Norco adidas Race Division | NorcoThe Norco adidas Race Division (NaRD) is set to make a significant impact at the inaugural UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Whistler, British Columbia, from September 25 to 27, 2026. (whistler.com) This event marks the first World Cup downhill race in Whistler, a region renowned for its challenging terrain and vibrant mountain biking culture.
Team Composition and Leadership
The NaRD team comprises seasoned riders: Gracey Hemstreet, Bodhi Kuhn, Danny Hart, and Lina Frener, all under the expert guidance of team director Greg Minnaar. (bikemag.com) Their collective experience and skill set position them as formidable contenders on the 1199 trail, a course celebrated for its technical complexity and demanding features.
Custom Equipment and Apparel
In preparation for this home race, NaRD has unveiled custom-painted Norco Team DH frames, featuring a deep color flake design in violet, ‘frozen lemon,’ and ivory, accented with gold flakes that shimmer under sunlight. (pinkbike.com) These bikes are equipped with top-tier components, including:
- Fork: Fox 40 Factory
- Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory
- Drivetrain: Shimano Saint M820
- Brakes: Shimano XTR M9200
- Rims: Crankbrothers Synthesis DH
- Hubs: Chris King
- Stem & Handlebar: Raceface Atlas
- Saddle: SDG I-Fly 2.0
- Pedals: Crankbrothers Mallet DH
Complementing the bikes, the team dons new race kits that mirror the custom frame designs, incorporating the classic adidas three-stripe logo extending down the arms and legs to the shoes. (pinkbike.com) Notably, these kits feature unreleased adidas mountain bike shoes, equipped with dual BOA dials and prominent three-stripe branding, signaling a new direction for the brand in the mountain biking footwear market. (bikerumor.com)
Event Details
The 1199 trail, named after the 1,199 points Stevie Smith earned on his way to becoming the first Canadian winner of the overall DH World Cup, is renowned for its big jumps, steep chutes, and challenging rock gardens. (pinkbike.com) This trail will serve as the World Cup downhill track for the first time, providing a true test of the riders’ skills and equipment.
Weather Forecast
The weather for the event weekend is expected to be variable, with a chance of showers, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Riders and spectators should prepare for changing conditions.
As the NaRD team gears up for this landmark event, all eyes will be on Whistler to see how their custom equipment and apparel perform on one of the most demanding tracks in the sport.
Highlights:
- Norco adidas Race Division Teases Unreleased Frame and Shoes Ahead of Whistler World Cup – Bikerumor, Published on Wednesday, September 23
- Norco adidas Race Division Unveils Whistler World Cup Bikes & Kit – ‘Home Soil, Gold Treatment’ – Pinkbike, Published on Wednesday, September 23
- Norco adidas Race Division dresses up with custom kit and bikes for Whistler World Cup – Canadian Cycling Magazine, Published on Wednesday, September 23