2012 IXS Downhill Cup CHanges And Schedule Announced

Already in its tenth year, the iXS Downhill Cup series has grown up and presents itself in a new look. Not only the logo has been redone, it also comes with a new online presence.
 
With the four series under the flag of iXS running for some years already, the layout of the cup had to be dusted off. This has been done with the design of a new logo and the redevelopment of the website. But it's not only the look that has changed, there are also changes within the series as well. The organizers have revised the time table at some stages, but most significant are the changes within the rules of the iXS European Downhill Cups.
 
Five years after its inauguration the cup has left its childhood days behind and established itself as one of the most prestigious series of the world. As a result it will only be open to licensed riders in the future. But the growth in popularity is only one factor triggering that decision, it is also influenced by different national rules. Due to national rules in some countries, the added costs to open the cup to non-licensed riders are extremely high due to added insurance costs and other efforts. In some countries it is even impossible to let unlicensed riders participate. As bridging the gap between national series and the Worldcup has always been the cups main purpose, this step is bringing the cup closer to the Worldcup than before. As a result extra training times for the Top 80 Elite Men and Top 10 Elite Woman categories will be added. Based on the world ranking list, the best 80 men and best 10 women will enjoy an additional three hours training time. Start numbers for the European Cup will therefore only be available on Fridays before each race.
 
There will also be a new system for registration, as a change for the better for those who knew the old system. Due to increased fees for foreign bank transactions paying via PayPal will be the only way to pay in the future. This will cut costs and make funds available quicker for the organizers of the various events. Late registrations and late payments are not possible any longer, registrants have to pay immediately via PayPal and will show up on the list of competitors in real time after they completed the registration.
 
The registration list and starting as well as results lists will be available online in the future, so people can check them at the races with any mobile device connected to the internet.
 
The section with the rider's online profiles has been extended as well. Next to the results riders can upload a picture as well as information about their team, sponsors, bikes and parts used. The profiles can be changed and completed any time. Within the next weeks all participants will be invited to update their data. All existing accounts will still be valid.

2012 IXS Downhill Cup Schedule

2012 MS/Mondraker Team Announced

This new structure is the result of an agreement between Mondraker and the Austrian Race Team MS Racing owned by RedBull athlete Markus Stöckl and will mean for Mondraker a new stage and step ahead in DH Racing after former DH team ¨Mondraker Factory Team¨ and Fabien Barel announced their retirement.

The team will be composed by the following top riders:

Brook MacDonald
3 podium positions at World Cup UCI in 2011

Damien Spagnolo
Silver Medal World Championship 2011 Champery/SUI

Emmeline Ragot
World Champion 2011 Champery/SUI

Markus Pekoll
European Champion IXS Cup 2011

The goal of the team is to be one of the top DH teams of 2012 and to continue the great job of the Mondraker Factory Team of the last seasons.

All riders of the MS MONDRAKER TEAM will be riding the Summum Pro team which has proven to be a very promising and medal winning bike ever since its launch in 2009, with various victories from Fabien Barel in the last few years and Damien Spagnolo's great performance in Champery September 011.

The MS MONDRAKER TEAM will have an impressive infrastructure and a very professional support team available for the riders, as well a professional photographer and movie maker who will be following the team during all the important races starting from the first World Cup race in Pietermartizburg between the 17th and 18th of March.

MS-Racing Owner Markus Stöckl says:

We are very proud to represent the new Mondraker Factory Team, already at my first visit at the Mondraker office we found a good base for our program. The Team is very sad that we had to let some of our riders go but also happy about the new riders Damien and Emmeline and about Brook and Markus to still be with us, each of them is a great Rider and has a cool personality, so we are looking forward to some successful and fun race weekends. It is quite a busy time for us because of the change of our main partner there will be some more changes down the road, but we are stoked about the new opportunities which are coming.

Lezyne Partners With Team Norco International

San Luis Obispo, CA – Lezyne is proud to announce a partnership with Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson of the newly formed Team Norco International for the 2012 season. Jill Kintner, an Olympic BMX Bronze Medalist, is one of the most dominant female cyclists in the world, and is ready to take on the 2012 race circuit in DH, 4X, and DS. Bryn Atkinson is a top downhill racer on the World Cup scene who has come up through the ranks along side some of the industry's best. Jill and Bryn are dedicated to toping the podium at every race they attend around the world.

