How did the partnership with classified come about?
Lance Larrabee: We’ve had the TRP brand now for 20 years and started off making brakes for road and cyclocross bikes, and also for triathlon and TT bikes as well. We quickly realized that as we were only making brakes our success was limited when Shimano and SRAM began introducing integrated components with hydraulic disc brakes linked to brake shift levers.So about 10 years ago, we started our own drivetrain program. As we began that program, we saw that there were many rear derailleurs (17,000 patents), while front derailleurs were probably reaching their useful life more quickly. Big manufacturers are also on the cusp of going to a 1x front with a 13 or 14 rear. Through an e-mail inquiry from Classified we discovered that their technology was really, really good and it had the ability to eliminate what we saw as a weak spot in our own developing drivetrain system. Also, they were more interested in a collaboration rather than being purchased by a larger entity. From there things evolved and we thought that we could do something really unique with our new drivetrain in partnership with the Classified rear hub.

Is Classified interested in TRP producing their hubs for them?
LL: I will say that those discussions have happened but they’re also proudly made in Belgium at the moment.

What’s the target market for the new VISTAR // Powershift group?
LL: We’re obviously going after anything with a 700C wheel. Looking at the current popularity of gravel I would say that the gravel market is the main target for us. We’re not ready for the Tour de France as yet.

What’s TRP’s biggest market?
LL: Our biggest market currently is mountain bike brakes for the enduro category. Our most successful product is the DHR Evo, a brake that we just launched this spring. We also have a mountain bike mechanical drivetrain and we’ve been slowly building success, making sure that we’re known in the marketplace which takes time. We envision that our drivetrain program will take about 10 years. But with the introduction of a wireless shifting system and our new command wireless protocol, which is open source so other component manufacturers can use our battery in our wireless system, that really places us on a level playing field with our competitors.

What’s the target suggested retail price for the new VISTAR // Powershift electronic group set?
LL:  We’re targeting the price to be competitive with what’s currently in the marketplace for say Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 or SRAM’s Force system which run about $2,200 to $2,400 retail. When you factor out the front derailleur and add in the Classified hub, either a shell or a complete wheel set with the hub built in, we’re slightly above that configuration. It’s about $1,400 retail for the TRP components in the complete groupset, and then another $1,400 retail for the Classified rear hub system including axle and other parts needed.

Will we see any Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) using this new group?
LL: It’s difficult for us as a newcomer to gain market share. The larger bike companies have always stuck with the big component players. Our initial strategy is to focus on the aftermarket and build the brand and product awareness, while targeting customers who are willing to take a chance and try something different. Cranktank’s Scott (Montgomery) and I have had many conversations about the need for a third option in the marketplace. It’s very difficult to differentiate your product with carbon fiber frames, and certain groups with a carbon fiber set of wheels. We think there’s a real opportunity to establish a third position – or a third option you might say. But it takes a bit of time to build equity in the marketplace, we have to prove ourselves first. OEM product managers like to see uptake at the consumer level, and a groundswell of activity around a brand or product before they’re ready to take a chance on a big OEM spec aiming to sell more bikes with it. We’re proving that with our mountain bike brake systems, and now we’re trying to establish a similar process in the road bike market knowing that it’s a long road ahead.

What will TRP have to do to get to the next level?
LL: The introduction of the VISTAR // Powershift electronic group is a big step, and we believe that this is the start as we create a partnership with Classified and introduce our own wireless components. Over the last five years, the introduction of our mechanical drivetrain systems for mountain bikes has put our foot in the door. People ask me all the time why we think TRP can succeed at building drivetrains when others have failed.

