Pivot Cycles https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/ Award Winning Mountain Bikes Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:26:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 https://www.pivotcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-pivot-web-logo-favicon-2-32x32.png Pivot Cycles https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/ 32 32 The Shuttle Family https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/shuttle-family-technology-link/ https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/shuttle-family-technology-link/#respond Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:43:25 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=15689 The Shuttle Family is the manifestation of that guilty pleasure that makes you feel like you are getting away with something.

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Sunset Shred https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/sunset-shred-link/ https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/sunset-shred-link/#respond Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:49:23 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=13588 A 10-city coast-to-coast tour empowering women to ride locally and think globally.

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Pivot’s Quality Control https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/pivots-quality-control/ Tue, 23 May 2023 19:46:00 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=14824 At Pivot, our reputation for relentless quality has been a pillar on which our company stands. So naturally, a stringent and thorough quality control (QC) process is mandatory for every bike that leaves our factory.

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Quality Control: A Pursuit of Perfection

At Pivot, our reputation for relentless quality has been a pillar on which our company stands.

So naturally, a stringent and thorough quality control (QC) process is mandatory for every bike that leaves our factory. From laser alignment to blemish checks, our QC is among the most stringent in the entire industry, and we do not shy away from that bold claim 

Industry-Leading QC Process

Overall, Pivot’s QC process is among the most rigorous in the entire mountain bike industry. By utilizing laser alignment, blemish checks, and a continual QC process, we ensure that each bike meets our high standards for performance and safety.  

But what does this mean for the rider? It means that when you purchase a Pivot, you can trust that it has been thoroughly inspected and tested for optimal performance. You can hit the trails with confidence, knowing that your bike is ready to handle whatever you throw at it.   

In an industry where many companies prioritize quantity over quality, we stand out as a company that values performance and quality above all else. Pivot’s commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous QC process, which sets a high standard for the entire mountain bike industry. 

Laser Alignment

Speaking to our pursuit of perfection, we use proprietary laser alignment technology as a critical part of the QC process. This process includes our proprietary laser alignment check gauges to ensure we hold our strict alignment tolerances that are more than twice as stringent as the industry standards. Our rigidly tight standards allow us the ability to use ABEC 3 tolerances but with MAX style pivot bearings, which run smoother and last longer.

These technologies ensure that each frame is perfectly aligned, a crucial step for the bike’s overall performance. A misaligned frame can lead to issues with handling, stability and even safety.  

Cosmetic Checks

Another critical aspect of Pivot’s QC process is our thorough cosmetic checks for paint blemishes and other possible cosmetic issues. While many might assume this is just to ensure you receive a clean, blemish-free frame, there is more to it than that. Blemishes, such as paint chips or scratches, may not seem like a big deal, but can lead to more cosmetic issues over time. Because of this, our team inspects each frame carefully for any signs of blemishes, ensuring that each bike is structurally sound and trail ready. 

Thinner Than a Human Hair

It sounds crazy, but Pivot’s tolerance for passing a QC check is thinner than a human hair. This level of precision ensures that each bike that leaves our factories meets the highest standards for performance and safety. By setting such high standards, we guarantee that our bikes are among the best performing and consistent in the industry, and it is a big reason Pivot’s hold their value better than other brands.  

Continual QC Process

Pivot’s QC process is continual, meaning it does not go through just one QC check and sign-off. In fact, our process continues at each step of the bike’s journey to your trails. This means that each bike undergoes multiple QC inspections and signoffs before it ships to your dealer. Ensuring each Pivot performs precisely as expected, so all you need to worry about is riding.  

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Walking the Good Path https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/walking-the-good-path/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 22:57:35 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=15327 When I met Jay Bearhead exactly one year ago, I never anticipated what lay ahead for us today.

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Walking the good Path

When I met Jay Bearhead exactly one year ago, I never anticipated what lay ahead for us today.

My words, “Hey, I think he’s got a lot to share; we should capture it on film,” transformed into a film premiere, where our movie was projected onto a grand 26-foot screen in Munich.

The Film

The film revolves around the theme of passion and its power to keep us on the right path. Jay’s childhood, like that of many indigenous people, was marred by adversity, leading him down a path of drug and alcohol abuse. However, his unwavering passion for biking became his salvation, guiding him towards a brighter future and shaping him into the remarkable person he is today.

