Cervantes is leaving GG - Who's next ?

[Vindicator]

Just read this article from BeFurious at http://www.befurious.com/ivan-cervan...bia-de-equipo/

where they claim he had nice offers from several brands that have all the needed conditions to be a title contender next year.

Cervantes is a major Enduro icon and after last year's Nambotim departure (who will be this year's new E3 Champion with a 300 pumpkin...) I would say GG is missing something here...not a smart marketing move...what's going on ? Who will replace Cervantes ?

[ScottyR]

Cervantes is past his prime anyhow. I have heard from several people that he is a real head case. The littlest thing throws him off his game and that he is super high maintenance.

Those EWC guy bounce around from team to team like crazy.

The only issue that GG has is that the 300 2T is the only bike that seems to be competitive against the 4 strokes in EWC. The EWC courses are set up to favour the E1 and E2 4Ts. The guys who ride E3 like the 300 2Ts because the 500cc + 4Ts are such tanks to ride.

[Vindicator]

He did alright last year with the 250 2st but then again, like this year, mechanical problems removed him from the lead he achieved in the South American WEC rounds .
I agree with you that Cervantes might not be the strongest mentally but 4 enduro world titles speak for himself. I think he still has lot to give to the sport.
Nevertheless, GG should consider hiring a top rider for E2 , at least it would place the brand in the top 5

In these days, WEC is more suited and designed for MX riders than pure enduro riders. I think it kind'a sucks...

[gasgasman]

He only had a 2 year contract with GasGas.

[ScottyR]

You would be surprised how little money these guys make so if someone were to offer him a bit more money they will leave in a heartbeat.

[GMP]

Maybe they should stop making replica bikes around these guys, seems to be the kiss of death.

They should think about spending some of that factory $$ here. Put a top rider on a full support contract for NEPG or GNCC.

[gasgasman]

Dirt Bike's quote about Gas Gas' weight will cost more sales than Cervantes leaving.

[twowheels]

Good eye Scotty. I went back to as many photos as I could and saw the swingarm but couldn't spot the new linkage.

PlusOnePerformance

[thumperflipper]

Here is a cool video from Knighter's helmet cam. At the start you can see Rodrig Thain (#4 on the Gasser) snap ahead of everyone. David can't quite pass Rodrig until Rodrig bobbles in the rocks. Nice to see gassers ripping it in the "european endurocross". Go Rodrig!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFfoE...ature=youtu.be