[Closed] Danny Hart. Guess i was wrong 🙂

Glad Hart has started to show form, he is such a talented rider. Skill wise I would say he is up there with any of them, he just had to develop the engine, which he seems to have done now.

Bryceland wearing flats because it’s more fun in the last WC round says it all for me (don’t want to start a debate here), he doesn’t seem interested, and seems to accept defeat far too easily.

Brendog is similar, not too sure why he is competing if he doesn’t think he can win. He has the talent, but doesn’t train anywhere near enough. Look at Gee, whilst he may have lost some speed, he is still in unbelievable shape, and that has always been the key to his success, and why he hasn’t ever had major injuries etc.

I would like to think if I was talented enough to be a pro rider, I would be training as much as possible to achieve as much as possible. The physique of some of the guys racing DH is embarrassing, picture of Sam Dale with his top off on the track walk for the last WC, he has breasts. I’ve got friends who work 12 hour days who are in better shape than him. Obviously doesn’t apply to the majority however.

there's a few conversations going on at once here...

re bryceland - that foot injury has killed his speed and rumour has it he wont ever recover it

re bryceland - that foot injury has killed his speed and rumour has it he wont ever recover it

this is a good point, whether physical or psychological it does seem to have had a big impact. He worked so hard that year, training properly etc. proved he has the capability, but possible not able to maintain the professionality and dedication required, but still a great brand for Santa Cruz brand who are selling high end lifestyle products to high income, middle-aged weekend warriors. affordably expensive.

fingerbang - Member
there's a few conversations going on at once here...

re bryceland - that foot injury has killed his speed and rumour has it he wont ever recover it

He's had good results since the injury - one in particular

https://www.rootsandrain.com/race2923/2015-aug-1-uci-world-cup-5-mont-sainte-anne-qc/#helitem

packer - Member
I would imagine that Nukeproof will be very keen for him to make the switch next year. If he can keep getting EWS podiums then that can sell them a whole lotta enduro bikes. Doubt he's selling them many DH bikes right now.

This is I think where CRC/Nukeproof could really capitalise. Sam Hill is still very marketable and when he signed to CRC, Enduro was a burgeoning discipline which was still taking shape, the EWS is only three years old now. I bet Mega's outsell Pulses by a huge margin nowadays, and Nukeproof really should make more of the Sam Hill range, why no Sam Hill carbon bars, lighter stem etc..

I'd let Sam concentrate on Enduro, sell boatloads of Nukeproof Mega's (SH was a big part in me buying my Mega Team last week) and still ride World Cups where possible much in the role Peaty has has within Syndicate for the last couple of years, as a mentor and ambassador.

not too sure why he is competing if he doesn’t think he can win

The reason rat boy is marketing gold is he's a poster boy for a whole generation. My attitude to him changed when I saw him at fort William a couple of years ago, he was still chatting to fans after most had left and after the presentations.

Dark Side - Member
packer - Member

Nukeproof really should make more of the Sam Hill range, why no Sam Hill carbon bars, lighter stem etc..

They do Sam Hill signature pedals, stem, bars, seatpost & saddle. Don't think the man himself uses carbon bars, so may not want his name on a set.

Current standings
http://62.50.72.82/uciroot/wcmtb/2016/DH_Standings.aspx?id=51181&language=eng&code=FI

Danny had a "poor" few years. Injury one early in the season and then illness at South Africa and Australia destroyed any overall ambitions.

Round 2 went badly this year hence being a good chunk of points behind.

Look at all riders and most will have similar issues in their career at some point. Rachel couldn't finish a year without getting injured for a while (or that's what my memory tells me)

As for Gwin we'll see what his full speed is like at the Worlds when it's win or bust unlike the worldcup.

We should've have a separate SH thread, but it's too late for that now.

Anyway, this is his fourth year with Nukeproof/CRC, so I wonder if his contract might be up this year anyway. Can they afford him now he's a top enduro racer AND Sam Hill?

They do Sam Hill signature pedals, stem, bars, seatpost & saddle. Don't think the man himself uses carbon bars, so may not want his name on a set.