I always reply that Tektro is now the second largest bicycle brake manufacturer in the world next to Shimano in terms of volume. When we’re talking about hydraulic disc brakes, we have to be very careful. From the very start we were very careful. We deliver 100% quality control on every hydraulic disc brake we build. Each brake that comes off the assembly line is tested 300 times. It’s held for 72 hours and pressure tested again before it ships because we know that when a bicycle manufacturer finds a leaking brake inside their shipment, that won’t be good for us. We might not get a second chance so we’ve been very, very careful about building this brand and very careful about performance and reliability. We’ve proven that we could scale up during Covid times to produce 13 million hydraulic disc brakes in one year. I’ve run the warranty service centre for the last 20 years and we’ve never had a major failure and we want to keep it that way.

With 6.5 million bikes on the market per year with a Tektro or TRP hydraulic disc brake, it means that there’s an opportunity for each one of those bikes to be equipped with a TRP drivetrain. We think that this alone gives us a better chance than some of the other smaller brands, to build a drivetrain system and achieve sales.

In our view, it’s just a matter of time and the key here as well, is that we just can’t stop innovating. We’re onto our second generation of mountain bike drivetrains this year, introducing our fifth Tektro mechanical drivetrain for mountain bikes, and now this is our first endeavour on the road and gravel side to introduce wireless shifting in partnership with Classified’s hub.

Will the TRP brakes work with the new VISTAR // Powershift system?
LL: It will come with the TRP disc brake caliper that works with the new group set. The brake levers come pre-bled with the TRP disc brake caliper and all you need to do is mount them on the bike. All of these brakes are assembled, tested completely, and completely bled and free of air. We carefully remove the hose and seal the system with what we call an easy plug when we ship them. They can be installed through the frame, just cut the hose and reconnect, and you don’t need to bleed the system.

Is the existing TRP support network going to include support for the Classified hubs as well?
LL: Classified is taking steps so that Tektro USA is now an official distributor of Classified. We now have inventory and our techs are undergoing training at this moment. We’re still sending things back to Belgium but we’ll have a full-service centre online this summer.

TRP has started to work with Bosch on powering the shifting on e-bikes. Will we see TRP venturing into e-bike drive systems?
LL: We have no such plans at this moment. A lot of companies are getting into that market because it seems to be the biggest growth area right now. I think if the right opportunity and technology presented itself, we would consider it. But at the moment the market needs to sort itself out a little bit.

What does the future hold for TRP?
LL: Our goal is to become the third option for components and become completely level with Shimano and SRAM. We want to build a complete product line and continue to develop new products until we have that complete depth.

Do you feel any competition from some of the companies coming out of China?
LL: What I know about the patent situation tells me that some of the companies making wireless drivetrain systems may not be respecting the patents in place with some of the big players. We’ll have to see how things evolve to determine if they really make a serious entry into the US market.

Thank you for your time today.
LL: Thanks as well for your interest in our company and our products.

Read more about TRP here.
Read more about the VISTAR // Powershift launch here.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike. It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity. 

The newest routes are USBR 37 in Indiana, USBR 51 in Missouri, and two routes in Kansas: USBR 50 and USBR 55. The 2024 year added 3,568 miles to the system, when the routes added in spring are taken into account. This is the most of any year and brings the total milage to 23,186. 

“State DOTs are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “Our partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association to continually expand the U.S Bicycle Route System is just one of the many ways states are meeting that goal. The four new routes being added to the USBRS network in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from the partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and Adventure Cycling.”

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website. 

“Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, advocates and state departments of transportations, and support of our members and AASHTO, these four designations in Kansas, Indiana and Missouri bring us closer to the goal of an interstate bicycle travel network of routes equally accessible to all,” said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes at Adventure Cycling Association.

The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official designation of routes.

The Norway Trail E-Xplorer
with Martin Söderström and Scotty Laughland

What makes a dream mountain bike trip? The place? The trails? The people? The culture? The landscapes? What if I told you, this one, had it all.

I started planning this out at the turn of the year, studying routes, trying to find local recommendations and watching videos to see if I could find the best trails in Norway’s southern circle. It turned out there wasn’t much on it and from mapping stuff, I quickly realised that to properly explore you’d need months if not years but we’d have just 7 days to take in and ride as much as we could and I’d say we did a pretty good job of it.

