USA Cycling changes things up.

We have known about this for a few months now. Seems as is they have just released all the details about the change.

For 2009 USA Cycling will be doing away with the current category breakdown and adopting a more "global" system. Beginner, Sport and Expert are to be replaced with Categories 1, 2 and 3.

The "Pro Class" will be absorbing most of the current semi-pro field as they will be given the chance to move up. I imagine that many semi-pros will be downgrading to category 1 in fear of being swallowed whole by the pros.

There are going to be many critics of the new system. what ever USA Cycling seems to do there are critics and naysayers, I am by no mean defending them but I think this will make for a cleaner system. The current system has labels that give a direct connotation to the skill level of the rider that is always true. This generalization of a skill level will give some more credibility to the sport.

Want to read the fine print, click here USA Cycling

2009 Saint Group

Sea Otter will be the debut of the new 2009 Saint Group. It has been revamped quite a bit. Gold accents on all the trinkets and new branding will have the design gods happy. The newly designed rear der. will be able to be attached to any frame, regardless of your axle...thats was screwy and heavy. They have a double ring setup that will be offered in the freeride friendly, 83 shell. The new hubs will be center-lock like the older ones but the center-lock mechanism will be actuated with an X-Type BB tool. The shifter, well it's a shifter...oh thats right. They give you some extra mounting positions. Keep a keen eye on the Cannondale tent at "Ze Otter" I believe they will have the only bike with a full Saint setup. The new Moto maybe or the a Judge? Take pictures and send them to me. Lighter weight, compatibility and new look, I believe that Shimano may have done something right for once.
For those of you offended by that last statement...get a life its the internet.

CG's New 2009 Commencal Supreme DH

Just got some great shots from Commencal pertaining to Cedric's new race machine. You saw it here first.

This is CG's new frame for the 2008 DH season, and is an evolution of the prototype run last year, itself an evolution of his 2006 bike. Here are just a few of many changes made to his bike, compared with the 2008 production version of the Supreme DH:

- a lower shock mount to increase saddle height adjustment, and lower the centre of gravity
- a wider 83mm BB to increase rigidity (compared to 68mm for the 2008 production bike)
- 200mm of front and rear travel, with a 240mm x 76.5mm shock
- ISCG 05 chainguide mounts (compared to ISCG for the 2008 production bike)
- the possibility to adjust the braking balance of the bike via the rear disc brake mount (not visible in the photos)

The components on the bike are last years stuff, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to see what the final ride will look like. Oh, and C-Dog has his own custom frame geometry, of course...

BOS Suspension

Olivier Bossard is a man with a plan.

The new mountain bike suspension that is being released by his company BOS Suspension, is heralded to be ground breaking. The new fork “Idylle Pro” is traditional in orientation as opposed to the famous upside down fork made popular by fast frenchman Nicolas Vouilloz. The fork sports a piggyback reservoir at the base of the right leg. The reservoir is said to be identical to the new rear shock the “Stoy”.

Low and High-speed compression adjustments as well as the expected rebound clicker make up the adjustments on this pre production model. The final model will be available to the public in a month. With the Euro kicking the ass of the dollar lately expect to sell an organ or two in order to get one.

More soon...

New Commencal DH for 2009

The chaps at Commencal Owners Club, a portal site created by Real Cycles have posted up some photos of the new Prototype Commencal Supreme DH that will have a release date of 2009. The new frame that has been dipped in Dan Athertons favorite colors will feature a new shock placement and a longer stroke giving the frame approx. 8 inches of travel as opposed to the 7.15 from this past year. The lower, squat swingarm will offer more rigidity and the new downtube mates itself to a new shock shroud that is lower and incorporated into the pivot, bottom bracket assembly. (read as: lower center of gravity that will create excellent turning) Still sports the adjustable headtube and now a wider bottom bracket shell, 83mm will be the new standard for them. If Nick and Max quit arguing in the background maybe they can send out the TractionMag Team frames. We should be getting ours in a few weeks.

Bike Wars

It seems as if Specialized is in the market for some new blood. The yanks at Cannondale aren't having it. There immediate response had some bite but the more thought out, public response is sweetly sinister. Check out the cold sting here.
"Paging Mr. Sinyard to the HR department, Mr. Sinyard to HR..."