I was suggesting making more of the signature series for AM/Enduro. The saddles, stem and seat post (in as much as it is not a dropper) are not really applicable to trail riding and the bars are a little on the narrow side (for some people).

Sam rode carbon bars in the EWS at least http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/13707718/

Anyway, this is his fourth year with Nukeproof/CRC, so I wonder if his contract might be up this year anyway. Can they afford him now he's a top enduro racer AND Sam Hill?

This could be the sticking point, but surely his value has decreased based on performances in WC since CRC signed him from Specialized.

Dark Side - Member

I was suggesting making more of the signature series for AM/Enduro.

Fair enough, but the man has only done a couple of races.... might take them a few months

The reason rat boy is marketing gold is he's a poster boy for a whole generation. My attitude to him changed when I saw him at fort William a couple of years ago, he was still chatting to fans after most had left and after the presentations.

I think you are over thinking this... and [url= http://www.pinkbike.com/news/wyntv-finals-mont-sainte-anne-dh-world-cup-2016.html ]this dude[/url] from the Singletrackworld Florida division disagrees with your assessment on Josh's dedication (2:20) 🙂

Danny has never lacked for skill, few guys can match him for bike handling but he's never had the 'head' support he needs to win. His focus on training with the new team has gone a long way to ameliorating this but he still lacks confidence (check out his reaction to his time vs bruni's reaction to his own) after they crossed the line at MSA. If he gets that killer confidence thing sorted with a good sports psychologist he'll get even better IMO.

That said it's Bruni for the next year or two if he can stay fit then the nippers will be nipping at his heels

Ratboy seems to spend too much time stoned these days. Not sure if it's things like Wyn tv exposing him more or whether he's just pissing around more but it's hardly marketing gold when one of your top riders is coming across in that way during interviews. Also seems to be a common joke based on the side comments in the vids that Bryceland is always stoned which I can't imagine Santa Cruz are delighted about. Sure he's fun to watch on a bike in his vids, but I think he needs a cleaner image for a brand like Santa Cruz.

Dropped/pay cut for next season which he's why he now thinks f- it, I'm just gonna have fun?

Dropped/pay cut for next season which he's why he now thinks f- it, I'm just gonna

I've thought that myself, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's dropped

Minaar said he was under pressure because of poor results before winning Fort Bill, so can't imagine Bryceland isn't. Maybe it's the Peaty effect and not having his mate and mentor around. Bryceland's form has dipped since Peaty hasn't been around through injury last season and doing fewer races this season.

Some of these guys are quite young so perhaps they don't realise how good they have got it while they are racing for a team. Once they are not being paid to ride a bike most will end up being paid to ride a scooter delivering pizza if they are lucky.

Ratboy seems to spend too much time stoned these days. Not sure if it's things like Wyn tv exposing him more or whether he's just pissing around more but it's hardly marketing gold when one of your top riders is coming across in that way during interviews. Also seems to be a common joke based on the side comments in the vids that Bryceland is always stoned which I can't imagine Santa Cruz are delighted about. Sure he's fun to watch on a bike in his vids, but I think he needs a cleaner image for a brand like Santa Cruz.

Dropped/pay cut for next season which he's why he now thinks f- it, I'm just gonna have fun?

doing the MSA track walk in a Cheech & chong tie dye shirt wasn't exactly subtle, although I know that's only a smoking gun/joint

maybe he was prescribed medicinal marijuana for his foot in Norway? progressive Scandinavian healthcare an' that

Deliberately not winning 'cos he won't pass a dope test and doesn't want to be the next Daily Mail headline with Lizzie Armissedtest? 🙂

Hasn't Ratboy been having issues with bike set up? I think i read that somewhere. I bet there will be serious words when it comes to contract re-negotiation though. 2014 he was amazing, its understandable that 2015 would be difficult due to his injury, but this year he is barely making the top 20!

I like him, he is a great rider and a character but I would be very interested to know why his form has dropped of so much!

Some of these guys are quite young so perhaps they don't realise how good they have got it while they are racing for a team. Once they are not being paid to ride a bike most will end up being paid to ride a scooter delivering pizza if they are lucky.

