Freecaster Plans 2012 Pro DH Series by IanHylands

+ 64

xetal (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:44)

All i can say is "Let's show the UCI how we like IT". I never understood the deal that Mr. Brown Nose at UCI signed with his gay uncle from rockyroads !!!! It is pure BS and UCI has unrelated interest into it beyond DH.... Let's put it aside and restart all over. Hail Freecaster and i will support DH1 with my hard earned cash eyes closed. Put Warner on the MIC !

+ 72

FastDHR (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:07)

YES YES YES, HELL YES !!!!...this just made my week...Hell, my whole month !!!...it's just a matter of time before every Pro Team signs up for the DH1 series...and more prize money, pros will dig that !!!...it might not be a competitive series to the World Cup for now, but when the sponsors realize that they will get way more visibility on Freecaster....just watch how fast things will turn around !!!...the way UCI tried to control media coverage was downright outrageous and they shot themselves in the foot big time....Way to Go Freecaster !!!...you guys have all our attention now !!!

+ 16

Protour (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:23)

DH is blowing up, it's becoming more and more of a mainstream sport. Freecaster knows this and is ready to take on the UCI, even though they are calling it a complimentary series. Why else would they be offering higher purses. More competition is good, as long as the sport doesn't get too jumbled.

Is crankworx going to become the new World Championships?

is now the time to start pushing to have DH in the Olympics? Yes, even if it has to replace XC. It is the original mountain bike racing genre after all.

+ 22

Waldon83 (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:51)

This PB user just pulled down his pants, and sent a massive brown eye to the UCI

Honestly UCI, get a grip. Stop wanking each other off and worrying about people filming events. Just worry about the racing, because that's your job.

A sincere thank you to Freecaster for going renegade, from all pinkbikers and cyclists alike.
THANK YOU !

+ 2

frdh (Oct 4, 2011 at 2:19)

so sick, hopefully this series takes over. Its still EARLY, dont count the athertons and trek world racing out of joining this series. I'm sure Gwin would love to be a part of it as he said he wanted a different style of wc (type) racing, this is for sure it!

+ 7

benjiscott82 (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:43)

**** the UCI

+ 2

MuleMad (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:12)

Sooo happy to hear this from Freecaster! Just as long as Warner + Page are still commentating!... and i'm loving the fact that people have f*cked off the UCI and started this new series as well as the new 4X alliance series off their own backs.

+ 2

bikounet (Oct 4, 2011 at 11:36)

I hope everybody will be abble to take part of those series without having too much UCI points or even without UCI points...

+ 2

dingus (Oct 4, 2011 at 12:18)

20 pros vs 10 amateurs isn't very many racers :/

Still, should be an entertaining series!

+ 1

MiloXC3 (Oct 4, 2011 at 13:15)

Sounds great! I really hope this kicks off and increases in popularity dramatically. If this gets more popular than the UCI World Cup then it's over for them!

Bring back Rob Warner!

+ 2

sousathiago (Oct 4, 2011 at 14:52)

The begin of a new era!

+ 2

immacaroni (Oct 4, 2011 at 17:08)

all i ask is to keep warner. the Universal c*nts Institue (UCI) can go f*ck themselves. for my half i will no longer be supporting them, ill support people who dont have their heads shoved up their stuck up glorious a*sholes. rant done.

+ 1

gazmataz (Oct 5, 2011 at 6:15)

This will only do the discipline of DH good on a social and competitive level. Sponsorship deal's could be greater and television airtime could also increase!

The downside is that the UCI could then shun the sport back into the dark ages and abandon it as they have with 4X...

It's definitely one to watch out for. Either way, there will still be proper biking shown to the world in 2012. I'm happy enough with that.

+ 1

Conor-Smith (Oct 6, 2011 at 15:58)

I'm all for giving a big ol' middle finger to the UCI and I love the idea of a freecaster run series with Warner in the booth, But the one thing that concerns me is the rumors i've heard about Trek and the Athertons not signing on. Those are two of the biggest (if not the biggest) names in gravity racing and without unilateral support from the industry a race series like this cannot gain the critical mass it needs to eclipse the World Cup as the premier series. Plus, after every race you're going to get idiots saying "good race but gwin would have won no problem". I love the idea though, don't get me wrong, and I will support it fully. Crankworx as a final would be so sick!

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+ 43

BLIPDH (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:43)

it sounds like 2012 will be the year of "f*ck the UCI" with the 4X world series and now this...im very happy.