Kovarik to be tested for HGH

Just kidding about the hormones. He won with pure kangaroo power!
This press release from Nigel Page.
Chris Kovarik took the win and the money again at the 3rd Fontana winter series today. The conditions were back to the usual dry and dusty terrain usually found at Fontana. Even with a bobble entering the rock garden and missing the fastest line through Chris was able to take the win mainly due to his corner speed which was visibly much faster than the rest of the field as you watched them coming down a large percentage of the course.

The Fontana put on another great winter event keeping all the racers happy and also providing the pros with some nice big cheques.

Chris Kovarik 1:47.64
Aaron Gwin 1:49.35
Waylon Smith 1:49.50
Ian Odom 1:49.51
Ryan Condrashoff 1:50.12

Claire Buchar 2:02.60
Katrina Strand 2:10.58
Gabriela Williams 2:14.33
Lauren Peterson 2:14.58
Jenna Kowalski 2:16.84


--
Nigel Page

Here is Chris's new Chain Reaction Cycles paint job.

Sabbatical...

That term is borrowed from friend and fellow rider Mr. Slater. That is what has been going on here at the TractionMag head offices. We have our fingers in a lot of different pie and during the winter work takes over. A lot of things have been happening in the world of bike. We will not remind you of all these things.

We have some new writers that will be joining us. More art and music will grace the screen. The race team will be receiving the new prototype Commencals in the next few weeks, so expect reviews and detailed pictures. Race schedules are being posted for the upcoming season and travel plans are being made. Friends have been on the move Dave Smith broke up with Scott and is now with Dale. It is worth mentioning that Dale has been sold to Pacific.
Photo superstar Damian Breach will be a permanent resident of his Aussie homeland this year. Hopefully this does not drop the luscious coverage of the Great East Coast in all the MTB print mags.

Red Bull Rampage might be back for 2008 with funding from Freeride Entertainment.
This conjures memories of Minaar in blue jeans clipped in to his Global Orange!

Check back, I promise we will be here feeding your lifeless soul with garbage.

Rankin has stepped into the moto realm.

Been supremely busy with life lately. Sorry for the lack of posts, this should make up for it.



Alex is completely in tune with the sports he documents that you feel you are there trackside.

Greg Minnaar to join the Syndicate.

The Santa Cruz Syndicate is excited to welcome Greg Minnaar onto the Syndicate for the next two downhill racing seasons! We expect the addition of Minnaar to raise the bar even higher for the Syndicate and are eager to get the new Santa Cruz V-10 underneath him. Having Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie, and Josh Bryceland work and train together with Minnaar should elevate the playing field to new levels in the downhill arena.

Rob Roskopp (owner, Santa Cruz Bicycles), has had an eye on Minnaar for a few years now, and when Honda made the decision to end their involvement in downhill racing, Roskopp saw this as the chance he was waiting for to add Minnaar to the successful Syndicate program. Having talented bike racers with big personalities is a prerequisite for the Syndicate, and Minnaar brings his professionalism, engaging personality and dedication to his craft to the squad. Something that impressed Roskopp the most was Minnaar’s performance at the World Championships in Fort William, Scotland, when in his race run, he crashed and continued on to a successful 4th place finish with a dislocated shoulder and broken scapula suffered in the crash! Witnessing that type of mental determination and control was compelling for Roskopp to aggressively pursue signing Minnaar.

Roskopp comments, “I’m very excited to have Greg on the Syndicate. I admire his talent, professionalism and work ethic and have wanted him on the Syndicate for some time. The Syndicate will now have a broad range in the downhill squad from young, up and coming Josh, to seasoned pros and legends, and will truly be a very international group. Having Greg will be amazing, and I look forward to seeing him race on the V-10.”

“The most important factor for me in choosing a team I race for is the level of support, and the ability to race at my best. It’s clear that the Syndicate is driven by people who love to race. To have a race winning bike beneath me as well as team mates that will continue to push me, makes me very excited about the upcoming season. We are going to be a pretty tough team to beat!” says Minnaar.

Something we strive for in the Syndicate is to create an environment where each rider can express their unique individuality and develop their personas in the sport. Supporting and maintaining the momentum Minnaar has attained in his career will be a feature of his program.

