Dorval AM Ends Downhill Racing Sponsorship

We’re sad to see another loss from the downhill world – this time, it’s not a bike company that’s pulling out, it’s Dorval AM, the French asset management firm. The loss of their support also means the end of the Dorval/Commencal team. Here’s the statement from the team, posted on Instagram:

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A post shared by DORVAL AM / COMMENCAL (@dorvalamcommencal)

After 11 successful years racing DH all over the world, it’s time to pull the curtain on this amazing adventure for the Dorval AM racing team.

Claude Pierré started the team in 2013 with the idea to help bring young riders to the races. One of them was Benoit. There was very little hopes and budget, and they had to fight to make the team what it is today. Allowing us to race full seasons. A decade later, we’ve proudly been at the top of the World rankings, winning World Championships in Junior and Elite category, many European & National titles, winning World Cups and a season overall with Camille in 2022. Everyone in the team will keep these memories deep in their hearts. Passion is key, and we always had this as our priority, pushing all in the same direction.

Now it’s time to change direction. DORVAL AM has to step away from the sport and as a small team, we were unable to find another sponsor and get enough budget to keep racing at this level. We will finish the season like there is no tomorrow and we will see where the waves are leading our staff and riders.

Many thanks to our sponsors, old and new, for believing in the team at some point in our journey. We were fortunate to work with some of the best people and products the industry has ever seen.

The team line up currently consists of Camille Balanche, Monika Hrastnik, Benoit Coulanges, and Baptiste Pierron – not exactly ‘also ran’ names. It’s notable that Dorval’s sponsorship has always seen teams with a 50/50 male and female rider split, something which the downhill scene has been lacking.

With successful riders and a non-bike sector backer, you’d have thought this might be a healthier combination than many. But apparently the financial pressure of racing is just too great. As we head towards the final races of the season, how many more riders will find themselves in need of a team? We’re hearing rumours that we could be seeing far fewer teams making it to the start line in 2025 – how many teams will be left?

Watch this space, and fingers crossed that racing has a future.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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