+ 12

FastDHR (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:49)

you said it, bro !!!

+ 7

ctd07 (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:34)

yes its about time! UCI have been holding back mtb for too long, this new event sounds interesting, I wonder if lycra will be allowed back? :-P haha

+ 1

benjiscott82 (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:42)

**** the UCI

+ 1

Loucas (Oct 4, 2011 at 16:24)

THE NEW WORLD ORDER (DH1) WILL DESTROY THE UCI MOFOS

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+ 20

hustler Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:52)

I think this is great, not only because the UCI are greedy wieners but also because this means 2x as much DH racing to watch.

+ 1

immacaroni (Oct 5, 2011 at 17:07)

i dont think we will be able to watch the worldcup. just what freecaster is offering, unless someone is gonna float the 130k license bill

+ 1

hustler Plus (Oct 5, 2011 at 17:26)

Surely there will be at least some media coverage for the WC without Freecaster, otherwise getting sponsors would be tough!

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+ 21

nyterider Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 15:59)

A final at crankworx would be so sick!

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+ 14

bikervince101 (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:13)

I may be wrong but it sounds like this series will be way better than the UCI one. Freecaster will be able to provide much better DH events than UCI would and with that webcast ... mmhhhh sounds very great to me !!!

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+ 12

phunkt Plus (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:05)

yes i will explain now the uci have hmmm (forced them out whatever)......raymond from freecaster used a steve peat pic of mine for a schladming advert without my permission.about 3 years ago...ripped it straight from pinkbike...then refused to pay, then to add insult to injury..said if i persued the matter further that they would have the uci banned me from shooting at any race (reffering that he had thee clout to do it),,so theft and blackmail...i still have the emails......so i am very justified in calling them thieves and now i will add blackmailers too........sorry if i have spoiled anyones rosey picture of raymond and freecaster..but these are facts

+ 0

phunkt Plus (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:07)

so all you negative props are really not justified people.thanks for that

+ 6

gingerninja (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:28)

you should have just invoiced him and then took him to court if he didnt pay. im pretty sure he would have done the same if someone had used his footage.

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+ 14

Grunderz (Oct 3, 2011 at 15:52)

Hell, Yes.

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+ 8

genemk (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:33)

Sweet! Way to stick up for yourself and do the right thing not only for yourself but the DH community as a whole. Great work Freecaster!

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+ 10

Loucas (Oct 3, 2011 at 15:53)

I can't wait to see how this will be!

+ 7

Cmontjumper (Oct 3, 2011 at 15:58)

this is gunna be awesome! also a great way to get upcoming riders noticed more!

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+ 5

powderturns (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:49)

nice idea, but here are some issues:
- bike racing is a money losing venture for most teams. more events (even if they are close) mean more travel, and more expenses, and more payment to support staff. it's going to cost more, and that may hurt the smaller teams and the privateers.
- riders will be on the road all summer now - no breaks. some, like the kiwis and aussies, who don't go home during the season, won't care. the americans and euros who usually do go home for a spell may find the season to be grueling.
- prospect for injuries goes up substantially. twice as many courses, and greater rider fatigue, mental and physical.

i guess in the perfect world, this series would trump the UCI - that would be ideal, but I don't think it will work. snowboarding tried hard to fight the FIS in its early days - hell - even Terje Haakonsen boycotted the FIS events, but who runs snowboarding now? The FIS controls who gets into the Olympics, and thus controls snowboarding. I expect a similar outcome here.
Sorry to piss on the parade. I hope I am wrong.

+ 1

jason745 (Oct 4, 2011 at 7:54)

Nice thoughtful post.

+ 2

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:36)

Those are thoughtful concerns, but this series is something to be excited about, not concerned about.

-The bigger purses the racers will earn will help offset some of the teams costs. Also, doing more races will give teams more exposure whether they are big or small, it would be stupid for teams not to do these races if they are near the World Cup races they are already going to. The increased purses will be especially helpful to privateers and amateurs who will have a chance to compete with the pros.

-As for the riders not getting breaks during the summer, big deal, they are pro athletes. This isn't anywhere near as grueling as the outdoor AMA motocross circuit, and most of those guys race Supercross all winter on top of that.

-There will possibly be more injuries, but lets face it, this isn't a safe sport. In some ways I think racing more often at a high level might make racers less likely to have crashes, because they become more conditioned to racing and make less mistakes. That probably depends upon the rider, though. But I think the racers who race both series will gain more in the long run than the racers who only race one series, because of the increased training.