Joining me was none other than Martin Söderström – in my own words, he’s a renowned freeride athlete and a bit of a legend. I’d never met him before and I was unsure how much experience he had with this style of riding and travelling. Post trip and if I only had one sentence to describe him, I’d say; he’s a happy puppy who has the appetite of a labrador and is generally up for pretty much anything as long as he has had at least one ‘Skolebrod’ per day.

We met and started the trip at our most northern point of Oppdal. The drive up had been long but beautiful and for hours I’d gone without seeing any real infrastructure – the town itself was fairly modern and after a good night’s rest we found the best coffee shop and bakery before hitting the trails. I shared the news of what I’d planned and what our week would look like. It generally consisted of driving in the morning to our location followed by riding in the afternoon and into the evening with the hope of getting some sort of a sunset.

Our first trail of the trip would be Gullstein which translates to ‘the Golden Trail’ and it didn’t disappoint. A fairly easy to access but long climb led to some hike-a-biking similar to that of scrambling in search of the narrow overgrown marked path. Eventually, it took us up to a viewpoint that looked down on the valley of Oppdal – it was beautiful. Dropping into the trail, it was open for the majority, we’d ride on huge sections of rock slab and follow a narrow ribbon of single trail flowing over rocks, last minute braking for tight turns and trying hard not to ignore the impressive view. As we entered the woods, the dirt was loose, malchy and there were a few jumps. I followed Martin and watched him pop off of every opportunity and land into nothing. A quick refuel back in the village and we headed up to Rauhovdin for sunset but I’m going to let the photo do the talking – it was Norway on a postcard!

Day 2 would see us start with a 4 hour drive, our next location was Valldal and to get there we’d drive through the Troll Wall. Along it were some of the most inspiring views you’ve ever seen… it was jaw dropping and I think the drive ended up being more like 6 hours! Arriving in Valldal, it was just as incredible. Towering pillars of rocks from as high as you could see entered the Fjords – it was almost unfathomable that we’d ride our bikes here. Setting off, we started on a tarmac road which quickly became dirt and then narrowed into singletrail. Arriving at our high point, I felt like I’d stepped into a Lord of the Rings set – it was unbelievable, so raw, rugged and inhospitable. I led the way this time and dropped into a section of trail perched on the edge of a clifftop. Conditions were perfect and a mix of dirt and rock led us down the mountain side, it was technical and we had to work the bikes to find flow and maintain composure. I don’t think Martin had experienced many rides like this and I could tell he was loving it in his own way. The trail felt like it went on forever but eventually the open mountain top entered the trees and we were racing the sun set. There was still over 500m of elevation to go and we raced through the forest and arrived back into Valldal as it got dark just in time to discover some local craft ales and devour a tin of pringles for tea.

Next up, another 4 hour drive after 2 ferry crossings, 1 coffee stop and a Skolebrod each, we arrived in Sogndal. The plan of attack was to take on Molden. An open summit that led down to the Fjords below. It started off with a fairly manageable climb that was in places technical before a short hike-a-bike that took us to the top. Maybe we’d become all too blase with the views as we got straight into the riding but this was just as stunning as the days before. The trail looked endless as it undulated and made its way into the horizon. Martin dropped first and he read the trail completely differently to how I would have and his flow and stance on the bike made ease of the bigger impacts and he took every opportunity he could to pop off of everything or pull a manual.

We had a second day in Sogndal and after an easier morning of discovering its coffee scene we headed out to explore around Kaupanger. We rode in what Martin described as a very typical Scandinavian Wood and on our way up, the descent teased us as we kept passing it on every switchback. Looking down, it was again loamy with loose dirt amongst sections of rock and this trail might actually have been one of my favourites of the trip. We navigated through the trees, carved the turns and bounced through the rock gardens. I let Martin go first and he was ripping, loam was flying off of his back wheel. We were laughing, shouting and having the best time… it was the purest hero dirt mixed with trail perfection and we both felt like we were surfing!

