Santa Cruz Syndicate


The Santa Cruz Syndicate , is a professional mountain bike racing team sponsored by Santa Cruz Bikes, competing in the World Cup and World Championships, as well as national level events, in the downhill category. The Syndicate was founded in 2006, and its early roster included Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie, Jamie Goldman, and John Waddell. From 2008 through 2016, the team roster consisted of Steve Peat, Greg Minnaar, and Josh Bryceland. After the 2016 season, Peat retired and Bryceland left the downhill circuit, leaving Minnaar as the senior member of the team. Young riders Luca Shaw and Loris Vergier joined starting with the 2017 season.

History

2006

In the Syndicate's inaugural year, Steve Peat delivered, winning the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

2008

2008 was Greg Minnaar's first year with the Syndicate, and he made his mark immediately, winning the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, beating out Sam Hill and Gee Atherton. 2008 was also Josh Bryceland's first year with the Syndicate, and he won the UCI Junior Downhill World Championships.

2009

2009 was Steve Peat's year, as he won the UCI World Championships, after finishing 2nd four times before. Greg Minaar finished in second place, which made the Syndicate the best-ranked UCI Downhill team, seconded by Madcatz Factory Team.

2010

2010 saw Minnaar finishing second in the downhill UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, and third in the UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships.

2014

2014 was the year for Josh Bryceland. "Ratboy" won two World Cup races, and also won the overall DH UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, along with being the British DH National Champion.

2017

In his first season riding a 29-inch-wheeled bike, Greg Minnaar was within striking distance of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup overall title until a disqualification in Mont Sainte-Anne and a mechanical in the final round in Val di Sole dropped him to third place; Loris Vergier joined him in the top five overall with a fifth-place finish.

Palmarès

;2006
;2008
;2009
;2010
;2011
;2012
;2013
;2014

2008-2016 Team roster

2017-present Team roster