We are humbled to announce that our film has been chosen for inclusion in the prestigious lineup of the Bavarian Outdoor Film Festival. The festival, which kicked off last week in Munich, showcased our creation to the public for the very first time. Hundreds of people reclined in beach chairs under the clear, sunny sky, immersing themselves in six captivating movies.

Witnessing our film on such a grand scale was truly a magical experience. The impact was amplified, and the range of emotions from the audience was palpable. As we were summoned onto the stage, a wave of emotion washed over us. Mone, the filmmaker, couldn’t contain his tears. Personally, I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to share my passion and drive with the world. My hope is that it will inspire many to disconnect from their smartphones and computers, and instead venture outside.

In the near future, I will embark on a journey to the Balkan mountains with a friend. This time, our focus will be on exploring the local people and immersing ourselves in their vibrant culture, rather than solely creating another biking film. I am eagerly anticipating the discovery of countless untold stories that lie hidden, waiting to be unveiled.

Our latest creation, “Walking the Good Path,” will continue to grace the screens of the Bavarian Outdoor Film Festival on multiple occasions.

Words by: Gerald Rosenkranz

Images by: Jens Staudt

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Guiding Through Motherhood https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/guiding-through-motherhood/ Sat, 13 May 2023 03:06:39 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=14798 It was a brisk spring night in the Sonoran Desert. It was the first time I heard Heidi Ault's voice break in front of guests.

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Guiding Through Motherhood

Words & Images: Will Freihofer

It was a brisk spring night in the Sonoran Desert.

It was the first time I heard Heidi Ault’s voice break in front of guests. The group hovered over plates of Cochinata Pibil after a week of riding the red dirt roads that wind through the mountains surrounding the small city of Alamos east of the Sea of Cortez.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to jump right back into doing the work I love most after having a kid, so this was special,” she said, lap full with her 6-week-old daughter.

Her voice cracked ever so slightly as if broken by the gap between expectations and reality of motherhood for a professional bicycle guide.  

The truth is that operating The Cyclist’s Menu, the small cycling touring company she runs with her husband, chef and guide Zander Ault, was not made easier by the addition of an eleven-pound baby girl with bad gas. After clearing her doctor’s firm six-week recommended refrain from exercise after surgery, Heidi was able to get her first trail time since childbirth before the week-long camp. This would leave Zander tending to eleven-pound Burchie – and occasionally their year-old hundred pound golden retriever, Big Sky – until mom returned, which is challenging for any new mom to do.  

“I’ve always been curious about what it would be like to be a mother and run my own business. I’ve talked myself into it – it’s going to work. Maybe I can’t guide here and there, but I’m very driven to make it work.” The company’s schedule will take them to Helena, Montana, and Mendocino, California, before Italy and Slovenia in the coming months – and Burch will be along for the ride 

The Alamos camp found Heidi in uncharted waters.

A professional bike guide her entire adult life, one who has seen her fair share of difficulties, now stood with a baby on her hip, waving goodbye to the group as they rode off into the desert.   

The Cyclist’s Menu’s inaugural trip to Mexico went smoothly without Heidi on the road or Chef Z in the kitchen. Both were in unfamiliar waters, changing roles and shuffling the dog and child, but each day it was Mom wrangling the family and waiting for news of Dad’s return from the Mexican backcountry. With some babysitting help she was grateful to be able to get back on her bike, touring the scenic streets of Alamos with fellow guides after camp, taking things slow in deference to the long recovery process, and re-acquaintance with her physical being.   

A month later, and eight hours drive north of their home in Patagonia, Arizona, Heidi was back in the saddle, figuratively and literally.

"I'm designing my life to be able to have a kid in tow" - and she was getting stronger by the week.

During the March and April Arizona gravel camps, she welcomed the guests at the Stage Stop Inn with a stroller. It wasn’t easy, but with the help of Zander at home with baby Burchie, she was able to lead the shakeout ride that afternoon, thirteen miles up to her favorite place in the San Rafael Valley. However, this time at the “Boomshakalaka” – guide slang for the first view of Saddle Mountain – she found herself ducking into the support truck to pump while the crew took in the view. As the camp progressed, Heidi led the group out on longer days but would peel off at the first refueling stop to return to base to relieve her mother, sister, or babysitter, depending on the day 

She resiliently remained the camp director,

always setting and explaining the routes but trusting her guides to make the right decisions on the road when she inevitably was pulled back by Burchie later in the day 

The Aults have embraced the challenges of their new adventure.