Another ferry and Fjord crossing and we arrived at Hemsedal. Tonight, we’d be camping and I’d be cooking. There’s something incredible about sleeping and cooking as a crew in the wild – everyone has to do their own bit and there’s no distractions. The bikes were put on charge, Martin built out the camp area, I lit the BBQ and prepped a Salmon Fillet to be baked. Whilst it was cooking, we cracked open a couple of Beers and sat back and reflected on what had been an epic trip realising we’d only just passed the halfway point.

Hemsedal would be the first and only Ski town we’d visit. Our plan was to explore some of the trails outside of the bike park and we’d fittingly take on the ‘Forgotten Trail.’ Starting above the Hemsedal, the landscape had changed again, it was still highland terrain but the surrounding mountains were less jagged, more rounded and dare I say it – sections between were even flat. Autumn felt like it had set in early, the colours were changing and we navigated sections of rock before dropping into a Birch Forest laden with roots, thankfully there were catch berms in just the right places and it made it easy to flow back down to the valley floor. In the afternoon and in typical fashion we missed the last chairlift. At least we had the assistance of the Voltages and we had literally just enough battery power left to climb back up and drop into Sentrumstien, a red graded flow trail! I let Martin lead me again and he was clearly back in his forte. He playfully hit the jumps, scrubbed the rollers, aired off of the side hits and carved the berms from top to bottom. We laughed our heads off and finished up at Fyri resort. Checked in and enjoyed the incredible facilities on offer which included a pool bar, after 5 days of continuous movement a bit of R and R was needed.

Our penultimate stop was Nesbyn and it was somewhere we’d both heard a lot of. Here, we met with Will from Any Excuse to Ride to guide us so we could make best use of the little time we had available. First tho, to the Bear House bakery for a yup, you guessed it! Norway’s baked goods were in a class of their own and they were fuelling the entirety of the team. Eventually, we’d head up and climb up to ride Beater – this was the one with all the hype and it lived up to those expectations! I almost can’t describe how well it flowed, there was a mix of natural and man made sections combined with long straight aways that had been created by timber merchants dragging wood from the forest by horse decades ago. I think this actually might have been one of the best we rode on the trip but it’s almost too hard to call as each had their own uniqueness! Will then took us back up for one last lap on a secret trail he’d been working on with no time for photos or video just purely for enjoyment and I can tell you that it was sensational. My bars dragged through the low lying vegetation as I pushed the Voltage into the berms and flowed out. Maybe I recorded the GPS of it but maybe I didn’t.

Finally, we arrived in Oslo and explored the small but fun trail area of Ramsas. I think we were both surprised by how good the trails so close to the city were. Techy, rooty, malchy and loamy were all words I’d use to describe them and it was almost like a summary of the trip to this point. It wasn’t the biggest network of trails but was a lot of fun to ride. We found some drops to session and took advantage of the power of the Voltage and the smaller hill to lap the variety of trails.

Over 7 days we’d gone from the remote wilderness of the Fjords taking on back country rides to being above the country’s capital. We’d eaten dozens of Skolebrod, cinnamon buns and drunk gallons of coffee and beer and shared experiences I don’t think either of us will forget anytime soon. For me, it was about sharing the journey with Martin, both of us being outwith our comfort zones and coming away from it as friends. We’re from two very different disciplines of mountain biking and usually we don’t get the chance to meet or share the trails. In this instance, the power of the Voltage had brought us together. So Marty, thanks for going along with my crazy plans and here’s to the next one even if it means I get schooled at the skatepark by you!

