The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 201 - Wyn Masters on Privateers, Enduro, & Staying Authentic

Oct 16, 2023
by Henry Quinney  
photo
Art by Taj Mihelich

Wyn's efforts to support privateers shouldn't be understated and, for such an established World Cup rider, his refreshing take on what downhill should be manages to articulate thoughts many of us may well have had.

During the next month, we'll be going to podcasts every Monday and Thursday, and we hope you enjoy this cadence.


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28 Comments
  • 21 0
 Wyn is a life saver for privateers. Other companies should be jumping forward to offer small amounts of funding just to be a part of it. Thank you Wyn!
  • 16 0
 1000% agree with Wyn that part of why pro downhill has become so great, is because of the accessibility, the atmosphere, and the non-sheen of massive corporate heavy behemoth investment weighing down the scene and the open playing field... Also, it needs to be said, that Wyn himself is a massive reason so many of us can enjoy the true and pure goodness of the rider culture, and all the coverage. The interviews Wyn does display just how many great people are in the sport, and how they battle, progress, get knocked down, and really how they live and laugh within a season... That atmosphere and the festival of come one come all, let the circus begin, that's what downhill should be, and Wyn is a beacon of true north IMO
  • 12 1
 UCI gutted the grassroots qualifying structure of the EWS. This is a fatal blow to up and coming privateers and really cut the ties between local and top level events. Now to qualify you must buy a $300 UCI license, entry fees and travel for the chance of maybe getting points at one of handful of amateur class races along side the EDR, or National Championships. Neverminded the issue of EDR privateers trying to compete for lodging and pit space at these huge UCI events.

EWS provided the opportunity for local events to apply to be EWS points qualifier races. This gave committed privateers many more opportunities to travel to local and international point qualifier races and earn enough points to get to the EWS tier. It felt like the whole enduro racing community was tied together with this structure. Now there are so many costs and qualification walls up that it's no longer a tangible goal for most riders.

EWS basically sold out the top level elite field and cut out all the grassroots structure for the future up and comers.
  • 8 0
 @henryquinney Spotify is my primary method of listening, just a heads up that this episode does not appear to have published there or on the other apps linked yet, just in case that's an unintentional delay.
  • 9 0
 Thank you so much. My fat sausage fingers pressing the wrong keys again. Cheers!
  • 2 0
 @henryquinney: I often flip dd/mm and mm/dd typing dates, so it's a familiar struggle. Perfect timing to listen on the drive home!
  • 1 0
 Coming from UK and now being in Canada I frequently get it "wrong". It's even spoken differently.
  • 5 0
 Has a privateer ever gone in the top ten? Johannes Von Klebelsberg (Demin Destroyer) had a 13th and 14th in 2019, but has anyone done better? how many have ever made the live feed?
I think that it's getting out of hand with so many riders showing up with no hope of even top 100. The organization and venues can't take 400+ riders at a race.
There has to be a way to keep the privateer spirit alive, but still respect that these are world cup level events
  • 1 0
 Slawomir lukasic had plenty top 5s as a privateer
  • 4 0
 Gaetan Vige is more of a PROvateer but finished 5th in MSA with start number 89 this year
  • 2 0
 @wynmasters: thanks for that, I would consider him a pro, but to each his own...

What's your opinion about the amount of racers that are at World Cups now? Would you agree that 400 plus riders at a World Cup race is too many?
  • 4 0
 @juanargent: Potentially yes for some of the tracks, but the way UCI points are awarded which can qualify you to be able to race at a world cup isn't working, say you are from France or UK its nearly impossible to get the 40points but if you come from any smaller country it can be super easy, so the system is a bit broken especially as they don't reward uci points for riders in the semi final from 31-60place, they are going to cut out the wrong people as they are the ones that can qualify in the race.

And also you can register a team and get a starting spot too, in theory buy in which isn't a great model to make the sport even more reliant on funding.
  • 4 0
 I’ve been following DH closely for two seasons now and I can say that I wouldn’t have developed an interest without Wyn TV making it accessible and fun. I’ve learned so much about the racing, the riders, and the sport from him and Cathro.
  • 4 0
 Great interview! I always liked Wyn as a rider and for the content he puts out, but this interview really made me admire him, especially how he responded to the questions regarding the future of mountain biking, i.e., (1) MTB should embrace its own identity and stop trying to be like F1, moto, etc., (2) money isn't everything and won't necessarily make the sport better or the riders happier, (3) UCI should care as much about the fans in attendance as they do about TV coverage, (4) focusing on just the top 30 male riders and 10 female riders is likely to make the storylines less interesting, and (5) get rid of semis and have Gwin and hype man do the announcing.

Loic had a different perspective in the VitalMTB interview that wasn't invalid, but Wyn's perspective is refreshing and, as a fan, what I actually really like about MTB racing.
  • 1 0
 I liked all those points too. Just wondering how Gwin is supposed to commentate next year...he's racing isn't he? Someone analytical and insightful is definitely needed. Cedric did chill out a bit in the last couple making the actual experience of listening to him a bit easier, but he's still telling me bugger all about what's actually happening on track. I know it's "so hard" and that "the suspension is working!" and "how wide his handlebars!" are...need someone who can actually add insight, which Gwin does really well for obvious reasons - and tbh the 3 of them in the last few rounds weren't bad - I disagree with Wyn there - they did improve, and maybe enough to keep rolling next year. If Cedric relaxes and Rick stops saying "down the line" every couple of minutes it might not be that bad.
  • 2 1
 @henryquinney if I may be so bold to make music rec from the peanut gallery, I suggest you check out Talking Heads Stop Making Sense while it is still in the theaters. Good thing to do when it gets dark early and the trails are wet.
  • 4 0
 Great pod. Let’s get Gwyn and Wyn in the booth for next years DH commentary. Would be super exciting.
  • 4 0
 As much fun as that would be I would like to see both bounce back from their injuries next season and be competitive.
  • 3 0
 @henryquinney you’re doing a bang up job with the interviews. Really thoughtful questions and insights. Well done and thank you! @wynnmaster is, as always, an absolute gem.
  • 2 0
 This is a great interview! Long may people like Wyn be a part of the sport at the highest level.
  • 2 0
 Ahha. i am middle finger breaking too since forever! good to see it s not just me lol! Wyn is the am, keep it going!
  • 3 0
 We need more Wyn Masters in this world! A breath of reality Smile
  • 2 0
 They already exist...they're just living in the middle of nowhere in NZ.
  • 3 0
 Wyn for president!
  • 1 0
 This should be interesting.
  • 2 2
 What's this? This isn't the podcast with Brendog discussing how he had his podium place robbed from him in broad daylight.
  • 1 0
 Interview ive been waiting for. Great job Quinney!
  • 2 3
 I get sad seeing Levy in Taj's artwork every time there's a new PB podcast.







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