

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bulletbass man
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3/27/2023 8:32am
sspomer wrote:
enduro raw world cup race day is up. tracks look rad and can we just discuss DHer presence on the top of the podium and in...

enduro raw world cup race day is up. tracks look rad and can we just discuss DHer presence on the top of the podium and in the top 5? (LMS 1st, fearon 3rd and troy 5th place : )

https://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/features/vital-raw-maydena-world-cup-en…

Booker did a full season of dh last year I’m pretty sure.  And fearon did half of last years wc on his enduro bike.
 

home field advantage seems to be a big factor.  Does Meier smith go full enduro if he podiums round 2?  Lots of racers are going to have to choose with the conflicting dates of the new format

3
brash
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3/27/2023 2:07pm

Just want to add something here for those on the other side of the world, The vast distances between the major population hubs of Australia and Tasmania. Have a look at a map of Europe for instance, then Superimpose Australia on top to get a better idea.

Sure, Dan Booker had a home town advantage, same with Junior Sascha Kim.

But the rest of the Aussies, Maydena/Derby (or Tasmania as a whole) may as well be another country, it's THOUSANDS of kilometres, plane rides, Big Ass Boats and hours of driving away from where the rest of the "mainlanders" live. Even the terrain is quite different to the East Coast of Aus and Adelaide.

As a Sydneysider, it's easier and quicker for me to get on a plane to Queenstown New Zealand than Tasmania. 

europe-in-australia

 

6
grambo
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3/27/2023 3:38pm

Cool to see flat pedal aussies up there too.

Guncar
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3/28/2023 1:07pm Edited Date/Time 3/28/2023 1:38pm
brash wrote:
Just want to add something here for those on the other side of the world, The vast distances between the major population hubs of Australia and...

Just want to add something here for those on the other side of the world, The vast distances between the major population hubs of Australia and Tasmania. Have a look at a map of Europe for instance, then Superimpose Australia on top to get a better idea.

Sure, Dan Booker had a home town advantage, same with Junior Sascha Kim.

But the rest of the Aussies, Maydena/Derby (or Tasmania as a whole) may as well be another country, it's THOUSANDS of kilometres, plane rides, Big Ass Boats and hours of driving away from where the rest of the "mainlanders" live. Even the terrain is quite different to the East Coast of Aus and Adelaide.

As a Sydneysider, it's easier and quicker for me to get on a plane to Queenstown New Zealand than Tasmania. 

europe-in-australia

 

This is exactly what it looks like. Australia is not an island.
And Dan Booker was also a tracks builder at Maydena.
On the other hand, the Canadians, French or Italians don't have some big advantage at home. If they have any
Another quick question. Anyone know where there are any more photos from Maydena?

SteveClimber
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3/29/2023 1:18am

Talking to the pros at the race the biggest difference wasn't hown town advantage, its the fact that the aussies have been riding all summer long and are in good shape. Jesse was snowed in 2(?) weeks before he left, he barerly got decent bike time. 

All the euro bike parks are closed still, BC had super late snow, American east coast got smashed with intense weather.

Where would a European have consistent training to be race ready for 11min hectic DH stage? 

 

3
krabo83
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3/29/2023 4:23am
Talking to the pros at the race the biggest difference wasn't hown town advantage, its the fact that the aussies have been riding all summer long...

Talking to the pros at the race the biggest difference wasn't hown town advantage, its the fact that the aussies have been riding all summer long and are in good shape. Jesse was snowed in 2(?) weeks before he left, he barerly got decent bike time. 

All the euro bike parks are closed still, BC had super late snow, American east coast got smashed with intense weather.

Where would a European have consistent training to be race ready for 11min hectic DH stage? 

 

finale ligure or somewhere near that region. lots of pros and normal people ride there from february onwards.

luisgutrod
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3/29/2023 4:36am
Talking to the pros at the race the biggest difference wasn't hown town advantage, its the fact that the aussies have been riding all summer long...

Talking to the pros at the race the biggest difference wasn't hown town advantage, its the fact that the aussies have been riding all summer long and are in good shape. Jesse was snowed in 2(?) weeks before he left, he barerly got decent bike time. 

All the euro bike parks are closed still, BC had super late snow, American east coast got smashed with intense weather.

Where would a European have consistent training to be race ready for 11min hectic DH stage? 

 

krabo83 wrote:

finale ligure or somewhere near that region. lots of pros and normal people ride there from february onwards.

south-ish of france, portugal.... plenty of places in europe for winter training

bulletbass man
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3/29/2023 5:21am

Race conditions matter big time.  Now it’s not an unbeatable task.  Especially in dh when it’s a 2 to 5 minute run.  But when troy shows up to the first World Cup and it’s a mudder he’s at a disadvantage.  If Richie rude shows up to the first race of the year and it’s ultra dry and dusty Brosnan is going to be at advantage over him.  Especially true if you are in jesse’s position of having changed nearly all your equipment.  
 

now having a bit of an advantage doesn’t take away from putting it together on race day and putting yourself on the podium.  But it does make it easier to do so.

Mugen
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3/29/2023 5:29am
luisgutrod wrote:

south-ish of france, portugal.... plenty of places in europe for winter training

I actually expect some ski stations in southern france to just commit to biking all year long soon, they only get weeks of minimal snow cover these days.

Karabuka
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3/29/2023 10:37am
Mugen wrote:
I actually expect some ski stations in southern france to just commit to biking all year long soon, they only get weeks of minimal snow cover...

I actually expect some ski stations in southern france to just commit to biking all year long soon, they only get weeks of minimal snow cover these days.

Skiing resorts under 1500m are already having bad time and it is probably going to get even worse. There were few times in past years when Les Gets bikepark was open in December! 

We also organize our XCO race in early spring (usually late march) as we are pretty close to the sea, usually we were the only one brave, this year it was held this past weekend and there were 3 other races including one in Switzerland! You know, alpine country doing races in March...

Mr.Nally
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4/1/2023 7:23am

A call to reason. For VitalMTB and the pink site

Please call it Enduro World Cup, not EDR World Cup. No one has ever referred to the downhill world cups as DHI World Cup.

Should I make a petition? Tongue

12
sspomer
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4/1/2023 12:04pm

Antoine Pierron POV from Brioude DH Cup. track looks sick!

 

sspomer
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4/1/2023 2:58pm

vital raw from brioude practice

 

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jofish
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4/21/2023 3:16pm

I guess having a lens sponsor is a thing now. 199239E8-9BCE-4C74-91B8-84F2702F5D43.jpeg?VersionId=cyWBuEgdyVvsPzRcWGsplCALYtH

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jjoly
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4/23/2023 9:22am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2023 9:23am

Saw on GMBN Instagram story that the top 3 men were Thibault, Jackson, and Loic. Looked like Amaury and Laurie in 4/5. Another post said Gracey won women’s. 
 

These brand new Canadian Elites had a pretty good day!

BGoldstone
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4/23/2023 9:25am
jjoly wrote:
Saw on GMBN Instagram story that the top 3 men were Thibault, Jackson, and Loic. Looked like Amaury and Laurie in 4/5. Another post said Gracey...

Saw on GMBN Instagram story that the top 3 men were Thibault, Jackson, and Loic. Looked like Amaury and Laurie in 4/5. Another post said Gracey won women’s. 
 

These brand new Canadian Elites had a pretty good day!

Gracey then Hoffman , Yanakova, Gale

dirty booger
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4/23/2023 11:14am

Will we get a Vital raw or some coverage of the Lourdes event at all? 

Sea Weasel and upside down forks have priority.

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