They book camps, run their cafe / bar, and wrangle contractors for their ever-growing endeavors. Heidi takes phone calls while pushing a stroller around town, waving with a pinky to friends driving by. Throughout the spring gravel camp season, Burchie developed, smiling more and more in the camp photos, holding court in front of picnic tables of adoring fans.   

Heidi is in the camp photos, and not always with a baby on her shoulder. She’s in bibs and a jersey, calmly churning a suspiciously large gear while everyone around her digs deep through the climb. Later in the album she’s cheersing her favorite stout, then listening to stories around the table. They’re together, working at the family business of cycling hospitality.   

In the three months since Burchie was born she has attended four cycling camps.

Her mom has turned 39 and still is able to do what she loves for work. In many very important ways things are going exactly to plan. 

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PFR + PFR Next Gen https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/pfr-pfr-next-gen/ Mon, 24 Jan 2022 23:18:21 +0000 https://pivotcycles.com/?p=8947 Pivot Factory Racing is coming off their most successful season ever in 2022, the same year the team celebrated its 10th birthday.

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Pivot Factory Racing + PFR Next Gen

Pivot Factory Racing is coming off their most successful season ever in 2022, the same year the team celebrated its 10th birthday.

It was a season full of highs, from a plethora of podium finishes, being crowned EWS Team overall, and making Pivot Factory Racing history with World Champion Jenna Hastings. The stoke is high going into the 2023 season as the team looks to build on the success of 2022. 

Bernard Kerr

A manager, a racer, a creator, Bernard wears many hats for Pivot Factory Racing and somehow makes it look effortless.

Coming off a season in which he supported Pivot Factory Racing in their most successful season yet, Bernard impressively secured the 5th overall spot in the UCI DH World Cup Series. For 2023 Bernard is most looking forward to the continued development of the Next Gen program.

“I’m excited to watch the Next Gen kids, seeing them and their excitement as their World Cup careers start is amazing to be a part of!” 

Ed Masters

Creative genius and bonafide madman, Ed Masters, is back for another year of Pivot Factory Racing on the World Series circuit in both the enduro and downhill disciplines. In 2022 we expected ferociously fast finishes and wildly original content from Ed, and he delivered. Consistently finishing in the top 10 and even securing a 3rd place spot in Val di Sole, as well as putting together the extremely creative Jakob Jewett team announcement video with Matt Walker, it is not hard to guess Ed will be back with more in 2023. 

“We’re so lucky to do what we do and with the crew we have. The good, the bad, the ugly, it’s always such a pleasure to be a part of it!” 

Matt Walker

Half of the Worldwide Wide World of Sports duo, Matt Walker, is back for the 2023 season after a season of “absolute chaos, but in all the best ways.” And what an appropriate way to describe it. In 2022 Matt put together one of his most successful seasons yet. Consistently finishing in the top 10, with a 3rd place finish at the Sugarloaf EWS. We are excited to see what 2023 has in store for Matt, and he is too. 

“In 2023 I’m just excited to keep the ball rolling with the PFR team and Next Gen members. New adventures and just being able to do more of what we enjoy!” 

Morgane Charre

Entering her 4th year with Pivot Factory Racing, Morgane Charre looks to expand on the success she had in 2022 and continue with more podiums, and more fun, in 2023. Coming off a season where she secured a podium finish in over half of her Enduro World series appearances, we are stoked to see what Morgane has in store for the 2023 season.  

“I’m simply super excited to be racing again and to battle for that top step.” 

Jenna Hastings

In 2023 Jenna Hastings will be throwing her hat into the ring of Elites after making Pivot Factory Racing history in 2022 (Read Downhill Dreams: Jenna Hastings World Champion). She plans to compete in the World Series, in the downhill discipline, and chase the crown for the Queen of Crankworx, where she finished 5th highest in points in 2022. 

“I’m looking forward to everything, the racing, the team, hanging out and traveling. As my first year in Elite, I’m looking forward to mixing it up with the big dogs and seeing where I come out.” 

Jakob Jewett

The newest member of Pivot Factory Racing, and older brother to Dane Jewett of PFR Next Gen, Jakob Jewett is excited to hit the racecourse with PFR in 2023. Starting his racing career climbing the junior ranks in the downhill category, he looks to come out strong in his first year with PFR.  

“Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than when I am on two wheels. My childhood dream of riding bikes professionally is becoming a reality with the Pivot Factory Racing team.” 

PFR Next Gen

PFR Next Gen was created with the mission of supporting the development of young riders in a meaningful way.

The program is in its third year and plans to build on the success of last season with more racing and more opportunities. 

Dane Jewett

Dane Jewett is a 16-year-old shredder hailing from Squamish BC. Entering his third year with PFR Next Gen. Dane has been a part of the Next Gen Program since the inception. He spent most of 2022 racing downhill in the Expert: 15-16 category but took an impressive 8th place in the Squamish Enduro. We look forward to seeing what Dane does on the Junior World Cup circuit next year.  

“I am beyond stoked to have the chance to do my first junior year in the World Cup circuit!” 

 

Ryan Griffith

The other half of the original PFR Next Gen Squad, Ryan Griffith, is a 17-year-old downhill racer, from Squamish BC, with over 10 years of MTB experience under his belt. Ryan took runner-up spot overall at the 2022 Pila iXS DH Cup and looks to put together another solid year of racing in 2023. 

“It’s been my dream to be racing in the World Cup and for it to be happening, it’s unbelievable” 

Teagan Heap

The youngest member of PFR Next Gen at 15, Teagan is entering her second year with the team. Last season was filled with firsts for her, from racing overseas to entering several pro events. As well, Teagan is the only rider on the PFR or Next Gen teams hailing from the United States. We look forward to seeing what Teagan can do in 2023.    

“I am really looking forward to the 2023 season. It’s going to be so much fun hanging out, racing and riding with everyone!” 

Emilie Siegenthaler

Pivot Next Gen liaison, mentor, no matter how you say it, Emi is an integral part of the Pivot Factory Racing and Next Gen teams. Working closely with Jenna Hastings last year, Emi was key to the success Jenna had in 2022. We are so excited to see what both PFR and the Next Gen teams accomplish with Emi’s guidance in 2023.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Jenna will handle her first elite season in World Cup Downhill.” 

 

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Turn Your Brain Off https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/turn-your-brain-off/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 21:34:53 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=14004 The Flow State. It’s a destination that all racers and riders seek. A crossroad between clarity, skill, and focus. The paradox is - it only exists in the now. You only feel it when it’s there and once it's gone, it’s gone.  

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Turn Your Brain Off

Pivot Cycles x Āhua Psychology x Kelsey Timpany

The flow state.

It’s a destination that all racers and riders seek. A crossroad between clarity, skill, and focus. The paradox is – it only exists in the now. You only feel it when it’s there and once it’s gone, it’s gone.  

Have you ever had that moment when you are riding quicker than ever, turns come easy and your bike is an extension of your body?

Then the opposite. You feel like a beginner again. Twitchy. Wrong lines. Or as some riders call it, ‘squidding’. What happened to your flow state? It was there yesterday, but today it’s gone. 

It would seem the answer for finding flow would be infinitely easy and just as hard.  

Don’t think too much. Breathe. You’re breathing too fast. Count to three. Meter by meter. Drop by drop. Heart racing. Shaking. Shallow breathing. Pressure. Crowds. Risk. Focus. Immersed. Relief. Elation. 

For Pivot Factory Racer,

Eddie Masters, his experience of flow state is near silence:

“When you are in flow state and have a mean run, you break the gate then cross the line. You don’t remember anything in-between, and you can’t hear any crowds. When you can’t hear the crowds, you know you’re doing something good.” – Ed Masters

There is no set formula,

and the coordinates are different for every rider. Registered Psychologist and Mental Skills Coach Taylor Rapley has worked with Olympians and World Champions alike. She is based in the Southern Hemisphere’s Mountain Bike Mecca, Central Otago, where all forms of biking is a crucial element of life. 

“When a rider is under stress, a lot of fear and self-doubt can arise. Humans typically aren’t very good at accepting unwanted thoughts and emotions and as a result, we tend to perceive these experiences as negative – something we need to ‘fix’. People relate negative thoughts with poor performance and tend to do all they can to get into the ‘right mindset’ of ‘positive thinking’. This fear of fear, or fear of negative thinking paired with a fixation of needing to have ‘positive thoughts’ can be quite detrimental for a number of reasons.” 

