GHOST launches the POACHA
Alexi Hall
GHOST launches the POACHA, a freeride bike built to push limits. With 180mm of travel, a carbon frame and an adjustable geometry, it conquers steep lines, big drops and high-speed trails with absolute control. Agile yet tough, it redefines fun and performance on the trail.
Precision and Control for the Toughest Terrain
Freeride has never followed a rulebook – and the POACHA is built for those who ride their own way. Its mullet setup, fine-tuned Traction Link 3.0 system and adaptable geometry make it a bike that stays razor-sharp in the gnarliest conditions.
The carbon frame relies on GHOST’s proven Traction Link technology, ensuring the suspension responds smoothly to bumps while staying efficient. Whether you’re accelerating, cornering at high speed or landing massive gaps – the POACHA stays stable without sacrificing playful agility. The new kinematics’ virtual pivot point delivers maximum traction, reduces unwanted rear-end movement and keeps control even under heavy braking.
With 180 millimetres of travel front and rear, the POACHA offers the reserves needed for big mountain lines yet stays nimble for quick changes of direction and playful moves. The Reach Adjust lets you fine-tune the bike’s length, while the adjustable Acros headset allows for a 5mm shift in reach and wheelbase. The integrated flip chip makes it easy to adapt the geometry to terrain and riding style. Delivered in the High setting, the POACHA can be switched to Low – lowering the bottom bracket by 7mm, relaxing the seat angle by 1° and the head angle by 0.5°. In High, the steeper seat angle boosts climbing efficiency; in Low, it’s dialled for rough descents and technical trails.
Technology Built for the Toughest Conditions
From the ground up, the POACHA was built for riding without compromise. Its LC carbon frame is tested to Category 5 standards and rated for a total weight of up to 120 kilograms. The bike’s sophisticated kinematics come into their own in rough terrain, with an optimised shock angle that keeps the suspension responsive and controlled even under heavy hits. The low-mounted shock unit drops the centre of gravity, noticeably boosting agility – especially in corners, during quick transitions and on steep, technical descents.
GHOST relies on a finely tuned balance of pedal efficiency and sensitive rear suspension performance. The result is a bike that grips every surface, transfers power efficiently and stays precisely controllable even at extreme lean angles.
The POACHA also comes packed with smart features that make it perfect for long sessions and demanding terrain.
It’s barspin-ready with no blocklock or downtube bumper, coil-shock compatible and equipped with multiple frame protectors – built for no-compromise riding.
Approved for dual-crown forks with up to 200mm travel, the POACHA is ready for the world’s toughest tracks. For even more capability, rear travel can be bumped up to 190mm by using a shock with a 75mm stroke instead of 70mm.
Thoughtfully placed mounting points in standard bottle cage format let you carry tools, a spare tube or custom accessories right on the frame – smart, integrated and ready for anything the trails throw your way.
One Bike, Three Versions – The Poacha Line-Up
With three versions, GHOST has the right POACHA for every kind of freerider. The base model features a tough RockShox setup with a ZEB Select fork up front and a Vivid Select shock at the rear. The PRO version levels up with a Fox 38 Factory Grip X2 and TRP DH-R Eva brakes for added precision. And for those who won’t settle, the POACHA FULL PARTY leads the pack with RockShox ZEB Ultimate, Vivid Ultimate and the wireless SRAM GX AXS T-Type drivetrain – plus an integrated XLC multitool hidden in the steerer tube.
Each POACHA model runs a trusted mullet setup with Continental Kryptotal tyres for maximum speed and control.
Weighing in at only 3.8kg [painted, size Ll, the frame stays stiff and strong. With sizes from S to XL, the POACHA is built for a broad spectrum of riders who all share one goal: breaking boundaries and chasing the unknown.
Time to Enter the Game of Send
Freeriding isn’t just a discipline – it’s a mindset. Developed together with our athletes Tomas Slavik and Korbinian Engstler, the POACHA is a bike that embodies this attitude. No drop is too big, no trail too wild. Riders who choose the POACHA aren’t looking for the easiest way down – they carve out their own.
LOAM x GHOST Poacha & Mount Etna
LOAM created the GHOST Poacha launch event for press, hosting an unforgettable press camp on the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna. Journalists were treated to a true freeride experience, descending through black lava flows that perfectly matched the bike’s rugged, all-out character. So if you like the images, check out LOAM’s involvement.