I also don't think the comparison to snowboarding is a good one, since DH isn't an Olympic sport. The UCI might have the World Championships, but DH1 has both Crankworx races, existing fan base support, and a successful existing broadcasting format; Freecaster.

+ 1

powderturns (Oct 5, 2011 at 0:27)

I think you guys may be right - this could be really great. The things that sold it for me are the bigger prize money (all elite teams and racers will want to go to these events), and the fact that they will show the top 20 in their entirety. That will be awesome. So frustrating to watch UCI races that were sometimes decided by the first split... Well, World's was anyway...
I hope this can be great - it should be. I will tune in.

+ 1

mattylinds (Oct 5, 2011 at 5:32)

Can anyone say for sure that the larger purses will matter to the top guys that much? I mean, if you are a constant podium or top ten finisher at that level, does your team salary outweigh anything you'd make in prize money? I'm honestly asking because team salary isn't exactly public knowledge.
Also, if you are expected to race twice as much, wouldn't you want more money from the team straight away. I mean, none of us would agree to work twice the hours for the same pay. It may be mountain biking, but for those that have been around a while, it's also a job.

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+ 9

caiocrz (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:50)

Boycott the UCI World Cup and attend the DH1 series. Simples.

+ 1

dannyweiland (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:15)

couldnt agree more

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+ 7

david-hill (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:02)

YES AND YES. stoked to see a series that will have some solid coverage in light of the ridiculously light coverage UCI is proposing. Sick!!

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+ 8

atariwarrior (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:03)

make Gwinner wear a parachute to make it fair..

+ 1

JHewitt (Oct 4, 2011 at 12:34)

Trek World Racing and the Atherton's haven't agreed to participate... Confused

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+ 3

anderson4000 (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:58)

Way to take no for an answer Freecaster. I think DH1 will be huge and if it is managed right it will be seen as the premier trophy to have in your cabinet over the world cup.
Tearing the UCI rainbow tag off my five tens as we speak!

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:55)

Nah, Worlds will always be something special, because of all the tradition and history behind it, and also because of the one-day aspect of it. But there will now be three prestigious titles to win in DH racing; World's winner, World Cup champ, and DH1 World Champion. But what will they use to signify it instead of rainbow stripes? Maybe a mandatory tattoo?

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+ 5

johncolthorpe (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:47)

So if there is going to be 8 races, have one in Queenstown, New Zealand?? Gondola, Great Tracks, Rad Town & Nightlife. What more could you ask for?

+ 1

ctd07 (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:40)

Coronet could be a worthy track, skyline gondola is too easy perhaps & remarks track has no lift, but it would be a very cool location for it!

+ 1

gingerninja (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:29)

what about tc? that place is pretty gnarly and wanaka is much nicer than qtown.

+ 1

bigburd (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:28)

I think a welsh round would be mint ! Rheola could easily keep up with uplifts

+ 1

ctd07 (Oct 5, 2011 at 0:06)

tc doesn't have a course as far as I know - there is dirt park behind snow park mountain, but that hasn't got a gondola, its a 15min dh run though :-)

+ 1

gingerninja (Oct 21, 2011 at 8:17)

there was a track there, the nationals were there one year.

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+ 3

Waldon83 (Oct 3, 2011 at 22:09)

Wouldn't it be funny if for the second season of DH1, they booked all the UCI places ahead of the UCI meaning in 2013, the UCI would have to use all these crummy places, I don't know . . . like Canberra, or anywhere just as shitty

Now that would take some Danny Hart sized pumkins

+ 1

Aled-DHI (Oct 4, 2011 at 7:22)

Nz have mean tracks, Rotorua, the nationals track in rotorua imo is wc worthy

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+ 3

willaskew (Oct 4, 2011 at 6:56)

Competition is good. More races are goooood. Racer run races are goood.

If it got big enough to eclipse the UCI world cup, presumably they would take more than 20 pro's to the final (otherwise a lot of hard working atheletes are out of a job!). Hope freecaster don't shit on the private edits of the races like they did before though..

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:35)

Yeah, 20 pros doesn't sound like enough spots for a final, considering that they will be letting 10 amateurs in the final, none of whom will likely have a shot at the win. I could see some amateurs going all out and blowing themselves up trying to beat the pros, but the likely scenario is that the ams will be alot slower than the pros.

They should let at least 50 pros in the final, if they want alot of teams and privateer racers to show up.