Steve Peat remarks, “Greg is going to be a huge asset to the Syndicate. He and I have been friends since he first visited the UK, a long time ago, and I can see how his drive to win along with his professionalism will be a huge plus for us on the circuit. Welcome aboard Greg!”

Josh Bryceland excitedly says, “That's awesome news! I can't think of a much stronger group with Steve, Nathan and Greg! I have looked up to Greg as much as I have Nathan and Steve the whole time. His style and his consistency will just make the Syndicate even stronger! Also, we can both be newcomers together, ha-ha!”

Nathan Rennie welcomes Greg to the team with his sense of humor, “Looks like there are going to be three naked 6’ 3” men in the back of Steve’s van this year. I had enough trouble understanding Steve’s accent.... Welcome, and oh, by the way, that’s my sandwich Greg.”

Once again, it is with great pleasure that we make this announcement and welcome Greg to the Syndicate!


Kathy Sessler
Santa Cruz Syndicate
Team Manager

2008 NMBS...maybe UCI?

So we received a press release from "NMBS" stating the new 2008 race schedule and series finals and we spotted something in the text, I have highlighted it for you. It seems that some of our prayers have been answered. It seems that these will be UCI sanctioned events and will have the category of "C1" and "C2" which is for single day and two day events.
With the two North American Word Up Cups in the works and the potential to gain valuable points at the local level, I'd say you don't have any more excuses!

Edit: We have been told that in the past these events did hold the UCI seal of approval pertaining to XC we fired an email off to the heads at USA Cycling, the whole time our fingers were crossed that the Gravity Gods would be looking down on us.


Round 1
March 29 – March 30, 2008
UCI C1
Fontana National
Southridge Park
Fontana, California
XC/DH/ST/4X/Super D

Round 2
April 5 – April 6, 2008
UCI C1
NOVA National
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Fountain Hills, Arizona
XC/ST/Super D

Round 3
May 17 – May 18, 2008
UCI C2
Santa Ynez National presented by Platinum Performance
Ted Chamberlin Ranch
Los Olivos, California
XC/DH/DS/ST/Super D


Round 4
June 28 – June 29, 2008
UCI C1
Deer Valley National
Deer Valley Resort
Park City, Utah
XC/DH/DS/ST/Super D

Round 5 (This is why were hot!)
July 12 – July 13, 2008
UCI C1
East Coast National
Windham Resort
Windham, New York
XC/DH/DS/ST/Super D

Round 6, Series Final
August 30 – September 1, 2008
UCI C2
National Mountain Bike Series Finals
Tamarack Resort
Tamarack, Idaho
XC/DH/4Xor DS/ST/Super D

Mick Hannah Press Release

FROM THE MAN HIMSELF:
Press Release, 02 Nov 2008: Michael Hannah - 2008 Ride Plans

Michael Hannah has asked me to release the following to the MTB press:

"It seems that some of the MTB media have picked up on a media release regarding my 2008 plans and my relationship with Cannondale. Unfortunately a lot of the postings have contained inaccuracies and have left me in a position where I feel I have to set the record straight.

First of all my contract with Cannondale is still current until the end of the year and I have full intentions to honour that as Cannondale has always done the right thing by me.

Some time ago, Cannondale approached me with a plan for 2008. They left the ball in my court to decide on things and considering my time with Cannondale has been nothing but enjoyable, I really did think this was my future riding home. I could not make a decision by my deadline so I chose to let the offer go. To be honest nothing has really changed at all other than the fact that I have some opportunities arising at home and I am a little tired of traveling. I have been out riding for a number of years now, and even with the great support the Daniel (Hespeler), Rory (Mason) and all the rest of the Cannondale crew have always given me, I have found myself asking whether this is what I want to be doing next year (and perhaps beyond). I have always been a rider who likes to give 100% at every event and at this stage I am unsure of my future and Cannondale is not a company that deserves less than 100% from their riders.

My biggest regret is in not being able to put this into the proper words for those who have supported me, particularly Cannondale, and thus letting a situation be created where their brand could be hurt in anyway. I was stupid to share my thoughts with someone without explaining it properly or fully and the industry being what it is the next thing I know all of you are writing about my leaving Cannondale.

