Navigating triumphs such as Olympic success and trail advocacy group establishment, to confronting economic hardships in the industry and damage from storms, 2024 proved to be a wild, unpredictable year.
2024: A wild ride through the twists and turns of mountain biking
Welcome one, welcome all! Let's embark on an exciting journey through the thrilling world of mountain biking in 2024. Buckle up as we whizz through the ups and downs of the past year.
Mountain biking: An action-packed year
From the steep slopes of rocky mountains to the dusty trails of desolate deserts, mountain biking captured the hearts of adventurous spirits everywhere in 2024. Let's reminisce about the highs and lows of this rollercoaster year!
Market predictions and Orange's resurrection
The year commenced with market research firm Mintel predicting a significant bounce back in the bike industry, attributing the growth to a surge in e-bike sales and a rise in women cycling. Meanwhile, in a bittersweet turn of events, Orange Bikes, then facing administration, battled to find its way back to financial stability.
Shaking up the trail scene
As the months unfolded, Strava revealed a notable increase in mountain bike rides, with a staggering 13% boost in 2023. However, this growth was overshadowed by gravel riding, which skyrocketed by a whopping 55% globally. As it seems, you can lead a cyclist to dirt, but you can't always make them choose the right bike.
Gravity-defying moments on Gladiators andCondolences for Coed y Brenin
January brought back memories of the nineties when Saturday evening classic Gladiators returned. Scottish downhill and enduro racer, Kerry Wilson, made mountain biking prime-time material as she fought her way through the competition. Later in the year, Coed y Brenin, an iconic Welsh trail center, faced an uncertain future, grappling with financial issues and the threat of closure.
Red Bull Hardline, the pinnacle of downhill racing
February was all about White-knuckle excitement as thousands of mountain biking enthusiasts tuned in for the Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania. The race was a spectacle of epic proportions, featuring jaw-dropping jumps, hair-raising obstacles, and thrilling competition. It was young Irishman Ronan Dunne who held the crowd captive, clinching the victory over fellow competitors.
The tech revolution: New bikes and innovative components
Throughout the year, newly-released bikes and cutting-edge components continued to revolutionize the mountain biking scene. From Canyon's Spectral, Cube's lightweight e-bikes, and Scott's Ransom enduro bikes to Focus's superlight Vam2 SL e-bike and SRAM's wireless shifting system, tech-enthusiasts had plenty to geek out about.
The Olympics, the pinnacle of competition
In July, the mountains of Paris played host to the Olympic Games, with the mountain bike cross-country events taking center stage. Tom Pidcock, competing for Great Britain, clinched the Men's Gold medal in a fiercely competitive race, while Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, representing France, dominated the Women's event.
Challenges and triumphs: The year in review
From financial struggles at Orange Bikes to the closure threats against Coed y Brenin, 2024 had its fair share of challenges. Yet, the spirit of adventure and community persisted, with mountain bikers rallying together to save Coed y Brenin and rejoicing in the success of Red Bull Hardline and the Olympic Games.
As we look forward to 2025, let's embrace the thrilling possibilities that mountain biking holds in store. Until next time, keep pedaling and enjoy the ride!
Feature news from the trail scene in 2024 showcased an exhilarating blend of competition and innovation. Trail centres worldwide witnessed a surge in everyday rides on Strava, with a considerable 13% increase in mountain bike rides. However, gravel riding outpaced its counterpart, recording a staggering 55% global growth, suggesting that the right bike choice remains a hot topic.
Product news in the mountain biking industry brought excitement, with big names such as Canyon, Cube, Scott, Focus, and SRAM unveiling new bikes and cutting-edge components that redefined the boundaries of the sport.
For enduro bike enthusiasts, trail centre news included a bittersweet rollercoaster ride for Orange Bikes as they navigated financial hurdles, while the iconic Coed y Brenin trail centre faced unfair closure threats, galvanizing the mountain biking community to rally together and save this beloved trail centre.
