Minnaar joins UCI MTB Commission

South African downhiller Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) has been formally appointed to the UCI Mountain Bike Commission, effectively as the gravity riders' representative.

The current MTB Commission has been without a gravity athlete essentially since Bas de Bever (Netherlands) left the position some years ago. As a member of the Commission, Minnaar will have a definitive role in recommending rule changes and policy for the disciplines of downhill and 4X in particular, after consulting with the riders he represents. As a former downhill World Champion, two-time World Cup Downhill Champion and winner of both Downhill and 4X World Cup races, Minnaar said he is looking forward to the challenges that come along with his new role.

"This is a big honour for me and for Africa. Mountain biking has always been a very international sport, and I'm glad the UCI appointed someone from outside Europe. I look forward to working with the Commission, and of course the other riders who I'll be representing. I'm going to have a Riders' Meeting in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, next month so we can start looking at any changes we need for 2009."

Most recently Minnaar won the third round of the World Cup series in Fort William, Scotland, just prior to the World Championships.