Versions of fat-tire bikes can be found dating back to the early 1900s, but in the 1980s frame builders in Alaska began experimenting, no doubt inspired by the renowned 1,600 km Iditarod Trail. By the late 1990s Alaskan innovators, like avid bicycle builder and designer Mike Gronewald, were creating history as he coined the now household moniker, “fat bike”.

The fat-tire craze continued to grow and in 2005 the first production units began rolling off the line in Minnesota with Surly Bike’s Pugsley. Soon after, every major brand was offering fat bikes and riders fell in love with the opportunity to keep their wheels spinning all winter long.

Beyond Global Fat Bike Day there are countless events across Canada and the US, in virtually every province and state where you can find a start line, or just get outside to strut your stuff – four-legged friends are welcome, as well as electric fat bikes that are also gaining in popularity.

Check out this fabulous winter fat-biking video by Travel Yukon that captures the wonder of winter on two wheels and then some.

For those not wanting to race, the 2025 Trek BC Gravel Series invites those who are simply looking for a challenge and to share their experiences with colleagues, friends, and family. ​

​Embarking on a TREK BC Gravel Series event is no small feat; it’s a test of endurance, strength, and mental fortitude. The rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions push you to your limits, demanding every ounce of determination and resilience.

Yet, amidst the challenge lies an unparalleled reward: the breathtaking beauty of nature unfolding around you. Each grueling climb and exhilarating descent brings you closer to stunning vistas, serene forests, and open skies. It’s in these moments of struggle and triumph that you discover your true potential, fueled by the awe-inspiring landscapes that remind you why you ride.

Embrace the challenge, for it is through these trials that you find not only the beauty of the world but also the strength within yourself.

Read more here and register here.

Through a continued comprehensive partnership with Mosaic Forest Management, the series offers exclusive private gravel roads in the remote wilderness, which will feature muscle aching terrain, but also awe-inspiring views that can only be found on the West Coast of BC.

The event schedule is as follows:

1. April 20 – River City Gravel Fondo, Campbell River BC
2. May 18 – Burnt Bridge Classic Gravel Fondo, Cowichan Valley BC
3. June 15 – Nanaimo Unpaved, Nanaimo BC
4. September 7 – Forbidden Gravel, Cumberland BC

In partnership with local dealers, Trek Bicycles sees great value in supporting events like the BC Gravel Series. “Growing on the momentum from last year’s events, we are excited so support this great opportunity for people to ride their bikes in well-organized events with world-class routes,” said Trek’s Canadian Marketing Manager, Taylor Cook.

Mosaic Forest Management continues to be a foundational partner and sees the BC Gravel Series event as a great opportunity to connect with the community. “Thanks to our solid partnership with the Trek Gravel Series, Mosaic is able to support a well-run, challenging and memorable race, representing one aspect of the recreational opportunities we strive to offer for everyone’s enjoyment,” says Jimmie Hodgson, Mosaic’s acting Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Forester.

The 2025 Trek BC Gravel Series hosted by Mosaic Forest Management is also partnered with key municipal partners such as City of Campbell River, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Nanaimo Hospitality Association, and Village of Cumberland.

“After a great inaugural event in 2024, we are thrilled to be kicking off the 2025 Trek BC Gravel Series in Campbell River with the 2nd annual River City Gravel Fondo,” says Trevor Dalton, Business Development Officer for the City of Campbell River. “This event was a fantastic way to showcase the exceptional biking terrain we have here in Campbell River, and we look forward to welcoming even more competitors next April for the first race of the series.”

Impulso (Short Distance ~40km)
Intermedio (Middle Distance ~75km)
Esperto (Long Distance ~ 110km)

There will also be a category for e-Bikes and Vintage Bikes.

Participants will be encouraged to take the time to visit the local host cities and take advantage of promotions from select hospitality partners and restaurants.

Trek Gravel Bike promotion Register your New 2025 Trek Checkpoint or Checkmate to get a complimentary entry – read more here.

For more information and to register visit here.