+ 1

propza (Oct 4, 2011 at 14:37)

It also depends what they class as a pro, at what point does an amateur become a privateer??

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+ 3

anthonytutor (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:06)

OMG this is so epic! I wonder who will show up!? please have more Canadian and US dates so I dont have to get up at 3 in the morning to watch and also so i could possibly enter. The UCI mostly did European dates this year so hopefully they will consider new venues!

+ 4

b1k3r-j (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:14)

They should do what the UCI hasn't and have tracks from all over the world. Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North and South America. Hell get New Zealand and a few others in there. Make it an actual World Cup instead. This might not be totally plausible or possible within the first few seasons but something to strive for?

+ 6

hoolydooly (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:29)

Word, bot Australia and NZ have awesome tracks.

+ 2

Solman (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:58)

Wuhrd!

+ 2

jumphilo (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:30)

Indonesia would certainly try to get in too... as we also got great tracks. I love b1k3r ideas, that will makes it a true world cup series. F1 already did it, motogp also dane it long time a go, now MX des nations will be held in Thailand I can't remember weather in 2012 or 2013. This is a good move by freecaster.

+ 2

russclark Plus (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:03)

I'm not sure if the teams could afford it. My guess is for the first year they will hold races either just before or after the UCI ones not too far away. That way it makes it a no brainer for the teams as they don't have to travel any further. Who knows how big this thing could go though. Is love to see DH in some crazy places in years to come!

+ 3

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:31)

Yeah. That would make sense, to reduce travel costs for the teams and give them more inventive to go, in case the bigger purses weren't enough to lure the fastest racers.

Funny how Freecaster realized that instead of paying the UCI they could just use that money to put on their own race series, and use their own connections and sponsors to make it happen. This will put alot of pressure on the UCI to provide adequate exposure for the World Cup races, or DH1 will take over. This is the most exciting thing to happen to DH racing since the World Cup started. Can't wait to hear more details but the format sounds interesting...no more slacking in qualifying.

Hopefully Freecaster will improve on last years coverage by having more cameras out on the course, and exciting technical courses. And of course, Warner has to be there covering it, and doing a practice run with the GoPro. Hopefully Peaty will join him in the booth if he ever retires.

+ 2

jamesmulcahy (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:21)

admittedly the travel makes it difficult but it would definitely be cool to see some more AUS and NZ rounds, especially considering the number of competitive riders from down these ways... go DH1!!!

+ 1

Aled-DHI (Oct 4, 2011 at 7:23)

yeah , Brooke and Blinky and came cole , i mean we have some of the best downhill riders in the world

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+ 7

brodieman96 (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:09)

yes i hope there will be a race in Canada and USA

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+ 6

northwestdhdad Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:31)

Awesome. Come race the Mt Hood Ski Bowl track!!!

- 3

FastDHR (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:35)

There wil be so many better places than Windham to hold DH events in the USA...the west coast is filled with awesome tracks that will offer a race that last longer than 2:24...what a farce !!!

+ 3

dualsuspensiondave (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:40)

You obviously haven't been to Windham. The racers love the track.

- 4

FastDHR (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:45) (Below Threshold) show comment

hahaha, good one !!!

+ 2

northwestdhdad Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:29)

Windham is worthy- but is already a UCI DH event location. How much you guys wanna bet Crankworks Colorado will be the DH they pick. Pedal that dual crown uphill!

- 2

frdh (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:56)

@fastDHR, haha good one? Youre either incredibly ignorant or obviously haven't watched videos and rider interviews of the last two world cups held at windham. Peaty fackin loves it

- 6

FastDHR (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:14) (Below Threshold) show comment

@frdh....where to start with you...hmmm...maybe stay in school a little bit longer and learn to write....then come back and post something intelligent for once....stop trolling around with your stupid comments or you'll get deleted again....sucker !!

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:55)

It would make sense to have an event in the northwest a week or two before the finals at Crankworx. Skibowl would be cool, but Timberline, Stevens Pass, or Port Angeles would also be options.

+ 3

northwestdhdad Plus (Oct 4, 2011 at 12:08)

I vote for Stevens- LIFT ACCESS.

+ 2

frdh (Oct 4, 2011 at 13:12)

FastDHR, not that I spelled anything incorrectly in my last post, but are you my english teacher? And if you were referring to my post on the Matti Lehikoinen picture all of YOU people took my comment the wrong way, and it was deleted because people like YOU got so hyped up about it.