GHOST bikes
Since GHOST-Bikes was founded in 1993 in Bavaria, our goal has been to make the versatility of off-road adventures and trails a reality. We have the bikes, the equipment and the stoke. This mindset has made us one of the largest bike manufacturers in Germany. Every day, we look beyond limits to build bikes that give you confidence. Because new adventures are waiting around every corner. We give our all: built for the rough. More information at www.ghost-bikes.com
Kilian Bron Rides the Wilds of Norway
Alexi Hall
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In the first episode of “DRAW YOUR LINES”, Kilian Bron teams up with the always-inventive Ludo May to explore some of the most unreal terrain Norway has to offer. Think sharp peaks, endless daylight, and trails that look like they were made for mountain biking.
The two spent days out in the wild, living light and riding hard in the stunning Lofoten Islands. With almost nonstop summer daylight, they chased lines from one golden hour to the next, camped under skies that never went fully dark, and soaked up the kind of scenery that makes you stop and just take it all in.
But this series isn’t just about ticking off epic trails. It’s about why we ride in the first place—the quiet in-between moments, the views you don’t expect, and the memories that stick long after the ride’s over.
DRAW YOUR LINES is a reminder that some of the best adventures come when you’re not chasing stats or KOMs, but just out exploring with a bike, a camera, and a good crew.
Featured rider
Kilian Bron
Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.
IMMERSION Nothing to Hide x Kilian Bron
Alexi Hall
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When you scroll through Kilian Bron’s feed, it’s easy to assume he’s living every mountain biker’s dream. Remote trails, incredible edits, once-in-a-lifetime adventures—it looks like a highlight reel of the perfect life on two wheels.
But there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes.
In this new short film, More Than a Rider, Kilian shares a different side of the story. One that’s honest, personal, and a little unexpected.
He talks about what it’s really like to live a life that revolves around performance, creativity, and constant travel. He opens up about the pressure of always needing to deliver, the mental weight of social media, and the challenge of staying true to yourself when everything is moving fast.
“Social media has been as beneficial to me as it pollutes my life today.”
Kilian’s not just riding bikes—he’s building a visual story with every trip. He’s part athlete, part filmmaker, part storyteller. And sometimes, that mix can get overwhelming.
“Sometimes I dream of isolation while also dreaming of being with others.”
What makes this film special is how real it feels. It’s not about showing off—it’s about showing up. As a human, not just a rider. The film explores where he came from, what drives him, and how he finds balance between passion, pressure, and peace.
So if you’re into riding, filming, creating, or just trying to figure things out—you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in Kilian’s words.
Let us know what you think. Tag us and Kilian with your thoughts—what part hit home for you?
Featured rider
Kilian Bron
Kilian Bron is a professional enduro/freeride mountain biker for the Intense Mavic Collective and acts as media manager for his own team and some partners. Bron spends his seasons focusing on media projects and enduro-downhill races.
The Other Side of the Hill x Sharjah Jonsson
Alexi Hall
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Mountain biking is all about adventure – finding new trails, pushing limits, and connecting with the people along the way. For South African gravity racer Sharjah Jonsson, a recent ride led him beyond his usual training ground at Giba Gorge and into the Ekukhanyeni Township.
A Ride into the Unknown
Sharjah has spent years riding and racing in the Tshelimnyama Valley, but he had never explored the other side of the hill. That changed when his friend Mvelo Ntombela, who grew up in Ekukhanyeni, invited him to check out the footpaths shaped by the community’s daily commutes.
With a bit of planning and a lot of excitement, they set out to see what the township had to offer on two wheels. Jonsson wasn’t sure what to expect, but what he found was an incredible urban riding experience and a warm welcome from the locals.
More Than Just a Ride
“I wanted the project to tell a story and to show a side of South Africa that’s often overlooked,” Jonsson explained. “Townships are sometimes portrayed negatively in the media, but the reality is so much more than that. With Mvelo’s help, we introduced the idea to the community and made sure we were riding respectfully.”
“The stoke from the community was unreal! People were excited to see us riding their paths. After filming, we sat down with some of the locals, listened to their stories, and learned how these paths are a part of everyday life.”
Jonsson left Ekukhanyeni gained a whole new outlook. “I can’t believe that after riding Giba Gorge for over 15 years, I had never crossed over to the other side of the hill,” he admitted. “This was an experience I won’t forget. Whether or not I get to ride there again, I know I’ll be back.”
Take a Look Around
Wherever you ride, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a hidden trail, an untapped riding spot, or a community with a unique connection to the land. Mountain biking isn’t just about the trails, it’s about the people and the experiences that come with them.
Next time you head out for a ride, take a moment to look beyond the singletrack. You never know what—or who—you might find on the other side of the hill.
