First DH1 Venue Announced
Interview With Maribor Boss
Words by Cam McRae.
Date: 2011-10-23
nsmb.com is pretty excited about a DH series that is designed around a solid broadcast experience. I've been hungry for more top level DH racing for some time and DH1 is a very exciting format.
Freecaster has announced the first venue will be Maribor on May 12-13. We decided to talk to the local organizer Iztok Kvas about the event. Iztok is manager of Specialized Bike Park Pohorje. He's been the World Cup organizer in Slovenia since 1998 both as marketing director and race director. Here's what he had to say.
How did you decide to become one of the venues on the DH1 circuit?
Iztoc Kvas - After quiting organizing the UCI World Cup, we where searching for a promotional event for our Specialized Bike Park Pohorje and DH1 tour is a perfect solution for us...
What do you like about the format?
That we can put amateurs - the most of our guests in bike park - together
with the best riders on the world is exactly what we where looking for...
Greg Minnaar at Maribor in 2010.
Will the course be the same as the one you have used for World Cups in the past? What can the riders expect?
Yes, we will use the same course as for the UCI world cup, because it fits the best from all logistical aspects for the organization, but the riders can expect a lot of upgrading on different parts of the course with jumps, turns, etc...
Do you think having another series will be good for the sport of downhill racing?
If we consider that DH1 will fit with UCI world cup calendar it will bring:
- support for the teams to have constantly competitive rhythm almost from
week to week;
- more promotion for the teams' sponsors;
- more world media attention for the dh sports overall.
So win situation for everybody involved.
How has working with Ray and Freecaster been different from working with the UCI?
We had correct cooperation also with UCI, but first impressions by working with Ray and Freecaster are a lot more ''freeride'' in all organizational aspects. This means, we as the organizers can be involved in raising awareness of the tour, with experiences and know-how, with the one and the
main goal: to have the best possible event for the riders with adaptations on individual location...
Peaty at Maribor 2010.
How do you feel about being the first stop on the DH1 tour?
We have been first stop also at the UCI world cup tour and it is the greatest feeling to host first event in the season, when all teams can wait to test and to show the new bikes, equipment, new riders on the tour etc.
High level of enthusiasm on every step...
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I strongly believe in huge success of DH1 tour for the future.
Maribor Finals Vid 2010
If you'd like to see more and better top level DH racing support DH1 on Facebook by clicking here.
Join the discussion in the DH1 thread here...
Comments
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Posted by Straw at 12:16 AM on 10-17-2011
I enjoyed the straight, tough questions. It wouldn't have been an easy interview for him. However, I haven't been following the contract negotiations and nuances of UCI broadcast rights, so I had no idea about any of this. I learned as I read the piece.
I may be a minority, but an intro to the interview and why it's important would likely be helpful to others in my situation.
I enjoyed the straight, tough questions. It wouldn't have been an easy interview for him. However, I haven't been following the contract negotiations and nuances of UCI broadcast rights, so I had no idea about any of this. I learned as I read the piece.
I may be a minority, but an intro to the interview and why it's important would likely be helpful to others in my situation.
Posted by L. Ron Hubbard at 02:22 AM on 10-17-2011
Great questions, great responses.
Great questions, great responses.
Posted by Linds at 07:14 AM on 10-17-2011
Can anyone tell me how the purse (even at 50% larger than a UCI event) compares to the salary of guys that are consistently top 20 in the world cups?
My question is, do those guys make enough in salary where the risk of injury or just the general burn out from an additional 6 DH1 races just isn't worth it? Even if you took a podium on a couple of them?
Also, as a racer, would you expect a higher salary if you are expected to race an additional 6 races? I know if someone asked me to work an additional 50% or whatever it works out to be, I'd be looking for a little more up front.
Can anyone tell me how the purse (even at 50% larger than a UCI event) compares to the salary of guys that are consistently top 20 in the world cups?
My question is, do those guys make enough in salary where the risk of injury or just the general burn out from an additional 6 DH1 races just isn't worth it? Even if you took a podium on a couple of them?
Also, as a racer, would you expect a higher salary if you are expected to race an additional 6 races? I know if someone asked me to work an additional 50% or whatever it works out to be, I'd be looking for a little more up front.