He also picks up a couple of young local shredders, Caleb Holonko and Ryder Bulfone. The crew rides and visits some classic spots, as well as some hidden gems, trails and neighbourhoods.

Join the legendary Hans Rey and guests as they show off the home of the BC Bike Race. And if you’re joining us for BCBR 2025, consider spending a few days in Vancouver before or after the race. 

Read more about BCBR 2025 here.
 

This event aims to gather the entire mountain bike ecosystem’s players together to share, network, learn and move forward collectively in an industry currently in full expansion. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, representatives from across Canada and Eastern North America are all invited to attend the bilingual symposium.

For the industry as a whole
Conferences, workshops and panels covering assorted themes will be held simultaneously, reaching out to include each of the industry’s sectors. A trade show with booths for networking, festive evenings, terrain workshops on trail building and group rides are all part of the program.

Held every second year, the event program will be tailored by Vélo Québec, Aventure Écotourisme Québec and l’Association des stations de ski du Québec to address the mountain bike community’s challenges and needs.

A bilingual event for all
The Symposium is therefore for anyone interested in the development, promotion or management of recreational and tourism-related mountain biking: Training and skill centre managers and employees, industry professionals and government officials, trail builders and trail maintenance crews, personnel from regional and sectorial associations, adventure tourism operators, elected and municipal representatives, communications and marketing teams, specialized medias and lastly, event producers.

COMING SOON
Program details and event registration: January 2025 via the website.
Sign up for the Symposium newsletter for updates!

Invitation from Québec vélo de montagne
With the financial support of Destination Québec Cité, this new major event is a group initiative by Québec vélo de montagne and its members, including the top five mountain bike destinations from the Greater Québec Cité and Charlevoix region – Vallée Bras-du-Nord, Empire 47, Sentiers du Moulin, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix.

About Québec vélo de montagne
Québec vélo de montagne is a concerted initiative between the top mountain bike destinations from the Capitale-Nationale and Charlevoix region, along with their respective territory’s RMCs and RTAs. Its mission is to enhance the destination’s performance in tourism. QVDM partners include:

• Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale
• Destination Québec cité
• Tourisme Charlevoix
• SDE de la Jacques-Cartier
• MRC de Portneuf
• Développement Côte-de-Beaupré
• MRC de Charlevoix
• Vallée Bras-du-Nord
• Mont-Sainte-Anne
• Sentiers du Moulin
• Empire 47
• Le Massif de Charlevoix

We have made it extra accessible by translating the questions into fourteen languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian and Spanish.

This survey has a special focus on the Danube Region, as it is funded by the Interreg Danube Region programme. It is crossed by EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic – Black Sea, which includes the cycle route along the Danube, but it is not limited to the EuroVelo routes. This means that if you have cycled elsewhere, on or off EuroVelo routes, the survey is also for you.

You have time until the 23 October to complete the survey, so be quick!

Take the survey here.

Riders and fans haven’t had to go completely cold turkey in that time, with the Olympic Games of Paris 2024 and UCI Mountain Bike World Championships taking place in July and August respectively. But we now enter the nitty-gritty end of the season in the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) formats – this weekend’s round the penultimate UCI World Cup of the 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

There is an unknown quality to the venue too – Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid becoming the fourth Endurance location to make its UCI World Cup debut this year. Five hours north of Manhattan, Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Mountains. It has a sporting heritage – hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980 – and at the end of its summer season, the forests turn into a picturesque golden, early autumn hue.

With titles on the lines though, riders will be focused on the racing at hand, with only a handful of points left to decide the outcome of the series.

FUN, FEATURE-PACKED COURSE
The course is so new that it was built this summer and finished towards the end of August, meaning not even local riders would have an advantage. Although the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will be the first time anyone has raced on the Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid course, it has some serious trail construction credentials.