Also stop stealing peoples pictures and posted them as your own, thank you.

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+ 2

sundayroller (Oct 7, 2011 at 9:18)

Page just imitates Warner. Warner is a funny lunatic, Page is simply a parrot.

Oh and this is what somebody who actually knows says about this new series (Martin Whiteley http://dirt.mpora.com/news/freecaster-launch-2012-pro-dh-series.html): Key thing that’s being missed here. This proposed series is NOT an alternative to the World Cup. It is just another series….just like there is the iXS Cup, the Pro GRT in America, and like there has been many others like Maxxis Cup etc. The only difference is that this organizer wanted all teams to commit before he went out to try and find the money to do all these great things like big prize money and Freecaster coverage. Without a big sponsor, that probably won’t happen. Freecaster are still talking to the UCI about covering next year’s World Cup. So there is no talk of a ‘breakaway’ as that would be shortsighted. The UCI World Cup has 20 great years of history and prestige built into it. Rob Warner I know would rather commentate the World Cup than anything else as it has that prestige. Sure, the UCI may not be running it perfectly, but do you don’t throw away your bike because it has two flat tyres do you? The frame is not broken, the bike just needs some work. So yes, there is room for a secondary series, or a bunch of them, and the teams will choose which races to go to, but this new series is not an alternative to the World Cup. No-one really thinks that, not even the guy organizing it.

+ 1

sundayroller (Oct 7, 2011 at 9:27)

sorry, replied to wrong comment.

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+ 6

wyattkf1 (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:35)

will rob still be anouning??

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+ 1

Joshtp (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:06)

Awesome. What can I say. Good news all round.

I still think the World Champs will be the big one... the rainbow jersey is huge. But I can see this taking over somewhat from the UCI world cup's... given a few years at least a rider-run and sponsored series that incorporates proper prize money and is aimed at the riders, not the organizers pocket's will only thrive.

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+ 2

Martinezorlando (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:44)

freecaster ,f, UCI,make your race on the same day as WC,Make your race the new crown to fight for,UCI ,is whats wrong,SEE what the racer want,they dump on 4x,,DOWNHILLER should dump UCI world cups,its time for change ,

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+ 1

Slyp (Oct 4, 2011 at 20:48)

this is an awesome development! I really hope they have a venue on the eastern seaboard of the US, maybe Snowshoe, or some of the other courses that the Gravity East series runs? there is a lot of crazy awesome DH out west, but having some good world-class, international racing other than just the World Cup would be awesome!

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+ 1

jason745 (Oct 5, 2011 at 13:41)

Martin Whiteley posted this over here: http://dirt.mpora.com/news/freecaster-launch-2012-pro-dh-series.html

"Wow, there’s a lot of ‘experts’ here talking about what my team will or will not be doing, yet none have spoken with me?! Love the internet. Firstly, this rubbish about Trek not caring about DH because of their role in road cycling, biggest crock ever. Get over it ‘raddog’. I know these people and they are super passionate and supportive of all TWR has done for the brand. They don’t invest in carbon DH without a lot of thought. Secondly, about this series by Freecaster…I own the team and Trek sponsor it…no decision will be made because of Trek’s involvement in road, never will. This proposed series is just the European Cup under another name. They wanted us to commit to another 8 races on top of the World cup, and other events we normally do, and to do that by September 30th. Apart from Santa Cruz, NONE of us were ready to do that. We all want the UCI World Cup to be the premiere property, and we want to see it be the best it can be. having said that, there is room for a secondary series, and teams are free to choose which they prefer to do, iXS, Euro Cup, Pro GRT etc. Freecaster’s contract with the UCI runs out at Dec 31, but as far as I know, they haven’t said if they are not renewing. That could still happen from what I’ve read lately. So please stop hating on TWR and Athertons for not going with a series most people know very little about. We have the salaries and careers of athletes and staff to think about and our sponsors, and there are no people more passionate about DH than those that own and run these teams. Things will become clearer in the coming weeks, but for now, we are still exploring all the options."

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+ 1

JHewitt (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:58)

A few additional details from mtb-news.de, check out the site for more.

- apparently they plan an amateur race the day before the big one, and the top10 of the amateurs are fit to compete the next day against the pros. (Dont know how this would work as they'd probably be quite tired)

- Trek World Racing and the Athertons are said to be the only ones (of the top teams) not having agreed to participate in this series.

