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 long-lasting model for 16 years, within the course of establishing himself because the GOAT.
There was numerous 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 unit racing.
In line with Norco, Greg will function the captain of the group the place he’ll assist scout new expertise and work straight with the engineering group to develop the quickest bikes doable. Oh, he’ll even be racing too.
At the moment, 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 thus far. The engineers have created one thing particular in that there are not any compromises required on this bike. The high-pivot design is new to me and it affords some fascinating benefits. I’m working intently 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 unit racing group. With 4 World Championship victories and 23 World Cup wins, the South African is among the most embellished riders within the sport, and he has large plans with Norco subsequent season and past. Minnaar is concentrated 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 group,” stated Minnaar. “I’ve by no means seen this within the bike business, the place the engineering group has a separate division to work with the race group. 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 absolute best probability 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 unit race group, becoming a member of present members Gracey Hemstreet and Lucas Cruz, whereas beginning to construct the group for the longer term.
“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’ll be able to’t assist however look as much as! I can’t wait to get to know him higher and do some critical injury 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 unit this 12 months. I couldn’t ask for a greater mentor. I consider that Greg’s expertise and data within the sport will take our group to the following degree. It’s going to be an awesome 12 months.”
Greg can even mentor Norco’s youth improvement group, The Supply, a program geared toward discovering and fostering the way forward for downhill racing, giving them the help and instruments they should succeed.
The work for subsequent season has already begun, with Minnaar attributable to race on the prototype Norco DH bike, one thing he will likely be working intently with the engineering group to optimize even additional over the season. “I’m right here to construct the quickest group, with the quickest bike,” stated Minnaar.
“We are able to 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 group,” stated Gwen van Lingen, Head of Model at Norco. “Not simply taking a look at now, however planning for the longer term is thrilling for Norco, Greg, and the game as an entire.”
