Introducing the 2022 Pinkbike Racing Team

Feb 7, 2022
by James Smurthwaite  


Pinkbike is going racing! We've dreamed about this day for a long time and we can officially share some details about our plans for the 2022 UCI World Cup downhill season.


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The 2022 Pinkbike Racing Team: Jackson Connelly, Aimi Kenyon, Thibault Laly, & Ben Cathro. Art by Taj Mihelich.


With Ben Cathro at the helm, we're hoping to do things a bit differently with our team. After our State of the Sport Survey last year, we were shocked at how little support many of the juniors and lower ranked riders are getting today. The financial commitments required for many young riders to race a full season are so high that it generally requires enormous sacrifice from their family or they simply have to watch their racing dreams evaporate. We don't want World Cup racing to be where only the most affluent are able to compete, so we're setting out to help juniors and riders on the bubble that need support to break through and build a foundation for sustainable racing careers.


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We're providing the team with wages, full race support, top quality race bikes and we'll be covering all their World Cup racing expenses. so that the only things they have to worry about happen between the tape. We'll also be documenting the entire season so you can watch the struggles and successes as they race at the sport's highest level. So, without any further ado, let's meet the team.


The Riders

Jackson Connelly

Jackson Connelly was winning everything there was to win in Australia (including four National Championships and 2 Oceanian championships) up until this year. Unfortunately when he became a first year junior, Australia wouldn't grant him a permit to leave the country as he wasn't on a UCI team, so he was forced to sit out the series and watch it at home on Red Bull like the rest of us.

Now he's a part of Pinkbike Racing, Jackson will be competing as a second year junior finding his feet in on the European race scene for the first time. As if that wasn't hard enough, Jackson is also rehabbing from an offseason surgery and is fighting to be fit in time for the season.
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Category: Junior Men
Age: 17
Hometown: Jindabyne, Australia
Instagram: @jackson_connelly



Aimi Kenyon

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Category: Junior Women
Age: 16
Hometown: Inverness, Scotland
Instagram: @aimi_kenyon
Aimi is the youngest member of the Pinkbike racing team but has shown amazing potential in her short racing career so far. In 2021, she completed a perfect season with 4 British National wins and the National Championship all under her belt, what's more impressive is that she won with times that were rivalling those of the elite women too.

Stepping up to World Cup level will be a challenge with stronger competition, tougher tracks and increased pressure but Aimi has bags of potential and the drive to succeed at the highest level.



Thibault Laly

Well, we had to have a Frenchie, right? At 24 years old, Thibault Laly comes to Pinkbike Racing at a crossroads in his career. He has been racing since he was a teenager, has achieved junior World Cup podiums, and has been invited to Hardline in the past. But he's yet to crack into the fabled Elite top 20.

Those of you who follow racing closely will know that Thibault joins us from a factory team, but he hasn't always had the support that you may think that might entail. Pinkbike Racing will allow him to focus more of his time on racing and we can't wait to see how this leg-up will boost his career. We're hoping he'll be able to find the missing ingredient that makes him a regular top 20 rider as part of the team.
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Category: Elite Men
Age: 24
Hometown: Clermont Ferrand, France
Instagram: @laly_tbo



Ben Cathro

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Category: Elite Men
Age: 34
Hometown: Pitlochry, Scotland
Instagram: @ben_cathro
Anchoring the whole project, Ben 'Line Guy' Cathro should need no introduction. Pinkbike Racing was born out of Ben's time as The Privateer, when he helped Jamie Edmondson and Mikayla Parton kickstart their careers in Lourdes 2020.

Ben will be the team's coach and will be using his technical knowledge and World Cup experience to help the rest of the team find that missing ingredient to help them achieve their goals. Alongside that, he'll be producing his usual mix of content for Pinkbike will be hoping to enter a few World Cups himself to improve on his stellar run of form from last year.


Partners:

No, the team won't be racing on the Grim Donut this year (the Donut's superiority would be unfair to all the other teams, obviously) but we've got plenty of great support. A team that isn't focused only on getting the most results for the least money is a rare thing in this sport, and we couldn't have made this project work without partners who get it. We're incredibly grateful to these sponsors who have embraced this project and the goal of the team.

Continental - tires
Shimano - drivetrain, brakes and pedals
Santa Cruz - frames
Reserve Wheels - wheels
Dharco - clothing
Deity - cockpit
Bluegrass - helmets and protection
Adidas Five Ten - footwear
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We also want to extend a special thank you to Mondraker and the MS Mondraker team for helping us out of a hole at the 11th hour. All will be explained as the series kicks off in the spring.

PS. The series will be available publicly on Pinkbike.