Lezyne has known Jill and Bryn since their days of racing for the Transition Bicycles / Crankbrothers team. Jill contacted Lezyne in November 2012 about her new team with Bryn. "Jill has been a great ambassador for Lezyne and for women's cycling. We are so happy and excited to be working these two star athletes again in 2012", says Patrick Ribera-McKay, Lezyne's Worldwide Marketing Manager.

Team Norco International will be riding with Lezyne pumps, CO2 inflators, multi-tools, bottle cages, tire repair, soft goods and LED lights. Along with representing the brand, Jill and Bryn will provide Lezyne with valuable product feedback gathered from putting Lezyne products through their paces in training and on the international World Cup scene.

2012 Nukeproof Complete Bikes Announced

New for 2012, Nukeproof complete bike builds based on our highly acclaimed framesets available in Comp & Pro build options!

Take to the Alps with the Nukeproof Mega AM Pro; built around our race proven Mega AM frame which has evolved from a prototype that placed highly in the 2009 Megavalanche event. The Mega Comp features a high end component spec that will offer high levels of performance in your local Enduro events yet be ready for the starting beeps when the Megavalnche rolls around!

Hrdroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Frame & RockShox Lyrik RC Fork
Our custom drawn hydrofoormed double-welded 6061 aluminium frame offers 150mm rear travel and designed to match with 150-170mm forks up front. The Mega is a versatile frame that combines plush descending prowess with pedalling efficiency. Utilizing our 'Erosion' linkage giving a smooth progressive action with a well controlled mid-stroke to avoid wallowing under pedal loads; suspension travel is controlled by the RockShox Monarch air shock. The main bearing pivots are contained within a bespoke CNC-machined Bottom Bracket Assembly to ensure alignment, durability and precision. An asymmetric chainstay design gives clearance for a double front derailleur (with a 22t-36t chainring set up) and compatibility with all leading models of ISCG-05 mounted chain retention systems.Geometry is based around a 66deg head angle and 75deg seat angle, with a BB height of 13.69” for climbing and descending prowess. A 44mm headtube standard keeps the front of the bike light, with Nukeproof headset options allowing all fork steerer option compatibility.
A RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH fork presents a new level of performance for AM assaults with a balanced 160mm of infinitely adjustable air sprung travel. The Maxle Lite 20mm thru axle will provide positive tracking on the roughest rock strewn descents and increases front end stiffness and braking performance.

SRAM Pro Groupset
The Snap Pro features a full SRAM groupset. Shifting is taken care of with SRAM X7/X9 shifters and derailleur’s to deliver flawless performance and crisp gear shifts. The SRAM X0 2x10 chainset is at the heart of the transmission and when paired with the 11-36t cassette provides the perfect blend of lightweight performance with a gear ratio that will make short work of the steepest ascents!
The RockShox Reverb seatpost is a revelation in terms of increasing your enjoyment. With a simple flick of the bar mounted remote lever you can drop the saddle height for increased standover clearance for descending and at the flick of a switch raise it again for climbing increasing the bikes race ready credentials.
Avid X0 hydraulic disc brakes are paired up with 180mm rotors front and rear providing powerful, fade free braking in any conditions.
Nukeproof Finishing Kit
Finishing kit is our own tried and tested Warhead series of components. Our Generator Race wheelset combine low weight in a bombproof build for all-day epics. Steering is precise and sharp with our Warhead 760 riser bars and Warhead stem combination with our lock-on grips ensuring you never come un-stuck! Our Warhead plasma “Mega” edition saddle completes the build adding unique style.


Specifications
•Frame: Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Single Pivot Design Featuring Erosion Linkage Driven Suspension, 150mm Travel
•Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch
•Forks: RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH SoloAir, 160mm Travel, Tapered Steerer, Maxle Lite 20mm Axle
•Handlebars: Nukeproof Warhead 760 Riser Bar, 25mm Rise
•Stem: Nukeproof Warhead, 60mm
•Grips: Nukeproof Lock-On
•Headset: Nukeproof 44IETS
•Chainset: SRAM X0 DH GXP, 34t, 170mm
•Chainguide: Truvativ X0 ISCG05, 36-40t Black
•Chain: SRAM PC-1071
•Cassette: SRAM PG-1070, 11-36t, 10-Speed
•Shifter: SRAM X0
•Rear Derailleur: SRAM X0
•Brakes: Avid X0, 180mm Rotors
•Saddle: Nukeproof Plasma Mega
•Seatpost: RockShox Reverb
•Tyres: Maxxis High Roller Tubeless Front & Rear 26” x 2.35” MaxxPro 60a
•Wheelset: Nukeproof Generator Race, Thru Axle 110mm-20mm/135mm-12mm
•Weight: 13.7kg (Medium)