- the Crankworx festival is rumoured to be included in the package as well, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Credit to Laurens, on the Dirt comments section of their article for highlighting this.

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ctd07 (Oct 5, 2011 at 0:10) (Below Threshold) show comment

well that'll be because that xc f*g who runs the trek team is obsessed with the UCI - his commentary when filling in for Warner on freecaster was the worst ever so no big loss - it'll be fair without Gwinner anyway! :-P

+ 3

IanHylands Mod Plus (Oct 5, 2011 at 14:22)

Actually at the time that we posted this Santa Cruz and the CG Brigade were the only teams that had commited to the series. So singling out Athertons and TWR is kind of silly. What about all the other teams that hadn't committed, Giant, Monster Specialized etc.? And as far as ctd07's comment about Martin Whitely, please don't make random comments about something and someone that you know nothing about. Read the comment above that Martin posted on Dirt and also understand that Martin is the president of the trade teams organization and has done more for DH racing than almost anyone else...

+ 1

JHewitt (Oct 6, 2011 at 11:09)

Sorry Ian, as I said I'm just going on what I'd seen on the dirt forum and mtb-news.de
I guess a lot of this is speculation still... I look forward to seeing how it turns out - I'm missing the season already!

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+ 1

davidcunha (Oct 10, 2011 at 9:29)

How can UCI expect to get greater coverage and notoriety to DH if they don't let the world see their events?? This way, this sport will never get viewers in numbers that will atract new and better sponsors. I really hope that the Freecaster series is here to stay and that all the main teams realise they'll get more exposure when everyone can watch races free of charge.

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+ 4

Matt-W (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:09)

Great news, a positive step to proving mountain biking and downhill can survive independantly to road and xc events.

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+ 1

mcmick (Oct 4, 2011 at 6:37)

I would throw caution to this news, firstly will all the teams be able to afford to enter both comps, freecaster won't do this for nothing so how much will they charge to view? will we see the bigger teams enter both and the smaller ones just one? meaning it would be like a first and second division sport. It could mean that fringe riders could get on the world stage. This could be great news for the sport or it could send teams under. More meat on the bones please!!!!!

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+ 1

grahamc (Oct 4, 2011 at 3:29)

Very interesting news, Im not sure whether this is going to be a good thing or not. The racing will be great no doubt and freecaster are going to have some fantastic coverage. The UCI need to relise as well that they are doing their job badly. However I am interested in how this is going to affect the teams as it will require more resources to go to more races. I dont want to miss out on some epic battle for top spot because some riders are only doing certain series or there team dont have the resources to make a certain race.

Good on Freecaster though, show them how a race series should be done!

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:47)

They haven't even said if it is going to be a point series, but I would assume it would be if they want to make it interesting to follow. Maybe the Crankworx final will be double points or something, and the overall points leader at the end will be crowned DH1 World Champion. If it's anything like that it will be exciting to follow.

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+ 1

ctd07 (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:37)

And so everyone will watch this series, no one will cover the UCI dh and everyone will simply forget about it, in turn sponsorship [advertising] requires people to witness the brands on display, so teams and sponsors will move over to the series with better coverage and notoriety... UCI really shafted themselves here, it could well be the beginning of the end for them...!?

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+ 1

fourcross (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:26)

no more money for the roadies, but serious interest in giving something back to the DH-scene. Pricemoney, that might be worth the risk the riders take, best footage you can get and extra races that will for sure attract a lot of people. How sweet is that! I do really hope the UCI doesn't show up with the stupid idea that racers will loose there racing license by racing places which aren't UCI sanctioned (hope I got that right), because that was what happened with snowboarders/skiercrossers and the FIS.

FREEEECASTER GOOOOOO!!!

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+ 1

ginged26dj (Oct 4, 2011 at 2:48)

thats sticking it the UCI mad props to FREECASTER for doing this its great way for even more people/teams to try their hand racing and we still get to see our favourite riders do their thing

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+ 2

surfermed (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:19)

UK date set just after Fort William............Anyone else think that might mean Glencoe getting its long over due international debut??????

+ 1

propza (Oct 4, 2011 at 5:02)

probably more likely to use Innerleithen, but Glen Coe would be sick!

+ 1

experthucker (Oct 4, 2011 at 6:15)

The IXS is just before fort bil at inners so could be Glencoe, but its a risky venue, more like likely to be a welsh track i think

+ 2

cloverleaf Plus (Oct 4, 2011 at 6:15)

A piggyback perhaps onto the iXS date given the round at innerleithen's the week after Fort William?