Follow Sharjah on Instagram, @sharjahjonsson, or on Facebook, Sharjah Jonsson Athlete.
Sharjah Jonsson is a South African professional mountain bike athlete, passionate trail-builder, and Enduro World Series racer. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Sharjah has built a reputation as both a fierce competitor and dedicated community member. He has not only excelled in races across Europe but has also made a mark in his hometown, contributing to the development of trails at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park.
Featured rider
Sharjah Jonsson
Sharjah Jonsson is a South African professional mountain bike athlete, passionate trail-builder, and Enduro World Series racer. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Sharjah has built a reputation as both a fierce competitor and dedicated community member. He has not only excelled in races across Europe but has also made a mark in his hometown, contributing to the development of trails at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park.
Sizzle The Movie with Dan Milner
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In 1994, adventure photographer Dan Milner set out to capture his first major mountain bike magazine story on the rugged trails of Mallorca. Armed with a film camera, a paper map, and a hardtail bike that modern riders might consider prehistoric, Milner unknowingly took the first step in what would become a legendary career in MTB storytelling.
Fast forward 30 years, and Milner has documented mountain biking in some of the most remote and politically complex places on Earth—Afghanistan, Iraq, and even North Korea. But sometimes, the most powerful stories come from looking back. That’s exactly what Sizzle: The Movie is all about.
In 2024, Milner returned to Mallorca, retracing the tire tracks of his past. Would the trails still hold the same magic? Would nostalgia cloud reality? Or would the evolution of mountain biking, from geometry to gear, completely change his experience?
Sizzle is more than just a ride down memory lane—it’s a celebration of how mountain biking has evolved, both as a sport and a culture. From the days of steep-angled, skinny-tired hard tails to today’s plush full-suspension machines, the film playfully highlights just how far we’ve come.
With humour, nostalgia, and some seriously scenic trail riding, the film reminds us that while technology changes, the essence of adventure remains the same.
Featured rider
Dan Milner
For more than three decades British photographer Dan Milner has hauled himself and his mountain bike to some of the most remote corners of the globe in search of singletrack rewards and photo stories to share. Always happy to swap hotel room for tent, he says that such adventures are not only about experiencing a new destination, culture and its people, but also about pushing himself and his own limits.
Not Bored Yet – Olly's Endless Love for MTB
Alexi Hall
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Mountain biking is more than just riding trails. It’s about the dig, the climb, the feeling of weightlessness over a dirt jump, and the friendships built along the way. In his latest film, Not Bored Yet, Olly Wilkins takes us on a journey through the moments that have kept him hooked on two wheels for years.
Filmed over two years in some of the best riding spots—including Finale Ligure, Jimmy’s Trails, and the woods back home—this edit is a deep dive into what makes mountain biking so addicting. Whether it’s the satisfaction of digging your own lines, the variety of bikes that keep things fresh, or the simple joy of riding with mates, Not Bored Yet captures it all.
The Dig: Creating the Ride
Unlike surfing or snowboarding, mountain biking isn’t just about riding—it’s about building. “You have to dig what you ride,” says Olly, highlighting the creativity and satisfaction that come with shaping trails. There’s something rewarding about putting in the work, seeing the transformation, and finally flowing through a line you’ve built yourself.
The Bikes: Endless Possibilities
Mountain biking has come a long way since Ollie first started. “Back in the day, you needed a different bike for everything,” he reminisces. “Now, a modern trail bike does it all.” Whether it’s a dirt jumper, an eMTB, or a full-suspension rig, today’s bikes open up a world of possibilities, keeping every ride fresh.
The Failures: Learning Through Crashes
Dirt jumping is more than just throwing tricks—it’s a life lesson in persistence. “You fail over and over again, but it doesn’t matter. You crack on.” The repetition, the discipline, the willingness to get up and try again—it’s what makes mountain biking so rewarding, on and off the bike.
The Community: Strangers Turned Friends
There’s something special about rolling up to a new trail and instantly connecting with people who share the same passion. Whether it’s a quick chat at the top of a climb or an impromptu session at the jumps, biking brings people together in a way few other sports do.
The Feeling: Weightlessness and Pure Stoke
At the core of it all is the feeling—the split-second of weightlessness over a dirt jump, the rush of a perfect berm, the peace of cruising through the woods. “I think what I’m chasing over and over again is that feeling,” Olly reflects. “And somehow, I’m not bored yet.”
Join the Mountain Bike United Community Got a favourite riding spot, a trail you’ve built, or a moment that keeps you coming back? Share it with us in the Mountain Bike United app and keep the stoke alive!