Step up a level with the Nukeproof Mega AM Comp; built around our race proven Mega AM frame which has evolved from a prototype that placed highly in the 2009 Megavalanche event. The Mega Comp features a high end component spec that will offer high levels of performance in your local Enduro events yet be ready for the starting beeps when the Megavalanche rolls around!

Hrdroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Frame & RockShox Lyrik RC Fork
Our custom drawn hydroformed double-welded 6061 aluminium frame offers 150mm rear travel and designed to match with 150-170mm forks up front. The Mega is a versatile frame that combines plush descending prowess with pedalling efficiency. Utilizing our 'Erosion' linkage giving a smooth progressive action with a well controlled mid-stroke to avoid wallowing under pedal loads; suspension travel is controlled by the RockShox Monarch air shock. The main bearing pivots are contained within a bespoke CNC-machined Bottom Bracket Assembly to ensure alignment, durability and precision. An asymmetric chainstay design gives clearance for a double front derailleur (with a 22t-36t chainring set up) and compatibility with all leading models of ISCG-05 mounted chain retention systems.Geometry is based around a 66deg head angle and 75deg seat angle, with a BB height of 13.69” for climbing and descending prowess. A 44mm headtube standard keeps the front of the bike light, with Nukeproof headset options allowing all fork steerer option compatibility.
A RockShox Lyrik SoloAir fork offers a balanced 160mm of infinitely adjustable air sprung travel. The Maxle Lite 20mm thru axle ensures positive tracking and increased stiffness under all conditions.

SRAM Comp Groupset
The Snap Comp features a full SRAM groupset. Shifting is taken care of with SRAM X7/X9 shifters and derailleur’s to deliver flawless performance and crisp gear shifts. The SRAM S1400 2x10 chainset offers an AM friendly gear ratio ensuring you can ascend the hills as easily as you can descend them!
Avid Elixir 7 hydraulic disc brakes are paired up with 180mm rotors front and rear providing fade free braking on all but the longest alpine descents.
Nukeproof Finishing Kit
Finishing kit is our own tried and tested Warhead series of components. Our Generator Race wheelset combine low weight in a bombproof build for all-day epics. Steering is precise and sharp with our Warhead 760 riser bars and Warhead stem combination with our lock-on grips ensuring you never come un-stuck! Our Warhead seatpost and plasma “Mega” edition saddle complete the build adding unique style.

Specifications
•Frame: Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Single Pivot Design Featuring Erosion Linkage Driven Suspension, 150mm Travel
•Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch
•Forks: RockShox Lyrik RC SoloAir, 160mm Travel, Tapered Steerer, Maxle Lite 20mm Axle
•Handlebars: Nukeproof Warhead 760 Riser Bar, 25mm Rise
•Stem: Nukeproof Warhead, 60mm
•Grips: Nukeproof Lock-On
•Headset: Nukeproof 44IETS
•Chainset: SRAM S1400 2x10 GXP, 36/22t, 170mm
•Chain: SRAM PC-1031
•Cassette: SRAM PG-1030, 11-36t, 10-Speed
•Shifters: SRAM X7
•Rear Derailleur: SRAM X9
•Front Derailleur: SRAM X7
•Brakes: Avid Elixir 7, 180mm Rotors
•Saddle: Nukeproof Plasma Mega
•Seatpost: Nukeproof Warhead Inline
•Tyres: Maxxis High Roller Front & Rear 26” x 2.35” MaxxPro 60a
•Wheelset: Nukeproof Generator Race, Thru Axle 110mm-20mm/135mm-12mm
•Weight: 14.6kg (Medium

Race ready performance with pro build spec, the Nukeproof Scalp DH Pro; built around our World Cup proven Scalp DH frame which has been the weapon of choice for the ChainReactionCycles/

Nukeproof Team riders over the last two seasons.
The Scalp DH Comp offers a full race ready spec with World Cup ready potential; ultimate reliability and low maintenance come as standard!

Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Frame & RockShox BoXXer RC Fork
Engineered from double-welded 6061 aluminium and tested by our team riders on courses in the UK and elsewhere, the Scalp is a slack and low-slung gravity sled built for the steepest, most technical and most challenging race runs the sport can throw up. Boasting a super-slack 63-degree head angle, 47.12 in wheelbase and 14” static BB height (medium size) the Scalp is characterised by its centrally-positioned shock and linkage system to keep the centre of gravity low. Rear hub spacing is standard 150mm while BB width is 83mm and the 1.5in headtube can be used in conjunction with the latest generation of Nukeproof headsets to cater for standard 1-1/8in fork steerers. Suspension-wise, the Scalp uses a single-pivot configuration with a unified rear triangle for optimum strength and stiffness. Its pull-link driven 'Fallout' linkage drives the shock in a three-stage progressive action - progressive throughout, with increasing progression at the beginning and end of the stroke, but a linearly progressive midstroke to avoid any spikes in damping. Huge 40mm diameter main pivot bearings are used with bearings mounted in machined faces in the swingarm, to provide maximum spacing and stiffness. Twin dogbones pull, rather than push, the swinglink giving a perfect progression rate, and allowing ride height tuning by swapping for different length links.
A Cane Creek Double Barrel controls the rear suspension with unlimited adjustability allowing the shock to be dialled in for any course conditions.
The RockShox BoXXer RC2 is a race proven platform and offers 200mm of buttery smooth coil sprung travel with the ability to swallow anything in its path! The Maxle Lite 20mm thru axle offers improved tracking and increases front end stiffness enhancing the handling characteristics and braking performance.

SRAM Pro Groupset
The Scalp DH Pro features a full top end SRAM groupset. The SRAM X9 shifter and X0 derailleur delivers flawless performance and crisp gear shifts time after time. The Truvativ Descendent chainset combines lightweight performance with rock solid construction to take the demands of full on World Cup level racing. The Truvativ X0 chainguide keeps the chain in place whilst offering impact protection to the chainring.
Avid X0 hydraulic disc brakes are paired up with 200mm rotors front and rear to provide reliable, consistent, fade free braking in all conditions.
Nukeproof Finishing Kit
Finishing kit is our own tried and tested Warhead series of components. Our Generator Race wheelset has been tried and tested in World Cup race conditions. Steering is precise and sharp with our Warhead 760 riser bars and Warhead BoXXer Direct Mount stem combination with our lock-on grips ensuring you never come un-stuck! Our Warhead seatpost and plasma “Scalp” edition saddle completes the build adding unique style.


Specifications
•Frame: Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Single Pivot Design Featuring Fallout Linkage Driven Three Stage Progression Suspension, 209mm Travel
•Rear Shock: Cane Creek Double Barrel, 400lb Steel Spring
•Forks: RockShox BoXXer RC2, 200mm Travel, 20mm Maxle Lite Thru Axle
•Handlebars: Nukeproof Warhead 760 Riser Bar, 25mm Rise
•Stem: Nukeproof Warhead BoXXer Direct Mount
•Grips: Nukeproof Lock-On
•Headset: Nukeproof 49IISS
•Chainset: Truvativ Descendant GXP, 36t, 165mm
•Chainguide: Truvativ X0 ISCG05, 36-40t, Black
•Chain: SRAM PC-1051
•Cassette: SRAM PG-1070, 11-26t, 10-Speed
•Shifter: SRAM X9
•Rear Derailleur: SRAM X0
•Brakes: Avid X0, 200mm Rotors
•Saddle: Nukeproof Plasma Scalp
•Seatpost: Nukeproof Warhead Inline
•Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Front & Rear, 26” x 2.5” 42aST
•Wheelset: Nukeproof Generator Race, Thru Axle 110mm-20mm/150mm-12mm
•Weight: 17.9kg (Medium)

NUKEPROOF SCALP DH COMP

Race ready performance for the privateer racer, the Nukeproof Scalp DH Comp; built around our World Cup proven Scalp DH frame which has been the weapon of choice for the ChainReactionCycles/Nukeproof Team riders over the last two seasons.
The Scalp DH Comp offers a full race ready spec with World Cup ready potential.

Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Frame & RockShox BoXXer RC Fork

Engineered from double-welded 6061 aluminium and tested by our team riders on courses in the UK and elsewhere, the Scalp is a slack and low-slung gravity sled built for the steepest, most technical and most challenging race runs the sport can throw up. Boasting a super-slack 63-degree head angle, 47.12 in wheelbase and 14” static BB height (medium size) the Scalp is characterised by its centrally-positioned shock and linkage system to keep the centre of gravity low.

Rear hub spacing is standard 150mm while BB width is 83mm and the 1.5in headtube can be used in conjunction with the latest generation of Nukeproof headsets to cater for standard 1-1/8in fork steerers. Suspension-wise, the Scalp uses a single-pivot configuration with a unified rear triangle for optimum strength and stiffness. Its pull-link driven 'Fallout' linkage drives the shock in a three-stage progressive action - progressive throughout, with increasing progression at the beginning and end of the stroke, but a linearly progressive midstroke to avoid any spikes in damping. Huge 40mm diameter main pivot bearings are used with bearings mounted in machined faces in the swingarm, to provide maximum spacing and stiffness. Twin dogbones pull, rather than push, the swinglink giving a perfect progression rate, and allowing ride height tuning by swapping for different length links.


Rear wheel travel is controlled by the race proven and ultimately reliable RockShox Vivid coil shock.
The RockShox BoXXer RC is a race proven platform and offers 200mm of buttery smooth coil sprung travel. This complements the rear suspension unit in both performance and travel. The Maxle Lite 20mm thru axle keeps the front end tight and improves tracking and braking performance in the roughest of rockgardens providing precise, responsive handling.


SRAM Comp Groupset

The Scalp DH Comp features a full SRAM groupset. The SRAM X7 shifter and X9 derailleur delivers flawless performance and crisp gear shifts. A Truvativ Hussefelt 1.1 DH chainset is designed for full on DH racing and will shrug off knock and hits with ease; the Truvativ X0 chainguide keeps the chain in place whilst offering protection to the chainring from impacts.
Avid Elixir 3 hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable and consistent braking when paired up with 200mm rotors offering great modulation and control.

Nukeproof Finishing Kit

Finishing kit is our own tried and tested Warhead series of components. Our Generator Race wheelset has been tried and tested in World Cup race conditions. Steering is precise and sharp with our Warhead 760 riser bars and Warhead BoXXer Direct Mount stem combination with our lock-on grips ensuring you never come un-stuck! Our Warhead seatpost and plasma “Scalp” edition saddle completes the build adding unique style.

Specifications

FRAME	Hydroformed Double-Welded 6061 Aluminium Single Pivot Design Featuring Fallout Linkage Driven Three Stage Progression Suspension, 209mm Travel
SHOCK	RockShox Vivid, 400lb Steel Spring
FORKS	RockShox BoXXer RC, 200mm Travel, 20mm Maxle Lite Thru Axle
HANDLEBARS	Nukeproof Warhead 760 Riser Bar,  25mm Rise
STEM	Nukeproof Warhead BoXXer Direct Mount
GRIPS	Nukeproof Lock-On
HEADSET	Nukeproof 44IETS
CHAINSET	Truvativ Hussefelt 1.1 DH, 36t, 165mm
CHAINGUIDE	Truvativ X0 ISCG05, 36-40t, Black
CHAIN	SRAM PC-1031
CASSETTE	SRAM PG-1050, 11-26t, 10-Speed
SHIFTER	SRAM X7
REAR MECH	SRAM X9
BRAKES	Avid Elixir 7, 200mm Rotors
SADDLE	Nukeproof Plasma Scalp
SEATPOST	Nukeproof Warhead Inline
TYRES	Maxxis Minion DHF Front & Rear, 26” x 2.5” 42aST
WHEELSET	Nukeproof Generator Race, Thru Axle 110mm-20mm/150mm-12mm
WEIGHT	18.9kg (Medium)

Sam Blenkinsop Breaks Ankle

Looks like Team Lapierre is going to miss Sam until March sometime.

"Bad Injury for Sam Blenkinsop. The message came just with the new year : "I broke my fibula bone in my ankle on Friday, slipped down a steep hill and at cracked!" All the best buddy, you will be ready for SA World Cup in March..."

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