+ 1

experthucker (Oct 5, 2011 at 15:13)

Good point, thats probably what they are thinking

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+ 4

larock Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:20)

Exciting times! very interested to see how this plays out.

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+ 2

jrjounor (Oct 4, 2011 at 11:41)

freecaster needs to make more races in america.. there are some awesome locations here that are pro race worthey
especially in the northwest

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+ 2

mrkamot (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:36)

let's see how the UCI reacts, i have a feeling that it has turned their world upside down. but then again, they have XC and trials (yawnfests)

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+ 3

thegb1212 (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:31)

f*ck YEAH! Give those dumbasses at the UCI a run for their money. *cue The Times They Are A-Changin' by Bob Dylan*

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+ 3

extention (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:20)

Every one get behind this!!! Lets show the UCI what we think of them

+ 0

FastDHR (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:15)

at this time, only Trek World Racing and the Athertons did not sign up for the DH1 series....and it's quite funny that you can't find any news of this on www.rockyroadsnetwork.com....what a bunch of sore losers !!!

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+ 3

foghorn1 (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:39)

This is great news! Freecaster rulz. LOOK AT THE TIME!

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+ 3

wiwie (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:31)

Freecaster RULES..HOpe teams and riders support Freecaster..

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+ 1

meta-and-two-veg (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:39)

This is great, now I know that I'll be watching some downhill next year! I would like to watch World Cup and World Champs too, but will RockyWho? be broadcasting?

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+ 3

ctd07 (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:51)

QUESTION: Will Pinkbike be supporting DH1?

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+ 1

eneasbernardo (Oct 4, 2011 at 4:50)

Teams, sponsors, industry, riders, sport-lovers, spectators and, the sport itself wants and needs of Freecaster.

Just a few politicians need of UCI.

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+ 2

Caliber38heavy (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:34)

Dear Freecaster,

Please get Rob Warner to do the commentary.
That would be awesome.
Cheers.

Love from
Pinkbike Users :-)

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+ 1

jason745 (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:38)

Most importantly, do they plan to leave out the UCI's misguided "no skinsuit" rule? And if they do, do you think racers will use them to their advantage?

Seriously.

+ 7

Solman (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:01)

I wouldn't wear a skinsuit, although my package isn't as hefty as Danny Harts

+ 2

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:06)

It is a ridiculous rule, racers should be able to wear whatever they want. Maybe the increased purses will tempt some racers to use them, I'd guess you might save a second or two a run.

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+ 2

Lastontrack (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:06)

THANKS Freecaster, I love you Smile

. Get Warner and Tippie on the mic, that would be soooo funny.

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+ 2

georgy291 (Oct 4, 2011 at 2:56)

it aint downhill if theres no WARNER on the mic

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+ 1

propza (Oct 4, 2011 at 5:04)

I'd like to see the tracks with really wide taping and bigger jumps, and a time bonus for the best trick!

+ 1

JHewitt (Oct 4, 2011 at 12:42)

Don't take this as sexist, but you could pretty much say goodbye to womens racing if that happened...

+ 2

CaptainBLT (Oct 4, 2011 at 13:01)

Wide taping for sure! part of what makes DH so interesting to me is creativity in choosing the best lines, its always better when there are several options of similar merit to choose from.

I can't support the best trick time bonus though. Nothing is more objective than a clock; introduce tricks and every race becomes subjective and open to interpretation.

+ 2

manchicken (Oct 4, 2011 at 15:07)

But there should be a prize for the biggest whip :L

+ 1

propza (Oct 5, 2011 at 0:55)

Maybe better off with manchicken's idea set up a prize for best whip/trick, spectators vote for winner.

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+ 1

tinfoil (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:07)

HELL. YES. I almost cried when I found out the UCI screwed freecaster over. This just made my day.

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+ 1

jerryhazard (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:31)

Trying to see a downside....? Pretty exciting stuff, way to go Freecaster!

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+ 1

compaqnc6340 (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:10)

it's like a revolution of mountain biking...we're telling the roadies at the organizations they can't screw us anymore!

+ 15

cyrix (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:13)

Don't blame this on roadies. Blame it on jackasses in suits who are only interested in filling their coffers with loot.

+ 1

compaqnc6340 (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:33)

they favour roadies man...that's where all the revenue is at

+ 2

alexisfire (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:09)

Still has nothing to do with the roadies themselves. Suits fault.