“When you try to get rid of thoughts and relentlessly control the stories your mind is telling you, these thoughts can become more intense, frequent, and distracting – creating a sense of not being in control. This excessive mental effort, also known as ‘over thinking’ can impair simple motor skills, such as riding over wet off camber roots that you would normally breeze over, choking during a race, or riding stiff, rigid and unlike yourself.” – Taylor Rapley

In psychology, this is talked about as the ‘Theory of Ironic Thought Processes’ and 'Reinvestment Theory'

Different theories with a similar concept suggest the more we try to control something, the less control we have.

Rather than perceiving unwanted thoughts as negative and investing all your energy into controlling your thoughts, Taylor suggests we embody strategies in aid of finding the desired flow state.  

“Common psychological factors for high performance in my experience and based on research is psychological flexibility. This is an athlete’s ability to experience unwanted thoughts and emotions, while being able to separate oneself from those unwanted experiences and focus on the task at hand. Athletes who perform consistently and at a high level still have a tonne of difficult thoughts and feelings, but they’re able to make room for these thoughts and feelings so they can refocus and do what is important.”  – Taylor Rapley

6 Simple tips for an overthinker from Taylor:

  1. Start by learning how to observe what your mind is telling you. You’ll start to notice the difference between what your mind is telling you, what is real, what’s important and what’s irrelevant. You’ll also notice that your mind does not shut up. And that the more distress you’re under, the louder it gets, the harder it is to quiet the mind. 
  1. Name your thoughts as “The story I am telling myself is….”  or “I notice that my mind is telling me…”
  1. Let the thoughts exist in your mind and accept that it is okay to be there for the moment, that your thoughts don’t define you or your outcome, and importantly, that you don’t always have control over what your mind is telling you. See the thoughts for what they are, be willing to allow, create space and then reconnect with your body. 
  1. While we may feel inclined to try and fix our mindset with positive thoughts, that can be like trying to put a fire out with more fire or trying to fix the problem with the problem. Instead, let your body speak to your mind. A good exercise is 10 deep diaphragmatic breaths (in through the nose, out the mouth slow, controlled, and lengthy, pause, and repeat).
  1. Take a few moments to come back to your senses. With your eyes closed, notice what you can hear, and then open your eyes and notice what you can see.
  1. You can also do this with emotions. Name the emotion you’re experiencing, see if you can locate it in your body, visualise the feeling, breathe into it, make room for it, remind yourself that the emotion is allowed to be there. This type of emotional acceptance is aimed to help athletes become less afraid of their own emotions which can be game changing, especially when those emotions are quite big and distracting (i.e., fear). 

In this sense, you are using the body-mind pathways to communicate with your brain that you’re actually all good and in control. This can open areas of the brain that have become impaired under stress, making it easier for you to refocus on what’s important and be present with the task at hand. This is where we find our flow! 

For Eddie, music and routine is important before dropping in.

“At the top of the hill I put on my noise cancelling headphones and try to eliminate any thoughts other than being present at the gate. I will always fist bump Kurt before I head to the gate.” 

“Leading up to a race I always try and bring it back to what I’m doing. For bike racing, nothing really matters for the three minutes you are on the track, so I try not to sweat the small stuff.”  – Ed Masters

No matter how sharp your skillset is,

how fit and experienced you may be, your brain has the final say on your performance.  

The feeling of being in top psychological performance and mastering the top two inches is that of euphoria. When you are one hundred percent focused and committed to the trail ahead of you. When hundreds of things could be going on around you and you had no idea, because you had simply – turned your brain off.   

An important note from Taylor:

When you’re reading into all thing’s psychology (including these tips), it is important to recognise that information on the internet and books lack context and depth required to support you in your unique situation. Keep this in mind when learning about mental skills, and if you are unsure, seek further information from a registered and experienced professional.  

You can find Taylor’s website and musings here: @ahuapsychology & ĀHUA Psychology (ahuapsychology.com). Taylor works with people and athletes in the scope of mental health and performance, offering her services 1:1 or in groups, both in person and online.  

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WTB x Pivot Endurance Off-Road Team https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/wtb-x-pivot-endurance-off-road-team/ Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:34:34 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=14105 Pivot Cycles, in partnership with WTB, is excited to announce the formation of the WTB x Pivot Endurance Off-Road Team.

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WTB x Pivot Endurance Off-Road Team

Pivot Cycles, in partnership with WTB, is excited to announce the formation of the WTB x Pivot Endurance Off-Road Team.