Featured rider
Olly Wilkins
Full time all around mountain biker and content creator, Olly is most known for some of his segments in the top mountain bike films including Deathgrip.
Canyon Unveils Stacked 2025 XC Team Roster
Alexi Hall
A Roster Built for the Podium
The 2025 CLLCTV XC Team blends seasoned champions with rising stars, creating a formidable force in the World Cup circuit. Olympic and Elite World Cup icons will race alongside fresh U23 and Junior talents, ensuring a dynamic season of high-speed competition.
Canyon CLLCTV XC Team
Jenny Rissveds – A true legend in the sport, the Swedish Olympian brings gold-standard experience and World Cup-winning form to the squad. Her combination of raw speed and inspiring presence makes her an invaluable part of the team.
Valentina Corvi – The Italian prodigy finished fourth at the 2024 Elite World Championships and holds both the Italian National XC and CX titles, marking her as a rising force in the sport.
Noa Filippi – This young French talent has already claimed National, European Championship, and French Cup titles at the Junior level, setting the stage for an explosive 2025 season.
Luca Schwarzbauer – After a multiple-podium 2024 season, Luca is ready to unleash his signature power-packed, aggressive race style once again.
Thibaut Francois – Breaking into the top ten of Elite XCO last season, the Spanish U23 racer has podium ambitions for 2025.
Thomas Griot – A seasoned French racer, Thomas is eager to convert last season’s experience into podium finishes this year.
Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Power Duo
Puck Pieterse – At just 22, Puck has already dominated XCC, XCO, and Cyclocross, adding breakthrough results in Elite-level road racing. Her infectious energy and on-course charisma have made her a fan favorite worldwide.
Sam Gaze – The New Zealand powerhouse will once again compete across multiple disciplines, aiming to replicate his double-win success from last year’s South American races.
And if the rumours hold true, we may even see Mathieu van der Poel return to mountain biking just in time for the World Championships, eyeing the one title missing from his illustrious career.
The Machines Behind the Magic
Canyon’s CLLCTV XC Team and Alpecin-Deceuninck riders will race aboard the ultra-efficient Canyon Lux World Cup CFR – an engineering marvel with a mere 1535g frame weight, under 11kg total build, and upgraded stiffness for ultimate racing speed.
- CLLCTV XC Team Setup: RockShox Flight Attendant suspension ensures a responsive ride with 110mm travel and progressive handling.
- Alpecin-Deceuninck Setup: The Fox 34 Step-Cast fork and Fox Float DPS Factory shock provide elite-level tune-ability, stiffness, and power efficiency.
For those looking to chase podiums on a budget, Canyon offers the full Lux family – delivering pro-level speed without breaking the bank.
The Power of Community in XC Racing
Mountain biking is all about the people who make the sport what it is. Whether you’re gunning for the podium, riding for the fun of it, or out there maintaining the trails, we’re all part of the same MTB community.
This season, fans have more ways than ever to connect with their favourite riders—whether it’s following them on social media, catching them at events, or getting a behind-the-scenes look at their training and race days. XC racing isn’t just something to watch; it’s something to be part of. Every rider, from weekend warriors to World Cup contenders, shares the same love for the trails and the thrill of the ride.
At Mountain Bike United, we’re all about that connection—bringing together riders, fans, and trail builders to keep the sport growing. Whether you’re digging new lines, supporting local races, or just sharing the stoke online, you’re helping push mountain biking forward.
Follow the Action
The 2025 XC season kicks off in Araxá, Brazil, in April, and Canyon is set to bring fans along for the ride with behind-the-scenes content, race-day action, and in-depth tech features.
Be sure to follow your favourite riders on social media as they document every sprint, interval, and course preview—because these athletes ‘Insta’ almost as hard as they train.
Stay tuned to Mountain Bike United for more updates, race coverage, and all the latest from the global MTB scene!
Riding the Void with Dan Milner
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Perhaps it’s the infamous weather or perhaps the notorious midge, or maybe it’s because they’re a ruddy long way from anywhere, but either way the wild Scottish highlands sit off the radar of most mountain bikers.
But these damp, insect-loving mountains are home to trails, countless trails. They take the form of long, winding, wild, empty paths strewn across the rugged mountains that span Scotland coast to coast, from the cold North Sea to the stormy Atlantic: a 120-mile long string of trails that could just provide the perfect excuse for a ‘road trip’.
Which is where Dan and Alex enter, armed with a fresh, sustainable take on the classic ‘road trip’: crossing Scotland by train from Inverness to the foot of Skye, to plunder whatever trail gems they can reach by riding out from the railway’s stations.