Author Info:
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Member since Nov 14, 2018
1,770 articles

295 Comments
  • 423 0
 So cool, such a good initiative and a nice way to bring good riders a lot more visibility ! Congrats Ben and pinkbike for your hard work !
  • 35 0
 I can't wait to see the bikes
  • 42 0
 Should be called the Pinkbike-GRMLVY . Running on Donuts, much puns and endless spyshots.
  • 78 2
 Those jerseys are sick!
  • 45 1
 @tbubier: agreed, I reckon a replica with just the stripes and pinkbike racing on it would sell really well.
  • 20 1
 @tbubier: 100% Such a cool colourway. Reminds me of old 70/80s racing livelrys
  • 25 3
 This is like rooting for the completion of the Death Star just because you loved Anakin as a pod racer.
  • 1 0
 Luv the flying skate Canucks colours.
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: nerd. (upvoted, tho)
  • 1 0
 BWT would be a good partner.
  • 3 0
 @tbubier: Jerseys are SO sick! This is an amazing initiative, can’t wait to see what comes of 2022...
  • 6 11
flag fabwizard FL (Feb 7, 2022 at 19:23) (Below Threshold)
 @DirtbagMatt: I don't get the rip off. These are 70s colours. They were on everything.

Unless you want want to complain about 70s appropriation.

It's just a retro colour jersey.

Why don't you complain about Toyota ripping off the colours.
  • 6 1
 @catweasel: I would for sure pay money to buy jersey's and t-shirts. Let's get that going!!
  • 4 13
flag onemanarmy FL (Feb 7, 2022 at 20:32) (Below Threshold)
 @fabwizard: That's the first explanation I've seen that makes any sense in regards to them using those stripes. But if I'm not mistaken they were red/orange/yellow with yellow being double the size of the other 2... and the stripes were touching.

This is clearly a TRD rip off. Or FOX.

@fabwizard People aren't complaining about Toyota ripping off the colors because they were using those stripes in a motorsports format when they weren't vintage... they were just cool. They were off the back a little bit compared to FOX but that stripe format has become synonymous with TRD. Kinda like Kleenex is a brand but pretty much everyone calls snot rags that. It's the layout that makes it weak. Use the colors if you're trying to pull off a retro vibe but not in that specific format with the the logo breaking it up exactly like the TRD badges.

Would have been cooler and made more sense if they did sleeve stripes like the old Canucks jerseys.
  • 35 1
 @onemanarmy:

TRD?
FOX?

I just thought the team was being sponsored by K & N Air Filters?
  • 3 0
 @catweasel: I would definitely get a few
  • 6 0
 @blowmyfuse: HAHA good call on K&N..Obviously they knew what they were doing - it's not like they just lifted the BRE Datsun stripes from a 510 or 240Z but those are sick too.....
  • 6 2
 Hey PinkBike, this is an awesome move. I think a lot of us here would like to support in some small way. Maybe you could add some item to the store (team socks or jersey or something) that we can purchase and the revenues go directly to the team?
  • 2 4
 @Hayek: That's a good idea. But I'd modify that to be... go towards paying the athletes. Most of these athletes don't make all that much money. Outside can afford to fund the team.
  • 4 1
 @blowmyfuse: K&N doesn't use Yellow... and the stripes touch... and only run horizontally. Believe it was part of rebrand/refresh. It used to just be colored letters.

And K&N was founded in 1969... and they're a motorsports brand.

Ken and Norm both came from the same background as Bob Fox.... racing motos.
  • 1 3
 I think Outside should sponsor a Beta team and leave PB alone.
  • 1 0
 @tbubier: Was expecting pink shirts, not sure where these colors come from. Cathro sure already has experience in pink gear (back when racing for MTB-cut, when not in a black skinsuit) and it probably helps them get noticed. Unless all other teams go with Muc-Off colorways, of course.
  • 7 0
 Honestly, as long as Cathro is on board, I'm stoked.
  • 1 2
 Love these colors. Don’t understand though the competition to point the rip off source as closely as possible… Ethics got robbed.
  • 1 0
 @catweasel: I'd buy one!
  • 9 2
 @blowmyfuse: amazing, I will see if K&N will sponsor us.

Full disclosure we just sent a bunch of old VHS tape graphics and the Pinkbike + Outside pantone colours to the designer Paul Mullen (www.paulmullen.co.uk) and he came up with a nice little retro brand pack.

@Hayek: I love the idea of getting some jerseys/socks/etc into the store to help support the team. I'll look into it.
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: Which pantone color was related to Pinkbike? Red? Also, what's the association with the VHS tape? I was expecting you to use the chainstay protector but it isn't mentioned on the jersey.
  • 2 0
 @steviestokes: reminds me of the Toyota Racing Stripes in the 80's. One day I'll get my 2nd gen painted with those strips
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: I would defo get a jersey and some socks especially if it goes to helping the team!! DOO EET!!!
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: Please please do the Jerseys! Love it.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: did you just give me a K&N fact sheet? I think you did.

