MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro race results, trail news, and more.
The first ever UCI eMTB World Champs are done
2019 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships E-MTB Cross-Country
Posted by UCI Mountain Bike on Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Well, the first UCI eMTB World Championships are officially wrapped up. The UCI kicked off World Championships in Mont Sainte Anne on Wednesday, Aug 28 with a cross-country relay and the first ever eMTB World Champs, which we wrote about back in March.
The course was similar in duration and length to an XCO course, with a 7km-long lap, but it lasted just over an hour. There was a men’s and women’s elite race and riders were allowed feed and mechanical assistance, like an XCO course.
The start lists were pretty star-studded, with mountain bike athletes like Julien Absalon, Payson McElveen, Andreas Hestler, and Anneke Beerten.
On the men’s side, Alan Hatherly, Jerome Gilloux, and Julien Absalon took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Nathalie Schneitter, Maghalie Rochette, and Anneke Beerten took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for the women’s elite class.
All in all, it seems like the first-ever eMTB World Championships went over well, and athletes appeared pretty excited about the event. The combination of added speed, tight racing, and technical Mont Saint Anne terrain looked exciting to say the least.
World Champs racing continues over the weekend with downhill and cross-country disciplines. Singletracks has reporters at the event, so look for photos and a short report next week.
Liv Releases Pique 29 Off-Road Series
Giant sister brand Liv released their new Pique series of bikes, their first off-road models to offer 29-inch wheels.
“The new Pique 29 series was designed for cross-country racers who want to be on top of the podium, and endurance riders who love to go fast. This bike is incredibly agile and can charge steep uphill sections while also maintaining speed in flowy and technical terrain,” said Ludi Scholz, Liv global bicycle category manager.
The Pique is an XC-minded bike that’s available in carbon composite or aluminum to offer an array of models at different price points. The bikes use Giant’s Maestro suspension platform for 100mm of rear travel and are paired with a 100mm fork.
See full geometry, pricing, and learn more about the Pique on Liv’s website.
New Hampshire gets a new bike park
Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire will open its first set of downhill trails on September 7th. For opening day, the mountain will have three miles of downhill trails, with two beginner “freeride” trails and a beginner technical trail.
Loon Mountain partnered with Highland Trails LLC to build the trails, and this is just the first stage of a multi-phase project, with more trails slated for the park. The resort plans to build “freeride” trails, or flow and jump trails as well as technical trails, both for more advanced riders. In all, the park plans to have a total of 21 miles of downhill and cross-country trails, the largest combined network in the White Mountains.
The park will be open on weekends and holidays through Oct. 14, except for Sept. 20-22. They will not offer rental equipment this season. Opening day lift tickets are $29 online or $32 at the window. Currently, season passes are $75.
Dainese shows off bike protection and apparel for 2020
Italian brand Dainese has been making more and more mountain bike gear after settling into the sport with some great protection pieces. For 2020, they’ll add a bit more to their line and offer gear for women.
The new Trail Skins Pro (compare prices online) are lightweight knee pads developed on Enduro World Series courses with Canyon Racing athletes. The padding, Pro Shape 2.0, is said to transfer impact energy into heat and disperse it across the surface.
Inspired by the brand’s moto protection, the Rival Pro Vest has protection and breathability along with a 700ml hydration bag integrated into the back protector. With the modular structure, the vest can be configured in a number of ways. Riders can remove the shoulder pads, theHumpBackTM, or back protector, to use with a backpack. Dianese says that the vest is also compatible with hip packs.
Lastly, the HG (High Gravity) line has been updated and now includes a women’s line, which shares the same pieces and technologies as the men’s.
fizik Powerstrap X4 makes feet comfy for gravel
Italian brand fizik released a new shoe made for gravel or adventure riding. The Powerstrap X4 has a simple, Velcro strap closure that wraps around the foot for a secure feel. The shoe has an overall stiffness index of 6, and balances a stiff pedaling platform with a bit of flex. fizik claims they weigh 292g for a single size 42 shoe. Powerstrap X4 pairs will be available in sizes 36-48 and will sell for $149.