Posted by Dynamo at 07:58 AM on 10-17-2011
Some classy answers to some good questions in there. Good interview all around!
When I first heard about DH1, I was completely stoked that Freecaster found a way to keep bringing us great coverage of DH events. However, Linds makes a couple of points that I didn't even think about. I don't know how much, but I think that the top, top guys do make what most of us would consider to be pretty good money (although surely not when compared to other professional "athletes" like golfers and baseball players :P )
I'm trying to imagine how hockey players would react if a second league started and they were effectively asked to double the number of games without a corresponding salary increase. I don't think it would go well. Maybe this is the difference between DH and other sports, but that must be something that weighs on the minds of the top riders as they consider whether to join the series.
Some classy answers to some good questions in there. Good interview all around!
When I first heard about DH1, I was completely stoked that Freecaster found a way to keep bringing us great coverage of DH events. However, Linds makes a couple of points that I didn't even think about. I don't know how much, but I think that the top, top guys do make what most of us would consider to be pretty good money (although surely not when compared to other professional "athletes" like golfers and baseball players :P )
I'm trying to imagine how hockey players would react if a second league started and they were effectively asked to double the number of games without a corresponding salary increase. I don't think it would go well. Maybe this is the difference between DH and other sports, but that must be something that weighs on the minds of the top riders as they consider whether to join the series.
Posted by cam@nsmb.com at 08:00 AM on 10-17-2011
Those are good questions as well - but not ones I could have asked Ray.
Hopefully someone will be able to chime in with some ranges and examples at least.
From the responses Peaty and Minnaar gave it sounds like they are down. And remember these guys' salaries are based on results and exposure - and you can get more of both with two series.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Linds
(Post 2578018)
Can anyone tell me how the purse (even at 50% larger than a UCI event) compares to the salary of guys that are consistently top 20 in the world cups?
My question is, do those guys make enough in salary where the risk of injury or just the general burn out from an additional 6 DH1 races just isn't worth it? Even if you took a podium on a couple of them? Also, as a racer, would you expect a higher salary if you are expected to race an additional 6 races? I know if someone asked me to work an additional 50% or whatever it works out to be, I'd be looking for a little more up front. |
Hopefully someone will be able to chime in with some ranges and examples at least.
From the responses Peaty and Minnaar gave it sounds like they are down. And remember these guys' salaries are based on results and exposure - and you can get more of both with two series.
Posted by the Master Plan Dan at 08:41 AM on 10-17-2011
I am watching this one with interest. I will have more faith in the series when I hear dates and venues. Saying that you are going to offer 6 additional races that coincide with a pre-existing series is one thing, but creating entirely another race at a new venue is another. I wonder where the tracks are going to come from. Rehash of the current World Cup venues or entirely new ones? That takes a lot of work and are there enough venues close to the current world cup ones to make it viable?
I am not doubting that it can be done, but there is something that doesn’t sit right. Less than a year to create 6 new courses, get sponsors etc for series that is to be arguably be bigger than the World Cup so that it attracts enough racers to make it viable?
There are still many questions that have to be answered. Most importantly how many racers will show up for this.
I am watching this one with interest. I will have more faith in the series when I hear dates and venues. Saying that you are going to offer 6 additional races that coincide with a pre-existing series is one thing, but creating entirely another race at a new venue is another. I wonder where the tracks are going to come from. Rehash of the current World Cup venues or entirely new ones? That takes a lot of work and are there enough venues close to the current world cup ones to make it viable?
I am not doubting that it can be done, but there is something that doesn’t sit right. Less than a year to create 6 new courses, get sponsors etc for series that is to be arguably be bigger than the World Cup so that it attracts enough racers to make it viable?
There are still many questions that have to be answered. Most importantly how many racers will show up for this.
Posted by walleater at 09:05 AM on 10-17-2011
Well, I know a guy who coached Peaty back in 2006 (I think....) and lets just say Peaty was doing OK! Back in the day when DH was big the first time around, John Tomac was pulling in a huge salary from sponsors so while 20 years later, the economic climate may be a bit tight but I'm sure the world can spare a few K for people who ride bikes downhill really fast.