Someone has a liking for details. Beer
  • 1 0
 @blowmyfuse: nah I could go way deeper. Branding nerd for sure.
  • 417 1
 Nice work making it clear which is the outside of the Jersey! I'm assuming it says 'Inside' on the inside as well?
  • 11 5
 Ha! This is such an under rated comment!
  • 1 0
 @kcy4130: he nailed the tempo!
  • 25 5
 Was going to give you a "+" but decided I didn't want your comment behind a paywall.
  • 8 0
 Does this mean that they will not be emphasizing the inside lines?
  • 3 2
 @pink505: I wonder how is Outside affording this team without a paywall that Pinkbike prognosticators predicted?

Regardless, this is probably the coolest thing Pinkbike has ever done.
  • 2 0
 if they now label, which side is front and which is back, it would be so helpfull!
  • 1 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: did you never see the actual pink bikes they raced in the early 2000's?
Hideous...but cool
  • 179 3
 The graphics look dope. Very reminiscent of vintage Toyota TRD tri-color. Well done
  • 16 0
 Back in the Ivan "The Ironman" Stewart days. Had an '80 & a ''86 I pre-runnered out.
  • 7 0
 @Augustus-G: I just touched that actual trophy truck he raced a couple days ago!
  • 11 0
 For sure old Toyota Racing energy!
  • 2 0
 @stormracing: Where at?
I always thought they were cool little trucks.
Now the trophy trucks are monsters.
  • 2 0
 Thinking the same thing!
I saw a Blu/white one with the yellow/red the other day.
T'was dope.
  • 5 0
 @Augustus-G: it was at King of the Hammers last week. It was wild how different they are now! It was only on 35s, had no bypasses, was IRS, single seat, sat super low… etc

But dang, it’s freaking cool truck!! Piece of art for sure and with him in it, he’d still beat so much of today’s racers/trucks!
  • 8 1
 Yellow, orange, red - damned, where's the PINK???
  • 3 0
 I'm old so I was thinking of the 80's Specialized logo:

www.ebay.com/itm/373684717099
  • 8 5
 Reminiscent? It's a straight rip-off copy.
  • 3 1
 @justinfoil: almost, they reversed the order, but look to be the exact same colors. Toyota was red, orange, yellow. Pinkbike is Yellow, orange, red....
  • 4 2
 When I saw the Toyota Heritage Stripes, I assumed Toyota was one of the sponsors. Nope. Just some designer with no imagination ripping them off.
  • 3 0
 @turbo8: Depends on which side of the truck you're standing. Red was always on the trailing edge.
The PB version would be correct for the Drivers side. Smile
  • 4 1
 @Augustus-G: Generally speaking when used vertically and not on a vehicle they're yellow/orange/red. But I've seen it used both ways.

Bell used the exact same stripe pattern on their custom 500. But again... they have a motorsports history with true heritage going back to the 50's.

FOX used it as well.... before there was a head and tail.

Those are all 3 motorsports brands with real heritage.

It's not an uncommon set up to use, but this layout is about as rip off as it gets.

I really am curious what story they're going to try and tell.
  • 2 0
 @Augustus-G: those are the god dang best
  • 2 0
 @Augustus-G: Thanks for those photos. Can't believe that dude was iron manning Baja races in those trucks. Most people aren't even doing it in todays trucks.
  • 2 0
 @stormracing: Sick - I almost went to KOH last week but I have to save my big annual Mojave trip for Fall this year. Hammertown! I'm just a geezer in a 3rd gen 4Runner but I'm into the desert scene!
  • 115 1
 That would be so cool if we could buy the jersey and profits could go supporting the team !
  • 3 1
 THIS!
  • 7 0
 Tought the same. Im in buying the jersey to support the team
  • 4 0
 I love this idea! A similar version of that kit should be made available to the public, I would absolutely buy one, looks mint!
  • 2 0
 I would 100% buy one, maybe even both.
  • 2 0
 100% in for this!!
  • 12 0
 I'll look into this for sure.
  • 91 0
 Better be reppin Pink Bikes
  • 42 0
 I am pretty sad we aren't seeing a Racing Point level of commitment to the colour Pink.
  • 24 0
 This seems like a perfect opportunity for Santa Cruz to get away from their current "most boring color possible" color schemes, and back to the glory days when they had options like the "Miami Vice" Nomad and "Aggressive Salmon" Bronson:

