Rain came down hard on Whistler all day, but even that couldn’t slow down Elly Hoskin and Elliot Jamieson, who both topped the Canadian Open Enduro Elite podiums, kicking off elite racing at Crankworx Whistler 2026. Crankworx Whistler 2026 – Canadian Open Enduro With the course only revealed a week out, riders got their first real look at Dark Crystal as a competition track – a community-favourite trail making its race debut. To support maintenance and revitalization efforts after the race, Crankworx Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and festival partners provide additional resources to the trail building team. Saturday’s training session set…
Author: Tomasz Profic
Mountain biking is a community sport, and that has been impressively demonstrated on every level right now at Bike Republic Sölden. Freeride pro, shaper, and newly elected Swatch Nines MVP Vero Sandler is thrilled with the diversity of the bike destination and the new jump line. The Kiwi, who resides in the UK, is making the case for courage within (women’s) communities. Vero and her fiancé Sam Hodges are spending several months at the Bike Republic Sölden and sharing the experience with us. Community is also the base of the new partnership between Sölden and the new Riders Park Donovaly…
FOX expands its electronic dropper lineup with the new Transfer Neo E-Optimized, an electronically actuated dropper post that connects directly to an e-bike’s power supply for unlimited power and seamless integration. FOX Transfer Neo E-Optimized dropper post Designed specifically for modern eMTBs, Transfer Neo E-Optimized features adjustable travel, up to 240mm of drop, low stack height, an ergonomic lever, and intuitive app connectivity, making it the ultimate electronic dropper solution for e-bike riders. Transfer Neo E-Optimized will initially be available exclusively for the Specialized Levo 4 / Levo R / Levo Evo – Specialized retailers will be able to support the complete…
Swatch Nines entered a new era in Sölden, Austria last week as BMX and mountain biking shared the same playground for the first time. The result was a week of groundbreaking riding, unexpected collaborations and some of the most talked-about moments in the event’s history. The occasion also marked the launch of the event’s new identity: Swatch Nines Bike. Formerly known as Swatch Nines MTB, the event has evolved from a gathering of the world’s best freestyle mountain bikers into a multi-discipline showcase bringing together mountain biking and BMX in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. From 15–20 June, Sölden hosted the…
Legendary performance refined with modern durability, smoother shifting, and rider-focused design. Shimano continues its mechanical mountain bike legacy with the introduction of the new Deore XT M8200 mechanical drivetrain components, delivering advanced performance, proven durability, and modern trail technology for riders who demand more from every ride. Grupa osprzętu Shimano Deore XT M8200 Building on decades of trail-proven reliability, the new Deore XT mechanical rear derailleur and shifter deliver improved ergonomics and enhanced shifting performance, bringing flagship-level innovation to one of mountain biking’s most trusted component families, regardless of riding style. Shimano Deore XT M8200 Mechanical Drivetrain Key Features Derailleur…
The biggest Swatch Nines Bike course build to date is primed and ready for a week of unforgettable action on the slopes of Sölden. As an elite crew of mountain bikers and BMXers from around the globe converge on the Austrian Alps, it’s finally time to reveal the Swatch Nines Bike 2026 course layout. Key facts: A boundary-expanding new playground: The Swatch Nines BMX Plaza A custom BMX plaza is the standout addition to Swatch Nines Bike. Covering 800 square meters at the bottom of the setup, the park includes a variety of quarterpipes, rails, ledges and transfer options. There’s…
Increased control, improved heat management, and added durability for aggressive riding. SHIMANO raises the bar on braking performance with the introduction of its new 2.2mm thick disc brake rotors, engineered to deliver greater control and increased durability for the demands of downhill, freeride, and long-travel enduro and e-MTB. On steep descents, blown-out corners, and through technical rock gardens, braking isn’t just about slowing down, it’s about staying in control. SHIMANO’s latest rotor design is built to give riders the confidence to push deeper into lines and brake later when it matters most. Rooted in Shimano’s gravity-driven heritage, the new 6-Bolt…
Shimano continues to refine the connection between rider and trail with the introduction of the new Deore XT PD-M8220 pedals. Engineered to deliver greater stability and traction, the new pedals feature a wider platform, enhanced grip, and faster engagement for confident riding on technical terrain. Shimano SPD Pedals: Deore XT PD-M8220 & PD-MT520 Built for riders who demand control when trails get steep, loose, and unpredictable, the PD-M8220 pedals combine a robust SPD design with a wider contact platform to create a more stable interface between shoe and pedal. The result is a pedal that feels planted through rough sections…
An infusion of high-performance technology and sleek finish elevates the new DEORE components to an upgrade-worthy groupset. With options for all categories of riding, built to the standard of SHIMANO MTB groups and matching the sleek black and grey finish of DEORE Di2, SHIMANO presents an expanded and elevated DEORE family. All the hallmarks of a true MTB group are delivered with high-power consistent brakes, lightning-fast mechanical shifting under load, a derailleur designed to survive big hits, and superior cockpit ergonomics. Built for riders who value durability, quick shifting, mechanical simplicity, and consistent braking, the new DEORE lineup brings advanced…
This year’s May long weekend was exceptionally short, lasting only three days, but the weather was exceptionally good. As a result, numerous bike parks were opening in Poland and the Czech Republic, attracting crowds of riders eager for their first bike park rides. We chose the German direction, heading to Winterberg Bike Park, and also stopping by the neighboring Green Hill Bikepark. Green Hill Bikepark Green Hill Bikepark was only established in 2022, but has been considered Germany’s number one bike park since its inception. It is located in Schmalleneberg, in the Sauerland highlands of Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia and…
New season, new challenges: the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series kicked off its 2026 campaign on 1 May in South Korea, and plenty has already changed. But some things remain constant – including the iconic Triple Header in Saalfelden Leogang from 11–14 June. Once again, bike fans can look forward not only to world-class Cross-country, Downhill and Enduro racing, but also to a packed side program in Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. New track, new stages, new schedule The action gets underway on Friday with the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) Elite races on the intense 1.1-kilometre…
For the 2026 season, Bike Republic Sölden is expanding its trail network with purpose, making it even more attractive for beginners and pros alike. With the new Jump Line, the Drimmle Line as a smart connection between Gaislachkogl and Giggijoch, a new pump track at the Gaislachkogl mid-station, the extended Traien Trail, new Bike Hubs for “Bike & Hike”, and several upgrades across the existing trail network, Bike Republic Sölden heads into summer with tangible new highlights. Bike Republic Sölden is not just expanding its trail network for 2026 – it is noticeably taking the riding experience to the next…
From June 15–20, 2026, Swatch Nines Bike is back in Sölden, Austria for another year of jaw-dropping action on two wheels. For the first time, the longstanding mountain bike event will welcome BMX athletes on an equal footing to their MTB counterparts. With two iconic bike sports joining forces, a massive course and lots of opportunities for fans to come and watch, it’s shaping up to be a memorable week in Bike Republic Sölden. Key facts: Welcome BMX: The newest Swatch Nines discipline While individual riders have been part of past Nines events, BMX has never been fully represented—until now.…
Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is making the leap to the big screen at the start of the 2026 bike season. Featuring local heroes Vali Höll, Stevie Schneider and Fabio Wibmer, the community will decide from May 5th which trailer takes the lead and gets the chance to be produced as a full movie. 3 trailers – 3 genres – 1 community Austria’s largest bike region is something you simply have to experience – just like the acting performances of Vali Höll, Fabio Wibmer, Stevie Schneider, and many other local heroes. The three trailers “Vali –Mit Vollgas durch’s Idyll”, “Trail Rush…