Local managers Kris Cheney-Seymour and Allan Serrano have collaborated with industry experts including Max Van Wie and Martin Seddon – designer of the London 2012 Olympic course – to create a parcours that should provide a stern test for all competitors.

Starting and finishing within the stadium area of the Mt Van Hoevenberg Nordic ski trails, riders will have to tackle rock gardens, a dual slalom course, a section designed to emulate the mountain’s Olympic bobsled run, and a feature that will see them jump through a modified cabin – something that will truly have to be seen to be believed.

HATHERLY TARGETTING UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS-WORLD CUP SERIES DOUBLE, KELLER IN CRUISE CONTROL
There are a maximum of 660 points up for grabs in the UCI XCO World Cup, which means that only a handful of riders realistically have a chance of winning the title.

In the women’s field, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) has a 200-plus point lead over the new UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country Olympic World Champion Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck). The Dutch rider has opted to stay in Europe to try and add the road and gravel rainbow jerseys to her collection, meaning the Swiss star – who has been the queen of consistency all year with four podiums and no finishes outside the top 10 – could wrap up the overall this weekend. Keller’s closest competitors are the Americans Haley Batten (Specialized Factory Racing) and Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) and although both faded since strong starts earlier in the season, they can’t be ruled out. Kate Courtney (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) meanwhile is another who will be aiming to put on a show for the home fans.

Things are tighter in the men’s contest, but the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country Olympic World Champion and series leader Alan Hatherly (Cannondale Factory Racing) appears to be hitting form just at the right time. His last three results read win-third win, and second-place Nino Schurter (Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team) has his work cut out if he’s going to catch the South African. The pair won’t have to face Olympic champion Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), with the multi-discipline Brit competing at the UCI Road World Championships in Zurich (Switzerland) this weekend, but Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) and Matthias Flückiger (Thömus Maxon) are two riders to watch.

All of the above will be in contention during the XCC, and in the women’s field again it’s Keller’s title to lose. But a handful of specialists might also have a say in how the spoils are shared this weekend.

Reigning UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country Short-Track World Champion Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) and Samuel Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck) have two wins a piece from the first six UCI XCC World Cups of 2024, while the new women’s UCI Mountain Bike Cross-country Short Track World Champion Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing – Pirelli) has history in the US – winning both XCC races she entered at West Virginia’s Snowshoe venue in 2021 and 2023.

RIDERS TO WATCH
The Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid venue will be a completely new experience for all of the riders with the New York State course built this summer. By the time of Saturday and Sunday’s XCO and XCC races, the field will have had plenty of time to practise and get the lay of the land, but with no past editions, no one comes into the penultimate round of the 2024 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series with past performances on their side.

Going purely off of form, Alan Hatherly (Cannondale Factory Racing) is in a purple patch, recording two wins and a third in his last three races, bagging himself an Olympic bronze medal and the rainbow jersey in the process. Victor Koretzky (Specialized Factory Racing) has joined the South African on the podium in two of those races, while the Frenchman’s teammate Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance in front of a partisan home crowd.

In the women’s field, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) can wrap up the series win this weekend, but the Swiss rider is still without a UCI XCO World Cup victory this year – expect her to go all out to right this wrong. Others in consideration are the American pair Haley Batten (Specialized Factory Racing) and Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team), while Candice Lill has been in contention all season.

In the UCI Cross-country Short-Track (XCC) World Cup, expect Sam Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Koretzky to battle it out once again at the front of the men’s field, while the new UCI XCC World Champion Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing – Pirelli) will be aiming to stand on the top step of the podium in her new rainbow jersey.

Racing gets underway on Friday, September 27 in Mt Van Hoevenberg – Lake Placid.

Full schedule and event details are available HERE.

NYC Has it All!
What’s good in New York City? Everything. From delicious eats and iconic sights to our diverse neighborhoods and easily accessible transportation, there’s no better adventure than exploring the five boroughs. Plan your visit now to experience all the thrills of the world’s most welcoming city.