www.santacruzbicycles.com/files/styles/scb_natural_2000_auto/public/frame-thumbs/nomad-profile_1.jpg
www.santacruzbicycles.com/files/styles/scb_natural_2000_auto/public/frame-thumbs/bronson_website_profile_1.jpg
  • 5 0
 The pink bikes are going to be an awful clash with these jerseys
  • 9 0
 @atourgates: I always thought that Bronson colour was dog dick pink.
  • 3 0
 @atourgates: fun fact, the color of that Bronson was called Kalimotxo, wich is the name given in Spain to a beverage consisting of red wine and coke
  • 1 0
 @atourgates: Rainbow Unicorn puke, no thanks
  • 3 1
 @atourgates: That won't happen. Santa Cruzes are stereotypical dad bikes and therefor they need dad bike colours.
  • 1 0
 @RoboDuck: When has PB ever been pink?
  • 2 0
 @atourgates: They don't make those any more? Damn, that's still how I see a Santa Cruz in my head. That and Tyler Klassens anodised orange vpfree.
  • 1 0
 @Muscovir: But if I'm a very stereotypical dad and owned both of those colors, doesn't that make them dad bike colors?
  • 1 0
 @atourgates: what the hell is this dad things even mean? Don't get the concept of dad jokes too.
  • 53 0
 Congrats for this, very necessary. Will be cool if you could have somehow a full or partial disclosure of budgets maybe with a dataset at the end of the season reporting to us mortals the real costs of running a team, how much you get from sponsorship, what the costs of doing the WC series and paying your athletes are etc. I think many privateers attempting to join the world stage and people who are interested in launching a team without enough support could benefit from that knowledge, not to mention us avid readers and commenters. Cheers Ben!
  • 6 0
 This please!
  • 5 0
 Seconded. This ^^ please.
  • 46 6
 This is cool as hell and well worth tolerating some paywalled posts on the main feed. Chapeau PB, stoked to follow this initiative!
  • 42 1
 The TRD colors look great! Hope you're all using Tacomas lol
  • 15 0
 Well duh, its mountain biking. It's the law!
  • 2 0
 @Connerv6: only gen 2 and older accepted. bonus points for the pre-tacoma pickup
  • 36 0
 Ben Cathro is the coolest guy ever. Really like his chilled style (off the bike, on the bike it's serious business!!).

Best of luck this year!!!!
  • 5 0
 Sound bloke indeed. This should be a tremendous series
  • 32 2
 So that’s where the Outside money went!
  • 13 2
 I know! That picture and frame with accompanying mug must have set them back dollars, if not, tens of dollars! And that hair cut...... we could be talking like $26 or $27 now !
  • 4 0
 Money well spent then.
  • 1 1
 I'm actually surprised the corporate overlords allowed this.
  • 20 0
 Everybody talking about the TRD colors and I'm just here like.. eight - oh - muthafkn - eight www.electronicbeats.net/app/uploads/2016/12/808.jpg
  • 3 0
 YES
  • 1 0
 Checkout the latest Hoverkraft offering
  • 3 0
 YES
  • 22 2
 Something's wrong here... None of these riders appear to have a BMX background.
  • 9 0
 cathro makes a 29er look like a BMX
  • 20 0
 Not sure Pinkbike woulda had the resources to do this without Outside. My body is ready for the downvotes.
  • 4 0
 Does it matter? It's happening now, and it'll be fun to watch. Who cares if Outside is helping?

Even if Outside is doing a lot of the heavy financial lifting, it kind of proves that it was a good idea from their end for them to buy PB. They wouldn't be throwing money at something they didn't think would have some kind of return.
  • 9 1
 When the outside thing was announced they specifically cited a racing team as something it would make possible. I’m still skeptical about the outside ownership, but the fact is so far it’s been a net positive for the site other than the comment sections being dominated by tired bitching about things that haven’t happened.
  • 21 2
 TRD Pro
  • 64 4
 TRD is a sketchy acronym to play with in the era of CLLCTV...
  • 2 0
 It almost looks like an exact copy of the TRD colors. I even checked to see if they were being sponsored by Toyota.
  • 5 2
 @rossluzz: I'm pretty sure Toyota is a sponsor for Pinkbike as a whole - you can see in a bunch of their videos that they have a Tundra and a Tacoma with big Pinkbike logos on the side. Maybe the colors are a "hidden ad" like Ferrari still using Marlboro colorways in their F1 logos and their title sponsor being a front company funded by Phillip Morris, etc
  • 22 3
 @sjma: You're getting way ahead of yourself. We just think they look nice.
  • 9 1
 @calmWAKI: Makes me wonder if TURD is trademarked by Scott bikes. After all, they've been putting it in huge letters on the downtube of their bikes.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: hah! if I didn’t overthink things I wouldn’t think at all. Agreed on the fun color way though Smile
  • 14 0
 This is SOOO SICK ! Between Neko's custom frame team and now the PinkBike SQUAD this will be an exciting season! Just let us know how those Continental tires do! Always down to try something other than the usual Maxxis lineup!
  • 1 1
 Yip, Michelin, easily as good if not better than Ma***s !
  • 15 0
 Interesting comment about Mondraker. Looking forward to hearing the backstory there.
  • 6 2
 Sounds like SC couldn't deliver the frames in time so the are gonna start with Mondrakers?
  • 6 0
 @suspended-flesh: Cathro's IG account has him building up a SC frame. A bit behind the schedule, but probably enough to be ready for round 1?
  • 4 0
 Maybe they all trained on Mondys, as said above. If he's building an SC they must have good stock now. This is going to be a brilliant series and kudos to PB and Cathro for really REALLY giving back. This is great for the sport. PS. We all want those jerseys!!!!!
  • 3 0
 @steviestokes: the jerseys are hella fresh! Yeah, guess we'll find out what's up with Mondraker bit in due time.
  • 2 0
 @steviestokes: Ah, the training makes the most sense. yeah.
  • 2 0
 Thibault was previously riding Mondraker frames so I assume this will have to do with him specifically, like helping the old team let him go before contract expiry or something like that. Ben also mentioned there's a bit of a story behind getting Thibault on board. I highly doubt this is about riding, let alone racing, any other frames than ones from the team sponsor.
  • 12 0
 Man, and a super fresh kit! Take away the sponsor logos and I'd wear that for sure. Excited to see how this goes and hopefully it becomes a regular thing
  • 10 2
 I see no suspension sponsors.

