DH World Cup Loudenvielle - Pit Interviews

[@DownhillSnail]

Prime conditions for Freecaster to revive the DH1 series with Warner and Pagey in the booth (with beers).

[@the_gas_man_420]

The good old days 💚

[@lezbig535]

Good on ya Dean. Someone needs to tell it how it is. That junior lad from the US, saved up to pay for his trip, came over and the sign in was closed. They had moved the times forward. Shocking way to treat people. I’m originally from Scotland, now in NZ and we ride stuff like that all the time.

[@NotADuncon]

Wait so the guy couldn't sign up and there is no online prices for signing up in 2023? I mean I expect bs like this to happen with local organizations (a local cycling union from Poland didn't send some papers to the UCI so a friend couldn't start in Schladming 15 years ago) but not on a world cup level.

[@lezbig535]

@@NotADuncon Yeah a fckn joke. Think the Pinkbike guys are going to sort the lad out for the next round. How to put young ones off the sport. Fckn embarrassing. Didn’t even bother emailing anyone.

[@paulnorthe4113]

Nice one Deano it’s weird what’s happening I’ve seen track walk videos from after juniors and the elites were frothing to race, and like you said they need to learn how to race in these conditions give them the chance to learn, once again great work keep it up bro!!

[@alexplane5359]

I would love a break away league. Riders and redbull get together and work this mess out. Free viewing too, kids wanna see it, to be inspired. Everything should be running smoothly with all the experience and knowledge over the years it took to establish mtb. To many people want a change soon as. Oh and bring back Rob Warner for the sake of the sport, we need the passion back!

[@onsight2822]

Exactly my thoughts 👍

[@rozi5129]

if redbull hardline would become a full series with a few stops and more riders, it would be a dream

[@NotADuncon]

@@rozi5129 Don't make it hardline. Hardline means there is no pipeline for juniors and junior women to progress into the elite. As much as I love hardline it is not the best way to introduce people to world cup racing. Just do normal good old racing from late red bull days. Maybe have more techy trails and less "we need a fuckton of money from you as we are greedy uci" but that's it.

[@South_waikato_fly_fishing]

100%

[@Pozitivi]

That's sad , I hope for better days to the DH racing scene 🙏🏁

[@TheDogsWeMeet]

I'm a new, casual fan of DH, my interest being peaked watching vlogs of some UK riders (not from any sort of UCI promotion). It has been impossible to watch any of the races, highlights are ridiculously hard to find. I read that UCI bans riders from uploading their runs to KZbin so even footage that the riders have taken is not allowed. I'm a new fan, primed and ready for content but boy is it proving hard. Do they not want people seeing these events? I feel like I've stumbled into a sport where there is a whole lot wrong at the top.

[@seanoneil277]

Just go find the Sprung series and the Earthed series of VHS/DVD videos, you can see UCI and NORBA and some Euro cup. Especially look at the classic Champery mud races and the Kaprun mud madness. DH was thriving in the 2000s and expanded in interesting ways in 2010s but the 2020s have been terrible for viewing. Can't imagine what it's like for racers. You could ask Greg Minnaar, Steve Peat, Mik Hannah, Sam Hill about the 2010s and 2000s through to today. The Clay Porter videos are not bad, but they're not up to Alex Rankin's (Sprung/Earthed) level of quality of footage and sense of being at the race. I think there may be some Australian / NZ videos from the 2010s and 2000s as well, but I've never watched them.

[@mitchellvangrieken3900]

It's like surfing, a lot of the time there isn't even anyone on screen riding. Even Redbull Rampage is hard to watch live. So don't feel like you're missing out.

[@scottkeir1060]

You are exactly the type of person this new organization was trying to bring to the sport so to hear how badly they are doing in your opinion speaks volumes.

[@TheDogsWeMeet]

These organizations don't seem to understand that the riders are their main assets. As I mentioned I got here in a roundabout way watching UK freestyle content (Matt Jones, Sam Pilgrim etc) and then got more interested through Brendan Fairclough. Now its guys like Bernard Kerr and Moi Moi TV who are all doing a better job than the organizing body of giving some flavor of the event. Track walks discussing lines, goings on in the pits, rider features - all easy and interesting content that would enhance the actual race (that we don't get to watch ) p.s. please give us a nice extended 2 hour race highlights the day after the event and allow riders to upload their runs.

[@LCCycleworx]

We have moved from an extreme sports company running things who are all about extreme sports and what the embodies to company that’s all about extreme profits. DH isn’t dead it just got sold out.

[@centroelettricitaspinea3422]

agree!

