New season, new sponsor: The most important MTB personnel news at a glance
Laurin Lehner
· 01.03.2026
In the bike industry, a change of sponsor is rarely just new lettering on a jersey. It tells of new beginnings and farewells, of strategies, promises and sometimes also of ruptures.
The most exciting changes in 2026: 10 bikers in the check
When drivers change teams, it's not just contracts that shift, but also loyalties, identities and expectations. Between performance, personality and brand values, it becomes clear how closely sport and business have long been intertwined - and why a change often says more than any results list.
Dakotah Norton (33) & Jess Blewitt (23)
Scott makes a big move in the downhill circus and signs two high-calibre riders. US boy Dakotah Norton - known for extremely high handlebars - comes from Mondraker. New Zealander Jess Blewitt moves from Cube to the Swiss camp. Together with Ben Coulanges, they will be chasing the best times on the newly developed Gambler.
Nina Graf (27)
After just one season, Lapierre Racing Unity has come to an end: the team has been discontinued for financial reasons. However, this does not mean a step backwards for the reigning cross-country champion. Graf is moving to US giant Trek and will be racing for the newly labelled Trek Unbroken XC team. Scene insiders see a clear upgrade for the rider from Freiburg.
Samara Maxwell (24)
In December, Decathlon Ford Racing announced the contract extension with the overall XCO winner until 2028 - now the New Zealander has surprisingly put the brakes on. The cross-country racer announces a break. "Now is the right time for me to pause, take a deep breath... ...I want to spend time with my family and recharge my batteries," writes Maxwell. In 2025, she crowned her achievement with overall victory. She will not be defending this title in 2026.
Andi Kolb (29)
Austria's fastest downhill racer was forced to retire after the interim Insolvency of YT also switch. And how! The man with the distinctive moustache joins the legendary Santa Cruz Syndicate. There Kolb meets Nina Hoffmann and child prodigy Jackson Goldstone. Long-term team rider Laurie Greenland apparently had to make way for them - he is leaving the team.
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Vali Höll (24)
The reigning downhill world champion has found a new sporting home with Commencal following her withdrawal from the YT team. Surprisingly, Höll will not be competing in the prominent Commencal/Muc-Off team with Myriam Nicole, Loris Vergier & Co. but for the Schwalbe Les Orres team alongside Antoine Pierron and Lisa Baumann - allegedly at Vali's request. Either way - Vali remains the favourite for the title.
Brage Vestavik (26)
27 Europe's hottest freerider is causing a stir: Following the cancellation of his sponsor GT, Vestavik continued to ride their bikes for a long time. Now the Norwegian has posted an Instagram video in which he says goodbye - including the symbolic burial of a GT frame. A new sponsor had not yet been finalised at the time of going to press. Rumour has it that YT is courting the Viking. That would be a real bombshell, as the Franconian mail-order company is starting from scratch following its insolvency.
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Jack Moir (31)
The Australian enduro star is ending his World Cup career. After the end of the YT Mob, the right time seems to have come for Moir. In a statement, he explains how difficult it was for him to lead a relaxed and happy life outside of the racing circuit. Moir can most recently be seen on Instagram on Canyon and Whyte bikes - it remains to be seen what will happen next.
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Simon Schneller (28)
Six years in the BIKE Junior Team, then Bulls pro - now it's over. After almost 20 years in the saddle, marathon specialist Simon Schneller his professional career. Despite his young age of 28. In future, the Black Forest native will be swapping bikes for beams: Simon is joining the family carpentry business.
Oisin O Callaghan (22)
The Irish downhill talent also suddenly found himself without a team after the YT Mob folded in mid-2025. In 2026, O'Callaghan will now be racing for Trek Unbroken - together with Matt Walker and Lachie Stevens-McNab. Insiders attest that the newly formed team has a lot of potential, but still lacks the big superstar.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