How about Hayes/Manitou for brakes and suspension? You guys should roll on the revised Dorado. Would be pretty neat to see them return to WC racing.
  • 1 0
 They have Shimano for brakes.
  • 20 7
 They're trying to get results
  • 3 1
 Hayes/Manitou are sponsoring the Gamux Factory team for '22 - considering they traded up from Ohlins suspension and over from XTR braking duties, all they need is strategy and some hot runs to be competitive

...As for the other comment RE: results, it's hard to get them when your racing budget is near minimal to non-existent, the SRAM/RS and Fox/Marz racing budgets seem almost bottomless and it's kinda lame to see the same stuff on the podium week after week
  • 2 2
 @therealmancub: Switching from Öhlins to Manitou is a downgrade though...
  • 3 0
 @therealmancub: It’s possible that suspension has so much effect on the bike and is so difficult to get right that big companies with big research budgets actually make a better product that gives an advantage. To say nothing of the fact that Fox has an absurd amount of suspension experience from motor sports that can’t be replaced in a startup.

Obviously it’s fun to think the boutique shops have some secret sauce the big guys are too unwieldy to make, but it’s not at all obvious that there’s room to improve significantly on the foundation of the big offerings. Maybe it pays to drop a custom tune or vorsprung upgrade on it, but actually buying a helm or onyx? Seems like that’s more of a cool factor purchase than actual performance driven.
  • 3 0
 @Blackhat: I agree with you, but for all the top racers, I'm sure they are getting custom tunes on their suspension anyway so it probably doesn't matter that much if they have a fox 40 or the suntour equivalent imo. I could be wrong but I suspect a great mechanic can tune the product to perform the way the rider desires for the most part.
  • 2 0
 @11six: You’re probably not wrong about the systems on the World Cup. Though the lengths they have to go to may vary- Henry’s recent podcast included a story of a team gluing their sponsors compression dials onto a damper from a big manufacturer. The best mechanic in the world can’t tune a motion control damper to work at WC level. But regardless of what their sponsor provides, they’ll find a way to get equipment that works at a competitive level.

I mainly wanted to push back on the idea that the products couldn’t possibly be the source of the difference, because by all accounts the current top level products from the big 2 are quite extraordinary.
  • 2 0
 @Blackhat: I agree with you on both points. A good mechanic can't do much with a RS recon, but brands like Manitou and Ohlins are right there with Fox and RS on the premium suspension side, if just a tick behind. But I think the rider more than makes up for the minute difference in comparing top level suspension. And at the same time I don't think smaller companies could every really overtake a brand like Fox who has decades of experience with racing suspension and buckets of money for R&D.
  • 12 1
 This is almost making me consider to forgive Outside.
  • 11 1
 Are you selling those jerseys?
  • 8 0
 Anyone else realize how f'in cool our sport is?
  • 28 24
 Finally doing a race team. Rad. Going to be a nice source of content for Pinkbike. Especially with Cathro at the helm. Smart.

This is gonna get downvoted to oblivion but that's fine.

As for the jerseys.... personally I think they're lame. Does Outside have some sort of old race heritage that I'm unaware of? Serious question. Those are heritage racing stripes. FOX, Toyota/TRD and others have used them since the 70's. Outside has heritage back to 76 but Pinkbike doesn't. And as far as I know it has nothing to do with motorsports and racing.

All you did was take the FOX/TRD stripes and slap them on a jersey. Thinking.. hey heritage... cool. We'll borrow real heritage and put it on our jersey. Least you could have done is used them creatively. Fake heritage is wack.

So yeah... looking forward to the race content and more Cathro. Jerseys... meh.
  • 1 0
 I thought I recognized it from somewhere
  • 2 0
 I thought I was the only one.
  • 7 1
 Agreed. And I don't think it matters even if Outside did have some Fox or TRD motorsports heritage, this isn't motorsports. Those colors, especially in that pattern, were used by teams at the top of their game while they were earning their legacy. It's literally why everyone is yelling about how cool they look.

But to blatantly (again, just look how many people immediately pointed it out... it's not at all subtle) coopt the design for a brand-new unproven team, that's just lame. Pick your own design and build your own legacy, don't ride the coat-tails of others just to try and add false legitimacy to your efforts.