+ 3

russclark Plus (Oct 3, 2011 at 23:57)

Listening to mtbers hating on roadies is sooo 1998

+ 1

compaqnc6340 (Oct 4, 2011 at 4:16)

when did i hate on the roadies? i'm hating on the people that only care about roadies because there's way more road racers therefore way for revenue

+ 1

cyrix (Oct 4, 2011 at 11:23)

"we're telling the roadies"

When you said that. You're blaming roadies for this. Don't do that please.

+ 1

compaqnc6340 (Oct 4, 2011 at 18:12)

people make mistakes

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+ 2

hoolydooly (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:35)

YES! one step closer to saying f*ck you to the UCI!!!

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+ 1

KennyKillsIt (Oct 5, 2011 at 13:31)

I would certainly pay per view! Just to keep things going,
this sport is worth it!

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+ 2

niko-bellic (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:26)

I wonder who's going to take over Freecaster's role in broadcasting??

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:15)

Hopefully Universal Sports will still have the World Cups and World Champs. I doubt the UCI will be asking so much for the broadcasting rights with this development.

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+ 2

mountguitars (Oct 4, 2011 at 15:25)

f cuk UCI in the a rse. rob warner and freecaster FTW!

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+ 1

Joebohobo (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:30)

UCI are such c*nts, so happy for freecaster dh world series and the new 4x series !!

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+ 1

dennisbarrera (Oct 4, 2011 at 13:20)

This is amazing. Finals at crankworx would be so sick

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+ 1

bottlerocketboy (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:45)

RESPECT TO FREECASTER, hope this bites the uci in the ass.

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+ 1

cesalec (Mar 5, 2012 at 10:36)

Any news on the freecaster calendar???

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+ 1

will100 (Oct 4, 2011 at 10:29)

ohh yeh thats wicked ]
what about warner though??

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+ 1

Plasticpylo (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:54)

Popular post this one. F//ck the UCIis my favourite comment.

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+ 1

trevpratt (Oct 4, 2011 at 9:49)

great publicity for the uci

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+ 1

jakemonk (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:54)

NOOOOOOOOOOO! and YYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSS! :'( Big Grin

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+ 1

Ogalosh (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:07)

Awesome! Cant wait to hear the locations of these races! Go Freecaster.

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+ 1

cyclechic1 (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:48)

has anyone heard any news of the official calendar/venues yet?

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+ 1

bungalowbill (Oct 4, 2011 at 4:31)

Hell yes!

That's all I can really say about this.

+ 1

wa2wider (Oct 4, 2011 at 6:15)

Thanks Forrest... Wink

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+ 1

kylechs5 (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:46)

sooooooo good for the sport i cant wait!

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+ 1

HenryR (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:58)

ha that's definitely sticking to oosey

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+ 1

sexley (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:43)

More information please! What are the dates?

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+ 1

anastaputra (Oct 3, 2011 at 20:57)

hell yeaaaahhhhhhhh.....
freecaster rooccckkkkkkk.....

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+ 1

IOMHENDO (Oct 4, 2011 at 4:28)

Got my support! Even if they charge a subscription to watch!

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+ 1

dannyweiland (Oct 3, 2011 at 21:14)

f*ck uci i love seeing stuff like this

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+ 1

bolololo (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:46)

Freecaster rules, finger to Uci!

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+ 1

BLIPDH (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:40)

f*ck to the yes.

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+ 1

jakeaylward (Oct 5, 2011 at 3:00)

ROB WARNER YAY

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+ 1

Fothergilla (Oct 4, 2011 at 11:57)

3!

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+ 1

matteoganora (Oct 4, 2011 at 0:39)

Great News, UCI sucks!

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+ 0

troysks (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:41)

Best news ever! world champs at crankworx Smile

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+ 1

crohnsy (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:44)

This has potential!!

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+ 0

Chapon (Oct 3, 2011 at 16:00)

with or without 4x?

+ 3

commanderagl (Oct 3, 2011 at 17:42)

If you saw in another post, there is already an alternate 4x series being set up.

+ 1

Chapon (Oct 3, 2011 at 23:38)

Yes, but this is world 4x series, nothing about new freecaster series...

+ 1

Protour (Oct 4, 2011 at 8:48)

I wonder of they might combine the 4X World Series with DH1 at some rounds where there are existing 4X tracks? It would make it better for the fans at the races and would give both events more exposure.

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Freecaster Plans 2012 Pro DH Series

178 Comments