I remember seeing a video a few years ago in which CG showed the audience around his house, and he was clearly doing alright for himself, right down to having a specially designed bed that was around 1ft higher than others for ummm....yes....anyway.....
So dropping down the rankings a bit, these guys are still going to be the best in their own countries, and the exposure from racing will open up loads of business opportunities once the racing career is over so I'm sure everything is well worth the risk.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Linds
(Post 2578018)
My question is, do those guys make enough in salary where the risk of injury or just the general burn out from an additional 6 DH1 races just isn't worth it? Even if you took a podium on a couple of them? |
I remember seeing a video a few years ago in which CG showed the audience around his house, and he was clearly doing alright for himself, right down to having a specially designed bed that was around 1ft higher than others for ummm....yes....anyway.....
So dropping down the rankings a bit, these guys are still going to be the best in their own countries, and the exposure from racing will open up loads of business opportunities once the racing career is over so I'm sure everything is well worth the risk.
Posted by gotham at 09:21 AM on 10-17-2011
Isn't it the media who tells us who the top 20 are?
Surely Freecaster'll get it sorted.
Isn't it the media who tells us who the top 20 are?
Surely Freecaster'll get it sorted.
Posted by rewoga at 10:25 AM on 10-17-2011
I don't think most of the pros will have any trouble adding six races. Do you all think that all they do is the World Cup? ALL of the pro's already do additional races, and another venue will probably be more than welcome for all of them.
If they don't want to crash or hurt themselves, they will use it as a training opportunity and take it easy.
This can work - I for one really hope it does.
I don't think most of the pros will have any trouble adding six races. Do you all think that all they do is the World Cup? ALL of the pro's already do additional races, and another venue will probably be more than welcome for all of them.
If they don't want to crash or hurt themselves, they will use it as a training opportunity and take it easy.
This can work - I for one really hope it does.
Posted by Bryan at 10:57 AM on 10-17-2011
I can't think of many people who like to win that would want to take it easy. It's not really how one gets to the top of their sport.
I think Matti hurt him self pretty good at a non-WC race just recently.
Having said that, people who like to win and who like to race....can never get enough. I too really hope this works out.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by rewoga
(Post 2578099)
If they don't want to crash or hurt themselves, they will use it as a training opportunity and take it easy.
|
I think Matti hurt him self pretty good at a non-WC race just recently.
Having said that, people who like to win and who like to race....can never get enough. I too really hope this works out.
Posted by shirk at 11:32 AM on 10-17-2011
It will work, it's big money and big exposure. There are likely plenty of good venues out there that don't want anything to do with the UCI but really want to host World Cup level talent. Whistler comes to mind right off the bat. There are also former WC host venue's that might be looking to get a big event back.
It will work, it's big money and big exposure. There are likely plenty of good venues out there that don't want anything to do with the UCI but really want to host World Cup level talent. Whistler comes to mind right off the bat. There are also former WC host venue's that might be looking to get a big event back.
Posted by wa90 at 12:54 PM on 10-17-2011
More DH is good. I still want to watch the official action though, so I'm interested to see how this pantomime ends.
More DH is good. I still want to watch the official action though, so I'm interested to see how this pantomime ends.
Posted by Kevin_m31 at 02:14 PM on 10-17-2011
I think there is a lot up in the air to try to nail down all in one year.
If they can pull it off it will be because the teams have confidence that freecaster will be able to give them great exposure and run solid events. The fat prize purses won't hurt competition either.
I think there is a lot up in the air to try to nail down all in one year.
If they can pull it off it will be because the teams have confidence that freecaster will be able to give them great exposure and run solid events. The fat prize purses won't hurt competition either.
Posted by 1375 at 04:19 PM on 10-17-2011
hate to be the nega-tor,but this series ain't gonna do squat.
just another division, when what is neeeded is unity.
hate to be the nega-tor,but this series ain't gonna do squat.
just another division, when what is neeeded is unity.
Posted by Clownshoe at 07:04 PM on 10-17-2011
Good article.