Building upon the accomplishments of this talented group of riders, both brands are excited to hammer into the world of endurance off-road racing with the promising new talent of Eric Brunner, Madelyn Roberson and Scott Funston. This newest addition to the exciting and dynamic world of gravel racing brings the throughline beliefs of Pivot and WTB to a plethora of races with these 3 talented riders.

“This team was founded on some simple, but very important values, and that’s supporting the next generation of racers in their development and doing our best to let those racers focus on one thing, racing.” – Grant Holicky, Team Coach

The team will compete in a mixture of events between gravel, XC and cyclocross. Managed by longtime coach Grant Holicky, the team will be racing towards the podium at the Singletrack Series, the Lifetime Series, and World Cup events. The team will be managed by longtime coach, Grant Holicky, with full support from Pivot Cycles, WTB, Shimano and Fox.

“Having developed category-leading products in recent years, we’re excited to support a team of highly talented athletes who will put our products to the test and shine a light on how WTB deserves a spot at the pinnacle of competition. We are incredibly proud to partner with these riders and staff to help them achieve big results.” – Johs. Huseby, OEM Sales Director

Follow The Team

The Equipment

The WTB x Pivot Endurance Off-Road Team will be laying down the watts on the race-focused Pivot Vault for all gravel events throughout the season, while endurance mountain bike races will have them aboard Pivot’s full-suspension Mach 4 SL or LES SL hardtail. 

The Riders

Madelyn Roberson

Originally a southern girl, Madelyn Roberson now rides out of Durango, Colorado where she is taking a break from school to race bikes professionally. Taking an impressive 3rd place at the U23 Fayetteville, AR US Pro Cup, Madelyn looks to test herself in 2023 in the disciplines of gravel, endurance mountain bike and cyclocross.  

Follow Madelyn

Eric Brunner

Eric hails from Boulder, Colorado where he attended the University of Colorado before delving into his career as a rider, team owner and cycling coach. He also part-times as the team’s mechanic if that duty calls. 2021 & 2022 Pan-America Cyclocross champion, Eric is bringing his experience and determination to the Lifetime Grand Prix circuit in 2023 

Follow Eric

Scott Funston

Scott is a professional cyclist based in Boulder, Colorado. Originally from Western Washington, Scott moved to Colorado for school, and to race collegiately at Colorado Mesa University. A U23 Cyclocross National Champion, he looks to cut his teeth in the endurance mountain bike and gravel racing disciplines in 2023.  

Follow Scott

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A Craig Murray Q&A https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/a-craig-murray-qa/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:15:16 +0000 https://www.pivotcycles.com/?p=13487 Craig Murray is a professional skier on the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

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A Craig Murray Q&A

Craig Murray is a professional skier on the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

He’s a kiwi currently residing in Europe. His calendar consists of filming trips, projects, and a couple of EWS rounds squeezed in for good measure.  

He grew up riding bikes, but they naturally fell onto the backburner when chasing winters and studying. The pandemic gave him an opportunity to spend some more time on two wheels. With a Switchblade under him, the passion for flying down trails came flooding back. He put time aside to incorporate riding into his calendar. With his brother recently becoming a professional EWS rider and fellow kiwis on PFR team, he had a direction to follow. 

The first obstacle was getting an entry into the packed races.

After securing a last-minute spot in the EWS100 in Tweed Valley he landed on the podium which gave him enough points for the next two rounds in the pro category.  

Let’s hear from his perspective of the events, and racing bikes compared to skis.  

Craig, how was racing EWS for the first time?!

It was a bit of a shock to the body, both physically and mentally. I came pretty much straight from winter, luckily the stages in Scotland weren’t too long and I could somewhat ease into the 100 category. Mentally I found it hard to concentrate for more than 2 minutes. I’m used to focusing on ski runs, but that is over a lot faster. So, I’d often notice my concentration lapsing and mind wandering. I unfortunately found out the hard way. During my first pro stage in Slovenia I clipped a tree and ended up at the local hospital. 

Ouch, that doesn’t sound good, so that ruled you out the rest of the event, how about the following event in Canazei?

So, I took the week off and tried to heal up. I really wanted to race Canazei as it was my last chance to ride before my next winter project. I rested and slept for a couple days then was able to do a few walks in the beautiful Dolomites with family and friends visiting.  