[@jasonbrowny23]

Seems like there needs to be better systems put in place to allow more clarity around decision making

[@thecoolhandluke1118]

The lack of communication with teams and riders and even on uci website is the real issue I feel. obviously just the opinion of a fan watching most of the vlogers.

[@rusty2222]

BK said publicly on the ride companion that his efforts to form a union withered on the vine through lack of interest. Is that indifference coming home to roost?

[@seanoneil277]

It might be a bit easy for "fans" / spectators to assume young riders (late teens through late 20s I'd call "young") have a fully working-world adult view on what sorts of individual rights and power they have, as sponsored/team riders. It may be their sponsors would cut them loose if they spoke out -- really the sponsors hold an invisible threat over their sponsored riders. How many racers are willing to risk losing sponsorship? I would imagine there are ways to get a collective voice w/o unionizing formally, but again the racers have to feel like they are free to appoint someone as their spokesman (no pun intended), and they have to feel free that the spokesman honestly conveys racers' sentiments. About a decade ago that guy seemed to be Chris Ball but we can see where he has gone.

[@BryanHoefer]

It seems like there is a lack of understanding what makes course conditions truly dangerous by the organizers making the decisions. Last week, big jumps above the tree line in high winds was no problem until multiple people got injured. This week falling over at slow speed in the soft mud is too dangerous and the race has to be cancelled.

[@steve01424]

What happened to the riders union. You need to get it sorted. Or you and the fans will keep getting screwed.

[@hallstewart]

What decisions are you talking about (that riders don’t know about)?

[@MrCyphermonkey]

Just a thought. If the average times were going to be a lot slower this would mess up the allocated tv slots with potential overrun. There’s another reason not to run it. But if that was a factor why wouldn’t they run it and just record it for future broadcast.

[@-TheRealChris]

Exactly, that's the only plausible explanation for the cancellation and they made up the safety issue BS to try and cover themselves, and like you said they could have run it anyway but i guess if there was no money in it for them they don't care and chose to just scrap it. sad.

[@joelveron8741]

Who is actually in charge of this? It would be good to interview that person, put a face to all this confusion, and answer some questions!

[@timpowers9429]

The team managers aren’t risking their lives on the track, it’s up to the riders to grab the bull by the horns. Great vid, thanks for posting and for asking the tough questions 💥💯🤙🏻🍻

[@Tazznbk]

It's crazy to me because the level of racing itself this year is arguably some of the best that's happened in years. I pay for GCN to watch it (purely because I don't have netflix etc anymore so why I figured why not)... But the broadcast quality is utterly abysmal. The best decision they've made this whole year was to have Myriam and Aaron co-commentate these elite finals with the other two muppets (still respect CG's bike skills, but he shouldn't be on an English commentary). But yeah. Paying for something only for it not to be shown (or at least not know until the last minute, whether it will be shown) is doin my head in. I reckon just bring back the waivers, let riders sign their lives away and ride at their own risk.

[@atomlab31]

Deano, it would be great if you could find the person who had to make the decision and put these points to them. Seems like this was the wrong decision, but would be good to know what info went into making that.

[@aaavellone]

You all who actually speak up are not be negative. You see a problem that might destroy something you love and that problem is having negative outcomes for a lot of people and you want to fix it. That's positive not negative. You're trying to gain a unified voice by speaking up. It's hard for a lot of riders who feel like they have something to loose but everyone else needs to join in with you and BK or they could loose a wonderful thing.

[@aaavellone]

Also, If the top 30 riders get together and make demands or they won't race the UCI and WB/Discovery now have to deal with all the sponsors (redbull, Leatt, bike brands, etc) that are now loosing money because of the UCI and WB/Dis. The sponsors will push their riders at first to go back to racing because people want to see the top names race. You can't get fired because no one wants to watch a no name at the World Cup. Assuming the sponsors don't support you right away, they (even though they are also capitalists and want workers {riders} to feel powerless) will ultimately side with the riders as it is in their best business interest. It could be pretty easy, assuming you get the support and no one breaks the picketline, to just have the patients to wait out the UCI and WB/Disc as they loose a ton of money from a new acquisition. There are good ways for you all to band together and fight back. Getting an education in the labor movement wouldn't hurt and probably give you a lot of good ideas. I'd be talking to labor/union organizers, even in the background, to see what is realistic and what is not and how to make the best of it. Cheers mate! wishing you all the best.

[@onsight2822]

All the rider's should start their own race with their own bikes like darkfest , then get red bull to film it 🤘😎✌

[@onsight2822]

Oh and get rob back commentating 😎

[@captaincords5133]

Motocross was at this point 20 years ago. 80 riders trying to qualify for 40 gates, If you made the main race the prize money paid enough to cover getting privateers to the next race, all races free on Eurosport. Now look at it, pay pay pay fees for this that and the other, no prize money minimal go pro footage from riders, paywall to watch etc. This week they have 20 riders in Turkey on a 40 rider gate, 18 professionals and one local guy who can afford it running 26 seconds a lap down in qualifying. I can see similar in DH in the next few years.