I suspect you are right. Bryceland does not strike me as the sharpest tool in the box. A lack of imagination (along with a bucket of skill) is probably a good thing in his line of work. Very personable which is a massive life skill but not sure he has the wherewithal to always do the right thing to prolong a career.

They are an interesting combination; Bryceland and Minnaar. One comes across as a thoughtful, technically competent, professional, focused, modern racer. The other a likeable goon from the tent at the back of the circus.

Cycling's Bert and Ernie?

They are an interesting combination; Bryceland and Minnaar. One comes across as a thoughtful, technically competent, professional, focused, modern racer. The other a likeable goon from the tent at the back of the circus.

They're an unusual pairing, but Minnaar gave the impression that everyone in the team gets along well which is why there's been no rush to replace Peaty.

What's the score with weed? Is it a banned substance for athletes in areas where it's legal or available on prescription?

mark88 - Member

What's the score with weed? Is it a banned substance for athletes in areas where it's legal or available on prescription?

Generally banned in competition, I think, certainly the case for USADA.

Well it doesn't matter if its banned or not - these guys are all over Social Media and represent various sponsors. They need to be role models.

I've watched a few video clips where Minnarr comes across all professional and Ratboy is just messing about - that would drive me nuts if I was Minnarr.

Trimix - Member
Well it doesn't matter if its banned or not - these guys are all over Social Media and represent various sponsors. They need to be role models.

That image isn't necessarily a bad thing form a sponsor POV, agree on Minnaar

Of course we could be all wrong and Santa Cruz could be entirely happy that Ratboy reaches a demographic that's not all about the racing. We have no idea what his contract with the syndicate is, it could be that theyre not looking at him for consistent results.

That's the sort of thing that got me thinking about for the [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/pro-riders-results-v-reputation-etc ]other thread[/url], Nick. Iago Garay has been with Santa Cruz for a few years but has made EWS top 20 once but I seen a comment about him pushing back up a section in practice if there's a photographer. Obviously Instagram followers mean more than race positions for him.

Bloke who clearly has a good time travelling and riding/racing his bike, style for miles and a hit with the DH fans who don't subscribe to the weight lifting/protein shake crown. Yeah, I'm sure SC are about ready to show him the door....

After he's cultivated said image, he's hardly going to stick pictures up on instagram of him doing squats or smashing out intervals on the turbo. Besides which, they've (SC) got Greg for that.

I went riding with Danny Hart a few months after his WC victory, he met up with a few of us to go for a spin round Sherwood of all places. He'd already done a training session before he met with us around midday and after riding with us for around 3 hours he went out on his road bike to do some intervals. They all train, just not all of them talk about it.

What amazes me is the length of career some of the riders have. Mick Hannah for example came second in the junior WC in 2000, Minnaar started racing WC in 1999 - nearly 17 years isn't a bad effort!

Reckon Minnaar's discipline and training are a big part of his being competitive for 17 years, you don't stay top that long without looking after yourself

I had an uplift day at antur with Hart, bryceland and dale there. It was all business and zero messing about, all good lads getting on with it, no raditude or goofing about whatsoever. Josh even offered me his place one trip, lovely lad and looking at them i reckon they all spend way more time in the gym than average riders spend hitting the keyboard.

I've watched a few video clips where Minnarr comes across all professional and Ratboy is just messing about - that would drive me nuts if I was Minnarr.

I always felt like Greg was the odd one out in the Peaty vids - Peaty and Josh seemed quite happy goofing it up, even close to the race whereas Greg came across as very serious and focused.

Josh might get away with a few poor results this year, but I think he'll be expected to get better results next year.

I always felt like Greg was the odd one out in the Peaty vids - Peaty and Josh seemed quite happy goofing it up, even close to the race whereas Greg came across as very serious and focused.

[quote=mark88 ]That's the sort of thing that got me thinking about for the other thread, Nick. Iago Garay has been with Santa Cruz for a few years but has made EWS top 20 once but I seen a comment about him pushing back up a section in practice if there's a photographer. Obviously Instagram followers mean more than race positions for him.

Good guy. Lots of fun. Has speakers in his rucksack during a race blasting the tunes out. Had a good chat with him on an EWS transition. Very personable and a good brand ambassador