The Heart and Soul of Downhill Mountain Biking: Privateers and Their Resilience.

During our visit to the Fort William World Cup pits, we were able to witness firsthand the cutting-edge technology and equipment used by top downhill mountain bikers in the world. Riders like Greg Minnaar, Tahnee Seagrave, and Nina Hoffmann, as well as other factory team members, are well-equipped for success thanks to their dedicated mechanics, team managers, chefs, and sports massage therapists. These riders also have multiple spare bikes on hand in case of emergencies.

On the other hand, there are approximately 80 privateers who take on multiple roles while competing at top speeds on Aonach Mòr. Despite not having access to the latest technology, these riders’ bikes have likely seen more descending than any factory team rider’s bike. The privateers put in a lot of hard work to excel in this competition.

What sets these privateers apart is their dedication and passion for downhill mountain biking. Each one has a unique story about what they love most about their bike. Their resilience and spirit make them stand out as they face the challenges of competitive downhill racing.