It was large information on the tail finish of final 12 months that Greg Minnaar was leaving Santa Cruz Bicycles. The downhill legend had been with the enduring model for 16 years, within the course of establishing himself because the GOAT.
There was lots of hypothesis as to the place he would find yourself, however now we all know. Greg Minnaar has simply introduced that he has joined Norco Manufacturing facility racing.
In line with Norco, Greg will function the captain of the staff the place he’ll assist scout new expertise and work straight with the engineering staff to develop the quickest bikes attainable. Oh, he’ll even be racing too.
At present, Norco doesn’t have a DH bike in its lineup, however they’ve not been hiding the prototype that’s within the works. When discussing the prototype with Norco, Greg had this to say, “I’ve been in a position to journey the brand new Norco DH prototype bike and I’m impressed with the efficiency up to now. The engineers have created one thing particular in that there aren’t any compromises required on this bike. The high-pivot design is new to me and it affords some fascinating benefits. I’m working carefully with the engineers to optimise the bike additional, not just for my using however for my teammates too. I’m trying ahead to pointing it down a World Cup race course!”
From Norco:
VANCOUVER, January 9, 2024—In a daring transfer, champion downhiller Greg Minnaar has signed with the Norco Manufacturing facility racing staff. With 4 World Championship victories and 23 World Cup wins, the South African is without doubt one of the most adorned riders within the sport, and he has large plans with Norco subsequent season and past. Minnaar is targeted on working with Norco’s engineers to develop tools that can change the sport, whereas additionally nurturing the following era of expertise.
“Till not too long ago, I had no concept that Norco had such an unbelievable engineering staff,” stated Minnaar. “I’ve by no means seen this within the bike trade, the place the engineering staff has a separate division to work with the race staff. I’ll be fortunate sufficient to direct this program, to be part of a tradition of efficiency and leverage my years of expertise, whereas giving myself the very best likelihood between the tape. That is the start of a brand new chapter for me and for Norco—we’re simply getting began.”
Along with racing, Minnaar will lead the Norco Manufacturing facility race staff, becoming a member of present members Gracey Hemstreet and Lucas Cruz, whereas beginning to construct the staff for the long run.
“What an honour it’s to have the best of all time as a teammate,” stated Cruz. “Ever since assembly him in my first Phrase Cup season he’s been such a right down to earth man and an individual you possibly can’t assist however look as much as! I can’t wait to get to know him higher and do some severe harm on the circuit this 12 months alongside Gracey and the GOAT.”
Hemstreet added, “I’m tremendous excited to have Greg as a part of Norco Manufacturing facility this 12 months. I couldn’t ask for a greater mentor. I imagine that Greg’s expertise and information within the sport will take our staff to the following degree. It’s going to be an amazing 12 months.”
Greg will even mentor Norco’s youth growth staff, The Supply, a program geared toward discovering and fostering the way forward for downhill racing, giving them the assist and instruments they should succeed.
The work for subsequent season has already begun, with Minnaar on account of race on the prototype Norco DH bike, one thing he might be working carefully with the engineering staff to optimize even additional over the season. “I’m right here to construct the quickest staff, with the quickest bike,” stated Minnaar.
“We will consider no higher option to kick off our sixtieth anniversary 12 months than to have an icon of the game like Greg be part of our staff,” stated Gwen van Lingen, Head of Model at Norco. “Not simply now, however planning for the long run is thrilling for Norco, Greg, and the game as an entire.”