Maybe maybe maybe if they had a full Fox Racing sponsorship, at least at the level of the Shimano or SC deals, using the tri-color would make a tiny bit of sense.
  • 6 1
 Agreed. They might have well has made the jerseys in the Gulf livery. It's not even cheeky or re-interpreting the look. Odd given that PB has so much original design across their merch.

It reminds me of this "homage": deluxecycles.nyc/collections/trd - Not as well designed, but also not an actual team.
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: well, it’s pink bike
  • 4 0
 @ThermalAttorney:

At least they didn't knock off the Rich Energy F1 look.
  • 1 0
 Pink bike had a Canadian racing team back in the day. Calgary cycle and Santa Cruz supported them.
  • 1 0
 @d-man: Thought that was the Calgary Cycles team supported by Pinkbike and SC, Oakley and others?

And back in the day being... 2006 or 2007? What ever happened to Justin Willoughby?

I think Pinkbike supported quite a few people/teams in that like 2006-2009 time frame? Pinkbike Divinci in 2007-2008. Etc. But I'm getting old because that doesn't seem like back in the day to me. LOL!
  • 6 1
 you're a heritage racing stripe
  • 2 2
 Never thought I'd see pinkbike commenters get so woke about cultural appropriation
  • 3 4
 @pmhobson: Apparently the culture of vintage motorsports is more dear to our readership than basic human rights and freedoms.
  • 3 0
 @youreapinkbikecomment: Excellent concept and execution.
  • 5 0
 This is pretty awesome.

It would be interesting to have an informal race of the pro team on the “budget” bike versus the Pinkbike staff members on the “baller” bike.
  • 9 2
 That's a serious line-up.
  • 9 3
 The Grim Donut is a do it all enduro bike, I'm glad the whole team will be riding the 2022 Grim Donut DH.
  • 7 0
 Cathro is one of the most intelligent moves PB has made.
  • 5 0
 Good to see another Young female highlander getting the chance to prove they’re talent, which she has plenty of for such a young age!
  • 4 0
 Another Highlander on the WCs.
Is Inverness the new South of France, with shitty weather?
Hahaha....not yet, but it's great to see Aimi Kenyon, Greg Williamson and Jamie Edmonson (Grantown is not far away) up there!!!!
  • 1 0
 You missed out Henry Kerr (the Irish boy from Nairn).
The scene is soooo good up here just now, how luck are we eh.
All we need now is some hills with the odd track on them Smile
  • 1 0
 @betsie: I knew I was leaving somebody oot!!!
A chairlift at the Mast maybe?????
  • 2 0
 @Bitelio: omg, how good would that be, could do with one at Dallas too.
We have people at the top of most categories in Dh and Enduro up here just now, not bad as we have to travel to unfamiliar tracks to race.
Imagine if folk came to race our local tracks/trails!!!

And the building and maintenance scene is buoyant just now all over the place.
The sport is in such a great place.
  • 6 1
 Let us know if you need some real VHS product to go with that sweet artwork.
  • 4 0
 Aw yeah!! Aimi is rad! We met her on the uplift last weekend and she was really nice - has some real pace as well ---we will cheer for her like crazy once the racing starts
  • 4 0
 Great initiative and seems like an interesting balance of athletes at different stages in their career! Looking forward to watching.
  • 3 0
 I’m with the crowd on the jerseys. Say you’ll put the profit toward the team, including rider salaries, then shut up and take my money!
  • 4 0
 You would have to make it without all of the sponsor logos. I'm sure they don't want to be associated with all of the Friday Fails they will be featured in! ;-)
  • 1 0
 Guys, you can’t use the Toyota Heritage logo and just reverse the order of the colors… I’m a designer and I’d happily create something unique which supports your well established brand. Please consider revising or better yet, let me help. Thanks for what you all do and good luck with the season.
  • 5 0
 Stoked to see Cathro make it on the team!
  • 6 1
 Repsol Honda vibes with these kits and I am here for it...
  • 4 0
 Good luck Ben and rest of the team as well. Now Henry, do your job and grab the wrenches
  • 1 0
 Other takeaways:

1) Brave strike-through choices on the VHS.