[@SakuraCache]

This vid has more likes than their upload of the winning run. That's how far gone this is. I feel for you guys...

[@petescullion5420]

Jordi made a pretty solid comment on Dialed about the cancellation being about the ability for medics to be able to access the course. No medics, no race. The key though is comms, nobody seemed to know why.

[@DMs.withDEAN]

That’s fair if that was the case but we don’t get told that and if they couldn’t get medics in why were we able to practice in the morning when the track was still a muddy mess..

[@petescullion5420]

@@DMs.withDEAN oh dude, totally agree with you, just not sure many folk consider medics etc. Comms is the crucial element and practice does sort of negate that argument.

[@yetidh9]

@@DMs.withDEANexactly, and why was the venue even signed off without a b-zone and proper access for marshals/medics? Would they have cancelled the elite race if it kept on raining? Or is it because they don’t care about junior racing in general? Something stinks about this whole decision and how the races are being organized. Changing schedules and canceling races based on unpredictable weather is a fools game. Results and race outcomes will always feel manipulated, even if the intentions are good. Just stick to the schedule, make things as safe as they can be (for a dangerous sport), and let them race. The last 5 seasons have given us some of the most memorable, tight racing ever. Why try to fix something that already works.

[@antonywilliams5703]

This wasn't done because of safety, it was done as the junior race was due to be aired on Eurosport and it wouldn't have been the showcase ESO wanted.

[@mitchellvangrieken3900]

So what, they saved some biscuits by sending a bunch of casual staff and contractors home for the day? Or they would have missed out on income by not getting a showcase event? Is it even money related?

[@mattydarbs8720]

Fair play Dean. Keepin it real brother 👍🏻 They still can’t get the graphics right, the commentary is a 💩 show and it’s a paid for service 😢 it’s definitely dead ☠️

[@petermcinnes6987]

Hey, 20:20 hindsight. WHAT YOU NEED(ED) WAS A UNION!

[@TomHeald24]

Syndicate racing with Dutty bangers on!

[@matthewbravington2743]

Is downhill dying would've been a better question less dramatic

[@kolt4d559]

Jacko's Mech (idk his name) says it best, if there weather forbids the operation of vital equipment, i.e. lift or med-evac, then race postponement is something worth considering. Cancellation should be an absolute last resort. Certainly if things are borderline remove the most dangerous portions (road gaps with massive gusts), but let riders rider. The difficult conditions make for the greatest stories... Kaprun '96

[@alincdhr]

Good job Dean for speaking out 👍. UCI and the promoters have really f..ed up the DH WC races. Reducing the number of racers, making it really hard to watch the finals, screwing the privateers, etc, etc....USA cycling killed DH racing is US and now UCI is doing a good job at it for the WC. 😡😡

[@terryrandell5723]

“It is a all-inclusive sport”. some of the junior girls struggled with the conditions so the track was classed unsafe for all Junior riders. Canceled due to health and safety.

[@anthonyrogers590]

Or "CAN" we control the weather?!

[@luffyluck]

Imagine putting in all the work just for your race to be cancelled...

[@Slipperygecko390]

I'm sure Jackson and Jordan raced in the wet at least once last year, and now they've both won WCs and either could well win later on today. I've done a small amount of racing in my time and I've experienced conditions like this on gnarly tracks. Unless you live in the desert, to get to the level even the slowest juniors are at you would have encountered conditions like this both in racing and regular riding hundreds of times. Track looks unreal for the elite race anyway, shame the juniors didn't get it.

[@greymears6411]

Paul McCartney changed the weather for one of his concerts using geo-engineering. So I guess we can change the weather 😁

[@sergiolandz6056]

its old tech, they been doing that since the 40's.

[@greymears6411]

@@sergiolandz6056 Exactly!

[@TheRicardoSanchez]

This is a huge opportunity to just MOVE DH races to west coast US and Canada. Huge resources and more stable weather. MUCH bigger spectator crowd.

[@TheRideCompanion]

THE MAN

[@tidyjimmy]

It's sad to see the negativity this is creating in such a beautiful sport, from the outside it seems like there is great rider camaraderie and a togetherness that should see you all through in the end, keep shining that spotlight Dean, the sport needs and deserves it, and if all else fails, f**k the UCI and the rest of them off and go your own ways as riders. Keep it real man ✌️

[@raceace]

Formula One drivers have the Grand Prix Drivers Association to ensure they have a voice when it comes to tracks/safety and related issues. So should the ranked riders. History is replete with examples of athletes being ignored, discounted and taken advantage of when they have no representation.

