January 2, 2025 - PORT COQUITLAM, BC.
After building a lot of momentum in 2024, Norco Race Division is rolling into 2025 with a stacked team that’s primed to make some serious noise. With downhill legend Greg Minnaar taking on the role of Team Director, Alan Milway as Team Manager, and Kathy Sessler holding it all together as Head of Operations, the team is looking better than ever.
We are stoked to have a very international team and an equal split of women and men on the 2025 roster. Gracey Hemstreet and Lucas Cruz are back, joined by some talented new faces, including downhill legends and up-and-comers that are already turning heads.
Here’s the lineup for 2025:
Lucas Cruz, 23, Pemberton, BC
Lucas is bringing his good vibes and unstoppable passion back after a tough 2024 season. After battling injuries, he’s fired up and ready to race between the tape again.
Bodhi Kuhn, 19, Rossland, BC
Bodhi stepped up to Elite Men’s in 2024, showing the world what he’s made of with top-30 finishes and an impressively consistent season. His sharp mind and sense of humor make him an important addition to the team.
Danny Hart, 33, Redcar, UK
Danny Hart, the "Redcar Rocket," needs no introduction. With two World Championships under his belt, Danny’s leadership and calm presence will be key as he inspires the younger racers on the team. He’s excited for a fresh chapter with the full support of a new team.
“Everybody just wants the best for the riders. That’s always what it’s like on a team but here with this crew around, you can tell that that’s so important to them and that’s going to make my job so much easier.”
- Danny Hart
Gracey Hemstreet, 20, Sechelt, BC
Gracey’s been making history, and she’s not slowing down. From breaking barriers at Red Bull Hardline to becoming the first Canadian woman to break top five at Mont- Sainte-Anne, she’s pushing the limits of what’s possible for women in downhill.
Erice van Leuven, 18, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Erice is stepping into her first season as an Elite Women’s rider after claiming back- to-back Junior World Championships in 2023 and 2024. She’s fearless, focused, and all about bringing the team together.
“After everything was signed, I felt relief that now I can just focus on riding, with people to back me that I know will do their best to help. It’s a really good relationship where we’ll be making the most of it from both sides.”
Erice encapsulates what all 2025 team members have said about their love for the organized chaos of downhill racing:
“The faster I go, the more peaceful I feel.”
- Erice van Leuven
Lina Frener, 16, Bregenz, Austria
At just 16, Lina’s already made waves in her junior season, and we’re stoked to have her on the team. With Gracey and Erice by her side, Lina’s got a solid foundation for growth in this sport.
A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
For the racers and their support staff, it’s all about creating the perfect environment for success.
[The other day at dinner] I had Bohdi and Lucas next to me, and everyone was bantering and having a good time– it was something that I thought hard about when I was selecting all the riders for the team and it’s working out so well. For me that’s important for a team to succeed in that environment, and we’ve got it. Everything’s there for a great season.
- Greg Minnaar
Kathy adds, “A happy racer is a fast racer. I want to be a foundation for everyone to build on. I want to take everything off your plate, and I don’t want to have a one-size- fits-all approach. For me it’s about getting to know each individual.”
With a roster combining seasoned champions and rising stars, 2025 Norco Race Division is ready to bring the heat on the World Cup stage and beyond.
Learn more about the athletes and stay up-to-date on all news about the team on norco.com/athletes.
About Norco Bicycles
Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, Norco is a global leader in high- performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. The mountains and trails of BC are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. Norco.com