2) Should have a translator sponsor. I'm learning French as I'll be moving to France later this year, but those Scots. When my mom (Glaswegian born) got to talking with her sister on the phone I could never tell what the hell was going on. In fact I think Ben was talking to another Scot on the phone at the start of the vid, and I thought he called Jackson an "Australian ginger". I think I'd have an easier time chatting with Thibault. And Jackson, well, who doesn't love an Aussie accent and slang that I think references stuff that can kill me.
  • 1 0
 Great idea to create an own racing team and to bring support to young, qualified racers.
It would be so interesting to get more information about the backround of such a team. How many people are working behind the scene? What are you doing right now, to bring on the team? How many mechanics are working? What's the team managers job? Who cares about logistics, how many spare parts do you carry to each race? How do you find the right physiotherapist? What about the costs of one race weekend? How do you carry spare parts to overseas? What about the training of your ambassadors? How do they get fit for the races. How do they train their abilitys? Who is supporting them mental and preparing them for a race weekend....
So many thing which would be so interesting and what "Fox Dialed" only gives a glimpse about but never gets into details. What about the payment of the riders? Do they get money? Or do they get parts and material support? Who does suspension advisory... so many things and you can make tonns of content which would be sooo interesting to get more knowledge about.
  • 1 0
 Holy shit a rider from Clermont-Ferrand !!!
Awesome.
Not the best place to ride in France, but quite a good one : see this project : spots.bike (which aims to inventory the MTB spots around Clermont-Ferrand)
  • 5 2
 Dam I didn't make it. I thought my pitch of being a mediocre middle age guy went over better with the high ups at Pinkbike.
  • 1 1
 Yea I could have used this 25 years ago
  • 4 0
 They don‘t have supension. Maybe they ride with air shocks.
  • 2 0
 Don't forget the Air Guitars
  • 3 0
 They'll just slap on whatever Pinkbike gets sent for review. Cathro gets the Himalo fork to prove that line choice trumps suspension adequacy.
  • 9 5
 How is WAKI not part of the team??
  • 4 0
 Spiritual Dishwasher
  • 3 0
 @suspended-flesh: Sounds like honest job!
  • 12 8
 Nothing better than sharpied out sidewalls
  • 2 4
 This needs more up votes. Valid comment.
  • 4 1
 Dhr Kaiser Projekt
  • 3 0
 @JDFF: Maybe if it had any basis in reality - all continental teams run Conti tires, and if you visit any sponsored rider's Instagram you'll see they are on new model tires that look very close to release.
  • 1 5
flag JDFF FL (Feb 7, 2022 at 21:00) (Below Threshold)
 @cbrandt: I've been to lots of races where sponsored riders have shredded Conti tires right out of the gates. Enduro and DH. Never have seen other brands with that ratio of failures. Especially considering not many racers actually run Conti's. As far as future models/improvements go, that sounds great, I really hope they have improved. I'm all for everyone having good reliable tires!!! I really want Team PB to be on the best equipment possible.
  • 2 3
 @JDFF: Don't worry, they will be.... Hence sharpies!!
  • 5 1
 @JDFF: cathro actually ran contis last year, no sharpies there, i guess this wont change.
  • 6 1
 Not necessary. If the Conti's are good enough for Gee Atherton, they are good enough for everybody else (including you).
  • 1 0
 I am really excited this is a thing. I am excited about the group of folks racing and the good intentions Pink Bike has. I am upset they are not on Grim Donuts, but they do have to be competitive.... so I get it.
  • 4 0
 Sell me that jersey
  • 1 0
 They should have based the jersey design like Pabst Blue Ribbon. We seen enough of those around trail heads and the design is sweet. The “PBR”team would be awesome.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Pinkbike!!!! The Privateer was great videos. Ben, I hope you can work your magic on these youngsters. I will be watching out for the videos with huge antcipation.
  • 3 0
 Please tell Conti to make enduro tires that are actually tubeless, thanks!
  • 3 0
 Go Thibault! Animoz fan here !
  • 2 0
 This is so sick! Love the initiative aimed at supporting up & comers as well. C'mone Line Guy - 2022 is your year!
  • 2 0
 This is really awesome! Look forward to hearing more on the background, and following the riders through the season
  • 3 1
 I think we need to be able to buy those jerseys, they look so sick. Big props to PB for this team!
  • 1 0
 At 1:50 did anyone else get confused and thought Ben said, "talking about the writers, from youngest to oldest". Just me? Okay. Congrats, this is rad.
  • 2 0
 my and my 2 french buddies are gonna wait for you guys at Mont Sainte-Ann and well cheer as hard as possible.
  • 2 0
 What a great program and I love the kit! Reminds me of the classic Toyota Racing liveries.
  • 1 0
 This is such a great idea. Kudos to Pinkbike for giving support to the future and up and comers. This would make a great series to watch.
  • 3 0
 Umm let’s see the BIKES
  • 2 0
 Excellent stuff PB to support the riders!! Will those jerseys be up for sell? That are hot!!!
  • 2 0
 When do we get to see the pink bike bikes and is there going to be a pink bike
  • 1 0
 Gnarly DUDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 So Stoked for Jackson, he did amazing things on his Norco and I'm so excited to see what the next chapter holds for him.
  • 1 0
 I am really hoping that they didn't have to sell the rights to Pink Bike Academy to Amazon, to afford this team.
  • 3 0
 way to go Cathro.
  • 2 0
 Good move PB, Cathro is the coolest!
  • 1 0
 I second this. Great idea, and Cathro is awesome. This actually has me quite pumped for the team!
  • 2 0
 Yeah this is cool. Can’t wait for race season!
  • 2 0
 Great initiative, good luck all. Can't wait for the racing to start!
  • 3 1
 I am going to buy the shit out of that jersey.
  • 4 1
 I presume they will be giving them away for free. They are a walking adverts
  • 5 0
 @CM999: I expect that your presumption will prove to be incorrect.
  • 2 0
 White shirt in the mud? Are you sure O_O?
  • 1 0
 Did you watch any WC races last year? Plenty of all-white kits out there already.
  • 2 0
 what if they ride grim doughnuts?
  • 1 0
 Called PBR to happen on the Grim Donut post now here we are, all we need is Yoann Barelli and some Grim Donuts (maybe v3?!)
  • 2 0
 I heard Ben is going to race the Grim Donut at Lourdes.
  • 2 0
 post the budgets, costs and expenses.
  • 1 0
 This is so cool! The jerseys look greatx If this works well, do you think you guys would do the same thing enduro and xc??
  • 3 0
 PNKBK RC TM
  • 2 0
 Ivan Stewart your drivers and Toyota trophy trucks your vehicles?
  • 2 0
 So they have a Mondraker background...?
  • 2 0
 That Outside logo must be there!
  • 3 1
 can anyone confirm if any team members have a bmx background?
  • 2 0
 Super cool, we’ll done Pinkbike
  • 1 0
 Very cool! Seems like a pretty solid crew Cathro has managed to assemble. Looking forward to the racing season!
  • 4 3
 Conflict of interest anyone ?
How can we trust reviews and information any longer ?
  • 2 3
 did you ever trust them?
  • 1 0
 @mtb-scotland:

I did ! Especially Mike L ones
  • 1 0
 They've had various sponsorships for years. They've managed this by being very specific about what the sponsorship buys them and kept different outlets separate. For example the review team don't do the same kind of sponsored content that Tom, Christina, Jason, etc have. I think it's worked well. GMBN have a different model where sponsorship covers the whole channel, so they can no longer do reviews. Which is a bit of a shame imo.
  • 1 1
 @Navarchus: The same Mike L whose review of the Status was taken down because he didn't know what bike he was riding and just regurgitated Spec's marketing info (for the wrong bike though)? I love the guy as a presenter and entertainer but not sure about treating his reviews seriously.
  • 2 0
 Nice to be involved in racing!
  • 1 0
 This was such an awesome idea. Glad to see PB putting the money where their mouth is.
  • 1 0
 Livery reminds me of Toyota from the 80's or 90's. If that was intentional, bravo. If not intentional, bravo anyway.
  • 1 0
 Common Pinkbike........Ben and Aimi for the win!!!!!
  • 1 4
 This is great news, however what about our Canadien Riders? Not a single Canadian rider in the Pink Bike team? How are Canadian athletes supposed to grow in the sport and succeed if they can't get any help or push from their own country, or if they aren't invited to join Canada-based teams, such as the Pink Bike Racing team?
  • 1 0
 You better put a flag to your name. This way you're not supporting your Canadian heritage.
  • 1 0
 DH Fantasy should start sooner
  • 2 1
 That white top looks pretty gid
  • 2 1
 love the graphics! retro cool
  • 2 1
 were these the secret pro's from the series?
  • 2 0
 Well done Aimi!
  • 1 0
 Ben Cathro has to ride a small frame
  • 3 5
 So now that content and Trailforks are being charged for (far more than they're worth), will the athletes be getting paid what their time/risk/results/marketing value are worth? Serious question.
  • 1 0
 That is actually one of their stated goals following last year's state of the sport report.
  • 1 0
 Way to go! Yeah PB and Ben!
  • 2 1
 I want one of those jerseys!
  • 2 1
 Dude! Sell these jerseys on here! I bet they’d sell out in a day.
  • 2 1
 Really what PB needed as contents been pretty flat past year
  • 1 0
 Need that tape. Do you know where is the closest Blockbuster ?
  • 1 1
 Now, put that outside money to good use by setting up a pink bike EU shop so we can get these jerseys over here.
  • 1 0
 Did we explain the vintage look, the VHS tape thing?
  • 1 0
 Looking forward to next month even more so now, i can't f*^$%"g wait.
  • 1 0
 Please let us buy these shirts!
  • 1 0
 sick
  • 3 2
 Must have that jersey!!
  • 2 1
 Rad! Sell that jersey!
  • 1 0
 Rip it!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Love you too!
  • 2 1
 Sick jersey design
  • 1 0
 bikes are gid!
  • 1 0
 Hell yeah
  • 1 0
 No suspension sponsors?
  • 4 4
 Where’s the ebike category sponsored rider?!
  • 1 0
 Mint look forward to it
  • 1 0
 Freedom Convoy
  • 1 0
 AWESOME
  • 1 2
 Man I was hoping Cathro would be racing this year :/
  • 1 0
 He said in the video that he would be racing as well as managing
  • 1 0
 @mtb-jon: My bad, thanks! I didn't watch the video yet. I guess I should have before leaving this comment haha ;P
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