Practice came around on Friday, I still had stiches and a couple of bruises, but luckily all of the X-rays from the weekend before were clear. So, I made the call to see how practice goes. I took it easy, stayed upright, and it gave me enough confidence to throw the hat in the ring for the pro stage on Saturday. My main goal was to stay on my bike throughout the weekend and enjoy it all. Crossing the 6th stage finish line, I was stoked to be in one piece and complete my first EWS. I ended up in 67th which was a result to be proud of but also leaving plenty of room for improvement.  

What are some similarities and differences between the EWS compared to your FWT events?

One similarity is the start gate feeling, you have to be confident, relaxed, prepared and trusting. I think it will always be an intense atmosphere before throwing yourself down a mountain with gravity, no matter the transport method.  

The biggest difference for me is racing the clock, instead of the result being determined by a judging panel. I find this refreshing in a lot of ways because only you are in control, and the clock doesn’t lie. 

Having suspension is nicer on your knees too ha…  

Any advice for others interested in the EWS?

I was stoked to check out the EWS scene, there’s a great community of riders and I loved the privateer culture. If anyone is interested to give Enduro a go, I strongly recommend just entering and going along for the ride and having some good laughs. It’s not about serious racing and results, the whole experience is what I’ll be back for! 

Keep an eye out for what Craig is up to in 2023!

Craig's Instagram

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PFR 2022: A Year for Sports Fans https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/pfr-2022-a-year-for-sports-fans/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:10:49 +0000 https://pivotcycles.com/?p=13204 From a World Cup Championship win to being crowned EWS Team Overall, 2022 was an unforgettable season for Pivot Factory Racing, and sports fans alike.

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Pivot Factory Racing 2022:

A Year for Sports Fans

From a Downhill World Championship win to being crowned EWS Team Overall, 2022 was an unforgettable season for Pivot Factory Racing, and sports fans alike.

2022 marked a momentous year for many individual racers and Pivot Factory Racing as a whole. Building off the successes of the 2021 season, which saw Bernard Kerr become the first 3x Redbull Hardline winner and the expansion of the PFR Next Gen. program, the 2022 season was the team’s most successful season yet. 

Having her most successful season to date,

Morgane Charre was an absolute beast on the racecourse this year. Consistently finishing on the podium, Morgane secured a top 3 spot in over half of her Enduro World Series appearances and even brought home the top spot in the final EWS of the season in Loudenvielle, France. For the cherry on top of the season Morgane grabbed a Trophy of Nation’s World Championship jersey alongside her French teammates in the women’s category.

“I was pushing at every race and on every kind of terrain. It was super fun riding and pushing my limits (this season) with a strong women’s field.” – Morgane  

Matt Walker and Ed Masters,

the dynamic duo and the faces of the Worldwide Wide World of Sports, both put together a strong season. Matt consistently finished in the top 10 and secured a third-place finish at the Sugarloaf EWS for his strongest race of the year. Ed’s season paralleled Matt’s, with consistent top-10 finishes and a hard-fought third-place finish at the Val di Sole EWS. Be on the lookout for what these guys are up to, on course and online. To cap off the season, Matt and Ed helped bring home the Trophy of Nations win for New Zealand in the men’s category.

Jenna Hasting made Pivot Factory Racing history in 2022

by becoming the UCI World Cup Downhill Champion in the Junior division, the first time a PFR team member has accomplished this feat. To make things even more impressive, this was Jenna’s first year on the World Cup circuit. She consistently finished in the top 5 all season and even finished 5th highest in points for the Queen of Crankworx pursuit. Jenna looks to continue her success in the 2023 season where she will be racing in the Elite category.

Team manager and racer, Bernard Kerr,

had the most successful season of his professional career. Bernard secured 3 DH World Cup podiums and ended up an impressive 5th overall in the series. His most dominant showings of the year were a second-place finish in the Snowshoe, West Virginia, and a first-place finish in the Crankworx Whistler Dual Slalom competition.

As a team Pivot Factory Racing had its strongest season yet.

Winning the EWS team Championship for the second time. They took the team championship in a dominant fashion, winning by over 900 points.

“Such a cool feeling after winning in an asterisk covid year but coming back and taking the title once again!” – Bernard Kerr  

Keep an eye out for what Pivot Factory Racing has in store for 2023,

an expanded roster that includes the signing of Jakob Jewett out of Whistler and the continuation of our Pivot Next Gen program, which will see Dane Jewett and Ryan Griffith compete at the Junior World Cup level next year, as well as the up-and-coming Teagan Heap.  

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