I want to state two things very clearly - I am not actively looking for another team although I have been approached AND I have never been happier with a bike than I have been with the Judge. To be honest guys, some of the waffle that I have seen written on the various forums is just not true. I have at this stage no plans for 2008 and do not intend actively looking for anything until I am sure in my own mind and heart that this is what I want to be doing. I want to spend more quality time with Hannah and my family for starters.

I would like to thank Cannondale for their awesome support and all of my other sponsors for their kind words - and in particular all of the people who have written about their disappointment in my perhaps not riding in the World Cup in 2008. This will not be the last you all see of me at that level - but it just might be in a different way in the future. Thanks to all of you."

Any queries should be directed to Michael.

Gavin Donehue

General Manager

Freesport Management

Eric Lichtenberger

Eric Lichtenberger Interview (Click Here)

Bachelor Pad

He may sleep in a coffin but...

Matt Beringers House
is quite the site, he has decided to remove all of the typical symbols of oppulence and strip it down to its most bare essentials. He has dedicated most of his time and energy into the grounds of the property. He has created an oasis in a sometimes desert of modern landscaping. He has been enable to capture the true essence of what it is to be Matt Beringer. In short, superbly awesome!
Check out the vid.
His backyard boasts a water slide, sans water.

MIck Hannah and Cannondale Break-Up

"Sometimes I rhyme slow, sometimes I rhyme Mick...."
The Cannondale Cut just got a bit slimmer as World Cup racer Mick Hannah has parted ways with the team. No word as of yet who he will be riding for in 2008 but with a sold win in Vigo this year and the power and commitment he shows to racing he will be sure to land a good gig.

Have you seen this?

No, I am not talking about that idiotic Oakley/Blair Witch Commercial hype project. I speak of "wideOpen", some boys out of the UK have been pumping these big PDF issues out for a little while now. A bi-monthly magazine, it covers all the UK has to offer from racing updates to new products. A bucket load of articles and hundreds of photos packed into each 80 plus page magazine. Remember LitterMag when you had to wait for each issue to drop from the heavens to feast your eyes on the alternative. Same idea, different execution. Not as cut and pasted together but at the same time thats what we all love about Litter. Wideopen! good guys doing some hard work. Check it out, they mean well and they did it for you, besides what else do you have to do at work.
CLICKHEREYOUFAIRY

Dirt Interviews Martin Whitely

"All the team bikes go to Japan and are compacted as per HRC policy on prototypes."
A very candid interview with the former head of G-Cross racing, Martin Whitely.
As for Greg and Brndan for 2008? A little birdy here and a little birdy there have mentioned TREK? Dirt Interview

Nitro Circus "Thrillbillies"

The East Coast is home to much of the history of this country. It also happens to be the home of Travis Pastrana. As most of you should know Pastrana is a MX phenom and Freestyle pioneer.
He has dabbled in rally cars and monster trucks and even film making. The Nitro Circus series of films documents all the bad decisions one can make with a throttle. Pastrana friend and TractionMag associate Jim Dechamp put us on a very elite list to help ring in the newest film "Thrillbillies. The premier is this Sunday in Annapolis, Maryland and if you are in the area and need an adrenaline fix, you now where to get it. Full report and insane party pics to come. I believe the term is "wideopen".
Thrillbillies Trailer

World Cup team shuffle

The shuffling has been underway for some time now. MS Racing dropped Kovarik (small change, sorry for the confusion) and he has joined forces with Nigel Page to continue rockin Intense courtesy of Steber, Lehikionen joins MS Racing taking Kovariks place, he is leaving the now defunct Honda Team. No word on Greg and Brendan as to where they will end up. Lopes got the pink slip from longtime sponsor GT and Kintners focus on the 2008 Olympics may be her saving grace with the deep rooted BMX company. The latest news to drop on our desk is the possible move by Fabien Barel to Lapierre Bicycles, Nico Vouilloz was testing and riding the bike for the French company all throughout 2007 and even showed his mug at Champery.
The confirmation has not come through from Lapierre but Subaru is def. on board with Barel for 2008 as for claims of Sabrina leaving Iron Donkey seem a bit far fetched we will have to see what pans out.

Earthed 5 "The Law of Fives"

Alex Rankin, the mastermind behind the "Earthed" series has recently released a trailer for his 5th installment. Droppin it like its hot. Beat that Dave!

LitterMag
has been revamped and our friend Damian Breach's coverage of Motocross of Nations is now live!