[@josephrudwick]

Last few years loved it this year hate it

[@NotADuncon]

Hell I even work on the TV industry side and I don't understand it. Why change the format when it's made for streaming where length is not a problem. So why the dumb semifinal. Now this. It's both ESO and the new TV rights holder but in general riders need a union. This is the only way to negotiate. If NBA players who have contracts can so can DH riders. Also alternate race series like freecaster wanted sounds like a really good idea now

[@billysbikes8671]

keep up the good work

[@harrisonwinter4712]

This year has been a mess, I paid for the subscription, about the same as a coffee a month so said what the hell, when I found out prize money wasn’t being increased I immediately wanted my money back. Commentators are awful, camera work is awful and even the most hardcore fan isn’t going to watch5- 6 hours of racing between the semis and finals. Seems like DH was in a great spot before this year so why all the drastic changes? I hope the rumors of Red Bull making a hardline series and expanding crankworx are true, get some big names over to those races and make the World Cup irrelevant until they get their crap together

[@DMs.withDEAN]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

think ENDURO is suffering as well - and many factors I think may be a combined points of DH AND ENDURO like moto SX and OUT DOORS MX but still individual CHAMPIONSHIPS when REDBULL or MONSTER how they run things seems better business

[@lezbig535]

The organisational skills aren’t there. It’s a farce. Jack Moir was robbed of that win as well.

[@seanoneil277]

It's not moto and never will be. Everyone who looks to moto dirt, moto asphalt, car dirt or car asphalt racing dynasties needs to check with reality. Step outside your narrow world of loving MTB riding and look around you. How many people do you know who are familiar with World Cup DH MTB racing, vs NASCAR or F1 or Supercross? All those racing dynasties have long histories of big fan bases. Discovery was brought in to wreck things. The question is why. And people shouldn't be afraid to ask that question,.

[@bigbird2451]

That young boy hasn't got the DGAF hair. Deano Wins!

[@brian6speed]

Riding in mud is my favorite to ride and watch.

[@aaavellone]

Contracts can be renegotiated. Clearly they don't have the riders interests at heart. The capitalists can make money and you all can get what you want at the same time. If enough top 30 riders ban together, you all can do it.

[@sergiolandz6056]

where i live, downhill is at its peak, i dont think it will get any bigger than what it is now, covid gave it that artificial boost. People are into E bikes now and want enduro.

[@kolt4d559]

Brayton got Norbed

[@budycelyn]

maybe a good time for a riders union,, oh wait

[@roddas26]

The UCI is French and they don't give af what you think. Soz 😂

[@seanoneil277]

Someone intentionally mucked with UCI DH for 2023 when they decided to give it to a company that doesn't give two rat's tails about cycling in any way, and especially doesn't care about DH / gravity events. What is Discovery anyway? Why should they have anything in this arena? They are a producer of fake science pseudo-documentaries to miseducate children and naive adults.

[@centroelettricitaspinea3422]

I raced in nationals and regionals in WORSE conditions, with thunders and gondala was stopping every 30 seconds, but yeah DH is going to be shutdown by a fkn broadcaster. #DHISDEAD

[@scottkeir1060]

DH as we've known it is absolutely dead, unless the riders can band together with an organization that actually wants the sport to thrive in the future and start their own series. If anyone listened to the Downtime podcast with Chris Ball the main premis of putting the racing behind a paywall was to bring a much improved product to the market. This absolutely has not happened and in my opinion has in fact gone backwards from Redbull days. Big fail so far.

[@DMs.withDEAN]

I see that, and the athletes haven’t benefited from it either.

[@theArmedSuspect]

UCI need to fix the broadcast. show more than 25 seconds of a run, especially for the best riders in the world. commentators need to go. either give us Rob and Eliot or just cancel the entire thing. ditch pay per view races. we want to watch it all... like every other sport. how about pay the riders more. I mean hell, I'm paying to watch a garbage presentation, at least give the crew my money.

[@stuart8506]

Why use a Jesus cross??

[@MrCyphermonkey]

Really???

[@adrianwilkinson2547]

Because a pile of rocks would be difficult to carry round 😂

[@SoapyWetDish]

I presume you’d prefer he take a quick stone masonry class, knock up a tombstone and lug that around as an improvised microphone? A cross is just a cross, a symbol used to denote the death of something or mark graves, if you want to attribute it to a fictitious character then that’s your problem not his.

[@lezbig535]

Didn’t know he had left his cross lying around. Looks more like a stick with some electric tape wrapped around it. Get off the glue.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Symbolises death, death of downhill not religion...that is already dead.