What unfolds is a five-day journey of discovery, camaraderie and resourcefulness, as our riders turn their backs on convention and the familiar Scottish destinations spotlighted by the recent UCI World championships, to choose instead a path less travelled.
This is a story about embracing both the rewards and freedom of a mountain bike road trip, and the challenges of choosing to do it by train through one of Scotland’s most empty spaces. This is the story of a road trip dictated not by filling stations and convenient trail centre car parks, but by inflexible train timetables, scarce accommodation options and a near total absence of diners. Route 66 this is not.
Join Dan and Alex as they roll the die to step outside the norm and ride into the void.
Featured rider
Dan Milner
For more than three decades British photographer Dan Milner has hauled himself and his mountain bike to some of the most remote corners of the globe in search of singletrack rewards and photo stories to share. Always happy to swap hotel room for tent, he says that such adventures are not only about experiencing a new destination, culture and its people, but also about pushing himself and his own limits.
Bernard Kerr in Swapping Lines Episode 4
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After more than a decade of professional racing, three elite national titles, a top 25 World Cup result, and overcoming serious injuries—including two broken hips—Stefan is on a mission to explore the best trails and ride with the best talent in the sport. Episode 4 of Swapping Lines sees him take on Dyfi, one of the UK’s premier bike parks, with one of the fastest riders in the world.
Stefan admitted to some pre-ride nerves before filming. With only three hours to get familiar with Dyfi’s trails before cameras started rolling, the pressure was on. To add to the challenge, he hadn’t spent much time with Bernard Kerr before, leaving him uncertain about how their dynamic would play out on screen.
But as soon as the tires hit the dirt, everything clicked.
Stefan described the experience: “Honestly, it could not have gone better. The weather was perfect, BK and I got along really well, and it was so much fun following him down some of the best riding in the UK!”
Credits
Riders: Bernard Kerr / Stefan Garlicki
Filming: Laurin Betterman / Callum Philpott / Andrew Lawrence
Post Production: Laurin Bettermann
Photography: Laurin Bettermann
Special Thanks: Dan Atherton
Featured rider
Stefan Garlicki
Stefan Garlicki is a three-time South African national downhill champion with a racing career that spans motocross, 4X, BMX, and downhill biking.
Canyon CLLCTV Full Factory 2025 Gravity Team
Alexi Hall
A Roster Built for the Podium
The 2025 CLLCTV XC Team blends seasoned champions with rising stars, creating a formidable force in the World Cup circuit. Olympic and Elite World Cup icons will race alongside fresh U23 and Junior talents, ensuring a dynamic season of high-speed competition.
A Team Built for Speed
Canyon’s bringing together a stacked roster for 2025. Troy Brosnan and Luca Shaw are back, bringing their experience and race-winning potential. Joining them is Marine Cabirou, a proven World Cup contender, plus two up-and-comers: Henri Kiefer, a young German National Champion, and Aletha Ostgaard, a 16-year-old U.S. rider already turning heads at Crankworx.
Instead of keeping the younger riders in a separate development team, Canyon is letting them train and race alongside the best. It’s a hands-on way to learn from the fastest riders in the world and take their skills to the next level.
Bikes Built on the Track
The Sender CFR prototype these riders are racing wasn’t just dreamed up in a lab—it was built and tested on real-world race tracks. With input from the team and the guidance of Fabien Barel, a three-time DH World Champion, Canyon is fine-tuning the bike for ultimate speed.
As Barel puts it, “Racing is all about finding those tiny improvements that make a big difference. What we learn here ends up in the bikes riders can buy.”
More Than Just Downhill
Canyon isn’t just making waves in downhill. Jesse Melamed is back on the Canyon CLLCTV EDR Team, looking to reclaim his top form. Ines Thoma is mixing things up with E-MTB, gravel, and even her first triathlon. And let’s not forget Fabien Barel—whether it’s DH, Enduro, or E-MTB, he’s still fast and pushing the limits.
Race-Tested Performance for Everyone
While the Factory Team is pushing limits on prototypes, Canyon’s CFR lineup brings that same performance to everyone. The Sender CFR and Strive CFR take race-proven tech and make it accessible. And if you want an extra boost, the Strive:ON CFR LTD blends Bosch’s CX Race motor with multiple battery options for all-day fun.
Follow the Action in 2025
With a stacked team, cutting-edge bikes, and a big focus on performance, the Canyon CLLCTV Factory Team is ready to take on 2025. Keep up with all the action from the first World Cup in Bielsko-Biała and beyond by following Canyon CLLCTV on Instagram and staying tuned right here at Mountain Bike United!
