Greg Minnaar threw himself down Fort William faster than anyone else last Sunday. It was his 17th World Cup victory, tying with his teammate, and fellow downhill great, Steve Peat. Along the way he has also collected three World Cup titles and three World Champion’s jerseys.
We caught up with Greg to ask him a few questions about Fort William, his fine form going into Leogang, South Africa, and flavoured milk:
Now that the mud has been washed off. What was it that saw you get down the mountain significantly faster than anyone else at Fort William?
The preparation. We (The Syndicate) had amazing preparation leading up to Fort William. Then being able to put all that together in the final ride.
Greg reached his UCI World Cup race ton last year at Fort William. // Photo credit: gregminnaar.com.
You looked super comfortable on your bike at Fort William. How much has the new bigger XXL Santa Cruz V10 changed things for you?
It has changed things a lot for me. The bike finally fits. I feel more central and seated in the bike, which allows me to push harder and get away with a little more.
Coming off the win at Fort William and having a good result at Leogang last year, you must be looking forward to this weekend’s race. Do you think you’re peaking at the right time for a second win in a row?
I would love it to be so easy, but I feel we’ve done the right preparation. While we have confidence and things are going our way, lets keep it rolling.
What’s your approach to a race day run? Hit it hard all the way, aim to take risks in certain sections, build up from a solid start or simply relaxed and smooth?
I plan my run to never ride below 100% effort. Regardless of the section I attack at 100%. Where I feel comfortable, I push up to 110%.
The face of Greg’s Santa Cruz V10 from last season. // Photo credit: gregminnaar.com
According to your Questr account, you’ve been putting in some serious training. Obviously the injury in New Zealand was a bit of a setback but otherwise you’ve been seriously dedicated. How important is fitness for you? Is it something one needs to work on during your career? Fort William is a long course and you still managed to push like a madman at the finish, did the training help?
I’ve just shared a piece of my training, all the hard work was done in the off season. We work hard, we play hard. Somewhere it gets a little lost that we just cruise and enjoy the downhill. The injury did set me back a little. Lourdes was a tough one for me, and my training did suffer, but not enough to worry about.
The team seems seriously annoyed by the UCI’s decision to deny you Elite Trade Team status. How much does this really impact the team and your race preparation?
We decided to celebrate the fact that we’re not a trade team, its been fun celebrating….. I think for some, not so much.
Your current team mates, Peat and Josh, are a rowdy bunch while you come across somewhat more focussed. Have they ever annoyed you with their antics or is it all serious business come race day?
We are all just as serious when it comes to racing, that’s how we roll on the Syndicate. You gotta be able to have a good time, as well as put 100% in to racing.
You’ve already achieved and proved so much in your career. Where does your motivation to keep racing come from?
Thanks, I don’t really know. I’m pretty competitive person, I thrive off self-motivation.
Mr Minn winning the World Champs in his home town of Pietermaritzburg. Photo credit: gregminnaar.com
Time waits for no man and you’re constantly being bombarded by the up and coming youngsters. Even as a hardened pro, do you find that the new kids force you to up your game to levels you’d never expect?
You can’t be stagnant with anything you do in life. I found the same goes for racing. You have to keep testing and working on your bike as well as your weaknesses.
Your local fans are often puzzled by the lack of media attention and recognition your achievements receive in South Africa. The nomination for a SA Sports Award being the major exception. Is South Africa different to other parts of the world in this regard and do you feel that it’s simply a case of DH being a minor sport?
South Africa is definitely behind when it comes to recognising extreme sports, it puzzles me too. We (SA) probably have more World Champions in alternative sports then traditional sports, we do need a little change in mindset.
Do you follow the racing in South Africa? Who’s the next Greg Minnaar? What should be done to find, develop, and nurture the next SA DH stars?
We have a lot of talent in SA, but unfortunately I get the feeling MTB SA isn’t to bothered finding the next world champion. I recently heard they might even be scrapping the National DH Series. If anything, I hope the recent media coverage can persuade them otherwise, and motivate them to come up with solutions.
A number of South African riders try their hand overseas in various cycling disciplines. Besides yourself, the returns have been relatively poor. What do you believe made all the difference for you?
I think the biggest mistake riders make, is that they compare themselves to the local “Pro” when racing in SA. Their mindset is all wrong. Thinking that they are going to do something special in European because the rider they beat in SA has. All that happens is that they don’t come in anywhere near their expectation. In MTB you have to learn to ride the terrain before you start firing for positions.
What piece of tech would you say has most disrupted DH racing in the last 5 years?
Carbon. We’re all about it now.
Each year the events schedule causes a bit of a stir amongst fans claiming some courses are more “downhill” than others. What is your take on the World Cup courses this year?
Ignore the whingers. The top 5 riders rarely change venue to venue. I personally believe there is a good mix of tracks. I just wish it would come back to SA again!!!
Greg taking part in Crankworx Rotorua earlier this year.
We’ve noticed more and more DH riders are trying their hand at enduro, especially in the off season. What are your thoughts on the future of enduro?
I really enjoy enduro. I think once the sport finds its feet you’ll see more top riders in enduro. I’m keen to do a little more in the future.
You had some interesting hats at Fort William. What’s the story behind these?
You liking my bowl hat, a lot of compliments. They will soon be out in SA. Wahaha.
One liners:
What’s your junk-food weakness? In-N-Out & KFC
Favourite flavour Steri Stumpie? Chocolate…. I had to google what a Steri Stumpie is.
Best holiday spot? Home
Favourite South Africa band? aKING. I could name a whole lot more.
Most memorable win? World Champs in Pietermaritzburg.
Toughest race? Fort Will last week.
Biggest bail? Car accident last year.
Favourite trail in South Africa? Karkloof, PMB.
Go Greg, go get yourself no18 this weekend!