Greg Minnaar MTB Secrets, Racing Stories & New Team Role | Just Ride

Greg Minnaar, the most successful male downhill mountain biker in history with 22 World Cup wins and four World Championships, has transitioned from racing to a new role as team director at Norco. In this episode, he reveals how he’s building a high-performance team from the ground up, bringing together trusted figures like Tom Duncan (technical lead) and Alan Millway (performance), while leveraging his own racing legacy to shape a system that supports athletes holistically. He shares how modern downhill racing has evolved from the chaotic, underfunded days of the early 2000s to today’s data-driven, team-supported model—where every detail, from fork rebound speeds to rider body position, is optimized. Despite his legendary status, Minnaar admits he’s still learning how to lead without imposing his will, focusing instead on trust, process, and letting riders be themselves. He reflects on the emotional shift from being the one under pressure to now feeling the weight of responsibility for others, and expresses deep pride in mentoring the next generation—especially young talents like Lena and Gracie, who are already making waves. The episode paints a vivid picture of a sport transformed, where success is no longer just about individual brilliance, but about the invisible infrastructure behind every podium finish.