Ridemonkey’s 5 North American Gravity Racers to Watch in 2011

We've compiled a list of racers from the US and Canada that we think are going to be the best in 2011. We picked five names on a subjective scale, so be forewarned, you may not agree with all of the selections...
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By David Peacock

1. Aaron Gwin

After several seasons with Yeti, who are notoriously strong at developing talent and converting raw ability into wins, Gwin has officially moved on. As of January 1st, the American’s contract expired and the move to Trek was complete. Being on TWR for this season will be a huge change for Gwin, and for the scene as a whole. He’s a powerhouse on the circuit now, and no one can deny it. With 7 World Cup podiums to his name, Gwin is arguably North America’s best hope for a World Championship or World Cup overall win. His UCI ranking has climbed of late, landing him in the #3 position coming into this season. He’s also snagged the US National title two years running, so look for him in the stars and stripes in Pietermaritzburg, SA, where the World Cup series starts in April. Rainbow stripes and World Cup wins are evidently within Gwin’s grasp, landing him atop our North American list for 2011.


2. Stevie Smith

Canada’s golden boy has been getting progressively stronger over the past 3 seasons. After two seasons spent largely figuring out the ins and outs of racing on the world stage, he’s no longer getting more hype than results. Stevie has seen his UCI ranking climb to 7th this year, and finished the World Cup with his first top 10 overall. After an absolutely stunning performance at MSA, where he finished second only to Sam Hill, Stevie cemented himself in many eyes as a true threat for top spot. That second place was his best ever at the highest level, and ending the season with such a showing will have Smith burgeoning with confidence entering this season. The only thing that remains to be seen is which ride Stevie will be piloting, but the mystery is only thinly veiled. A full press release will undoubtedly be flowing down the pipe very soon.


3. Neko Mulally

While he is still a junior in the eyes of UCI, Neko will be unleashing a torrent of speed on the World Cups in 2011. Hindered by a broken arm last year, Neko’s race season was very abbreviated, and he returned only just in time for World Champs at MSA. Despite this the young PA native managed to lay claim to second place amongst his fellow Juniors, losing by only 6/100ths to the highly touted Australian talent Troy Brosnan. Coming into 2011, health will obviously be a factor. If Mulally is able to stay fit and injury-free he will be the biggest junior threat on the circuit, thus placing him third in our very unofficial rankings.

4. Mitch Ropelato

Stepping out of the Junior ranks and into the big leagues is rarely an easy transition. Turning 19 this season is Mitch Ropelato of Ogden, UT, who made quite a name for himself as a result of his little bike prowess last season. He took home victories at the inaugural Crankworx Pumptrack Challenge and the Sea Otter Pump Track event, both of which were taken in convincing fashion over speed demon Brendan Fairclough. At the US Open of MTB Fairclough was the only rider to best Mitch in the Giant Slalom race. Ropelato finished 7th at Sea Otter in dual slalom and thanks only to a crash lost to Gee Atherton in the Crankworx DS. His DH resume is less polished, but a top 20 finish at Sea Otter against the world’s best is indicative of the fact that he is no slouch. Given solid support, Ropelato will be a top competitor at every event he enters, DH, 4X or DS.


5. Remi Gauvin

Another Junior graduate, Remi is a Canadian kid looking to break into the World Cup rankings. Other racers such as Logan Binggeli or Joey Schusler might be more highly touted, but Remi’s work ethic and evident commitment to perfection between the tape have him as our “sleeper pick”. He won the Canadian National Junior title last year, and finished 27th in his category at MSA after a crash. His training program is strict, under the direction of Todd Schumlick or PerformX, and the importance of preparation cannot be overlooked.


That’s it, that’s all for our North American outlook, and keep in mind that this is an opinionated editorial column. Spout your disagreements below!