A bit of an intro to what the background story is would be helpful though. I'm sort of familiar with this story, but I still felt like I was dropped in to the middle oft the conversation. I was 1/3 of the way through the article going "is DH1 a website? How is it related to Freecaster?" before I figured out DH1 was going to be a separate race series. Maybe hardcore race fans knew what this was about from the start, but I was confused.
Regardless, I think its a great idea, especially if the prize money goes up. These are world class athletes taking big risks. Let's get em payed!
Also, I'll watch whatever Rob Warner does. That guy rules. Let's get the Canadian Open at Crankworx in this series, get rid of Brad Ewan and have Rob do the commentary.
Good article.
A bit of an intro to what the background story is would be helpful though. I'm sort of familiar with this story, but I still felt like I was dropped in to the middle oft the conversation. I was 1/3 of the way through the article going "is DH1 a website? How is it related to Freecaster?" before I figured out DH1 was going to be a separate race series. Maybe hardcore race fans knew what this was about from the start, but I was confused.
Regardless, I think its a great idea, especially if the prize money goes up. These are world class athletes taking big risks. Let's get em payed!
Also, I'll watch whatever Rob Warner does. That guy rules. Let's get the Canadian Open at Crankworx in this series, get rid of Brad Ewan and have Rob do the commentary.
Posted by sAFETY at 07:39 PM on 10-17-2011
Agreed! Let's address the big issue. Will this new series increase the possibility of BC getting a WC-level race? Canadian Open seems like the perfect fit (not sure what the current organizers think about that though).
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Clownshoe
(Post 2578353)
Also, I'll watch whatever Rob Warner does. That guy rules. Let's get the Canadian Open at Crankworx in this series, get rid of Brad Ewan and have Rob do the commentary.
|
Posted by Straw at 07:57 PM on 10-17-2011
I think the biggest issue is whether they'll hand out twenties at the finish line for good finishing sprints. If not, hire Brad to make it happen!
I think the biggest issue is whether they'll hand out twenties at the finish line for good finishing sprints. If not, hire Brad to make it happen!
Posted by JCL at 07:58 PM on 10-17-2011
Please freind the Facebook page peeps.
Please freind the Facebook page peeps.
Posted by cam@nsmb.com at 08:39 PM on 10-17-2011
So the UCI has just approved the IXS series. And they just now - at the 11th hour - have asked DH1 now to schedule around the World Cup and the IXS events. This request was made today. It sounds to me like they are trying to make it impossible for DH1 to find dates for their events.
So the UCI has just approved the IXS series. And they just now - at the 11th hour - have asked DH1 now to schedule around the World Cup and the IXS events. This request was made today. It sounds to me like they are trying to make it impossible for DH1 to find dates for their events.
Posted by Sethimus at 08:56 AM on 10-18-2011
rumor is crankworx is also part of this series...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by sAFETY
(Post 2578366)
Agreed! Let's address the big issue. Will this new series increase the possibility of BC getting a WC-level race? Canadian Open seems like the perfect fit (not sure what the current organizers think about that though).
|
Posted by xy9ine at 09:17 AM on 10-18-2011
^they're looking at two canadian venues in the series so whistler would most likely be in the mix. crossing phalanges.
^they're looking at two canadian venues in the series so whistler would most likely be in the mix. crossing phalanges.
Posted by pedalhound at 09:34 AM on 10-18-2011
Please...Please...Please let there be a west coast race...would LOVE to see the WC guys racing....
Quote:
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Originally Posted by xy9ine
(Post 2578561)
^they're looking at two canadian venues in the series so whistler would most likely be in the mix. crossing phalanges.
|
Posted by hampstead_bandit at 10:52 AM on 10-18-2011
Rob Warner at my pump track (esher) here in the UK last season
http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb4968962/p4pb4968962.jpg
super funny guy, and stupidly quick on the Pump Track considering he'd not ridden a MTB for nearly 3 years when we did this photo shoot for MBUK magazine!
just don't try to teach him footplants...groin strain for sure ;)
http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb4968961/p4pb4968961.jpg
back on topic, the DH1 series is an awesome idea, and hopefully the DH pro riders will back the "right" series...
