{"id":11003,"date":"2026-10-09T03:02:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T03:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/decathlon-ford-welcomes-luca-martin-a-world-cup-journey\/"},"modified":"2026-10-09T03:02:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T03:02:57","slug":"decathlon-ford-welcomes-luca-martin-a-world-cup-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/nl\/decathlon-ford-welcomes-luca-martin-a-world-cup-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Decathlon Ford Welcomes Luca Martin: A World Cup Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pr\u00e9sentation de l’\u00e9quipe D\u00e9cathlon CMA CGM – Velo 101<\/a>In a significant development for the 2027 cross-country mountain biking season, Decathlon Ford Racing Team has announced a strategic partnership with Van Rysel, marking a pivotal shift in their equipment and team composition. This collaboration introduces Van Rysel’s inaugural mountain bike, the RCR-XC, featuring 32-inch wheels, set to debut in the World Cup circuit. (singletracks.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Team Expansion and Equipment Overhaul<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Decathlon Ford Racing Team, formerly known as Rockrider, has experienced rapid ascension in the cross-country circuit, securing a commendable second-place finish in the 2026 World Cup standings. Team manager Sam Roces emphasized the ambition to reach the pinnacle of the sport, stating, “Now, we have only one step left to take. And to become the best team on the planet from 2027, we have given ourselves new means.” (vojomag.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Central to this ambition is the integration of Van Rysel’s RCR-XC mountain bike into the team’s lineup. Van Rysel, a brand traditionally associated with road and gravel bikes, is making its foray into mountain biking with this full-suspension 32er. The RCR-XC is engineered to deliver optimal performance on cross-country courses, aligning with the team’s competitive objectives. (singletracks.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Luca Martin’s Strategic Acquisition<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cornerstone of this strategic overhaul is the acquisition of Luca Martin, the reigning UCI World Cup overall champion. At 24, Martin has demonstrated exceptional prowess, clinching both the XCO and XCC World Cup titles in 2026. His decision to join Decathlon Ford underscores the team’s commitment to assembling a formidable roster. Martin expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, highlighting the team’s rapid ascent and the promising prospects of the RCR-XC. (mtb-news.de<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Technological Advancements and Future Prospects<\/strong><\/p>\n

The RCR-XC’s 32-inch wheels represent a significant technological advancement in cross-country mountain biking, offering enhanced stability and speed on varied terrains. This innovation is expected to provide Decathlon Ford with a competitive edge in upcoming World Cup events. The team’s strategic alignment with Van Rysel and the incorporation of cutting-edge equipment reflect a forward-thinking approach aimed at achieving dominance in the sport. (singletracks.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

As the 2027 season approaches, the Decathlon Ford Racing Team’s partnership with Van Rysel and the inclusion of Luca Martin signal a new era of ambition and innovation in cross-country mountain biking. Fans and competitors alike will be keenly observing the team’s performance, anticipating the impact of these strategic developments on the competitive landscape.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/h2>\n