...as the UCI are taking it the wrong way due to their lack of serious passion for gravity riding, compared to the road scene with its culmination in the 'Tour De France'
as a customer of mine said (who equally loves riding road and mtb..but does not care about the road "scene"): when I asked if he was watching the "Tour" on TV he replied,"I don't care which drug addict wins this year?"
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Clownshoe
(Post 2578353)
Good article.
Also, I'll watch whatever Rob Warner does. That guy rules. Let's get the Canadian Open at Crankworx in this series, get rid of Brad Ewan and have Rob do the commentary. |
http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb4968962/p4pb4968962.jpg
super funny guy, and stupidly quick on the Pump Track considering he'd not ridden a MTB for nearly 3 years when we did this photo shoot for MBUK magazine!
just don't try to teach him footplants...groin strain for sure ;)
http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb4968961/p4pb4968961.jpg
back on topic, the DH1 series is an awesome idea, and hopefully the DH pro riders will back the "right" series...
...as the UCI are taking it the wrong way due to their lack of serious passion for gravity riding, compared to the road scene with its culmination in the 'Tour De France'
as a customer of mine said (who equally loves riding road and mtb..but does not care about the road "scene"): when I asked if he was watching the "Tour" on TV he replied,"I don't care which drug addict wins this year?"
Posted by the Master Plan Dan at 12:07 PM on 10-18-2011
And no one expected this? Come on now... UCI is going to give them a huge run around.
My quess is the previously mentioned C-Works and perhaps Bromont? Bromont makes sense if they are going to run it close to Mt Saint Anne.
I still think that setting the series to run in 2012 is too soon.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cam@nsmb.com
(Post 2578396)
So the UCI has just approved the IXS series. And they just now - at the 11th hour - have asked DH1 now to schedule around the World Cup and the IXS events. This request was made today. It sounds to me like they are trying to make it impossible for DH1 to find dates for their events.
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by xy9ine
(Post 2578561)
^they're looking at two canadian venues in the series so whistler would most likely be in the mix. crossing phalanges.
|
I still think that setting the series to run in 2012 is too soon.
Posted by FlipFantasia at 05:28 PM on 10-18-2011
I had a chance to meet Ray during Crankworx and really enjoyed chatting with him about what freecaster has done to really push the interest in world cup racing in the past few years. He's a passionate, articulate, and a genuinely sincere person, and I certainly am hoping for the best in this project.
With cold hard cash on the line, I think you may see more racers try to opt in, people need to top up salary's where possible in this day and age.
I had a chance to meet Ray during Crankworx and really enjoyed chatting with him about what freecaster has done to really push the interest in world cup racing in the past few years. He's a passionate, articulate, and a genuinely sincere person, and I certainly am hoping for the best in this project.
With cold hard cash on the line, I think you may see more racers try to opt in, people need to top up salary's where possible in this day and age.
Posted by DaveM at 05:30 PM on 10-18-2011
I wonder if the UCI dicking them around will backfire worse then letting them do their thing. If they blatantly try to stop something new and good for the the sport just so they can keep doing it their way, how long until the teams revolt?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by the Master Plan Dan
(Post 2578674)
And no one expected this? Come on now... UCI is going to give them a huge run around.
|
Posted by Kirk_H at 10:42 AM on 10-19-2011
Has there been any discussion on what impact the DH1 series might have on continental series such as the Pro GRT? There are only so many weekends in a race calendar, and with the World Cup, iXS, and now DH1 taking up room at the top as preferred events for the top riders to attend I cannot help but think that some of the other series' will suffer as a result. This is neither a criticism nor endorsement of one series over another, just my observation.
Has there been any discussion on what impact the DH1 series might have on continental series such as the Pro GRT? There are only so many weekends in a race calendar, and with the World Cup, iXS, and now DH1 taking up room at the top as preferred events for the top riders to attend I cannot help but think that some of the other series' will suffer as a result. This is neither a criticism nor endorsement of one series over another, just my observation.
Posted by shirk at 10:09 AM on 10-21-2011
Maribor, Slovenia announced as the first track.
Maribor, Slovenia announced as the first track.
Posted by Brigand at 11:38 AM on 10-24-2011
great to see racing happening in Maribor again
great to see racing happening in Maribor again
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