That’s right, the clock is definitely ticking, you only have a few hours left to ENTER A TEAM in this year’s Dirt/Trek Downhill Fantasy League. Local MTB freak Tim Wild offers you a few last minute pointers…
Picking your fantasy team can be really easy… until you really start to think about it. Go for a big money rider and put all your eggs in that basket or try and spread it out amongst the team and hope they get more points than one of the big 5 and a solid number 2? No matter what your strategy, with points in qualifying and a long season you’re looking for consistency.
With that in mind we’ve looked at a few riders with a view of what they’ll bring to your team.
The main Male contenders – 350 – 275k
Aaron Gwin
350k 1329 points in 2015
OK, I know what you are thinking. He has changed bikes for the new season and last time that happened it didn’t go too well. The thing is, this isn’t last time. He’ll have learnt from that and will make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
He has the set–up he wants, he is on a quick bike and he won in Lourdes last year by 4 seconds. The reigning World Cup Champion is looking good for title number 3, and with 4 wins from 7 last season why would you bet against him?
Verdict: It’s Gwin or Bruni for the title in my opinion, and Gwin’s experience will set him apart and that makes him my favorite. He is in my fantasy team because I think he’ll win the series and I want maximum points for my money.
Loic Bruni
350k 1059 points in 2015
Current World Champion, runner up overall last season, no. 1 in the current UCI world rankings. At the tender age of 22 Bruni has a pretty impressive CV and he is now riding what many consider to be the fastest bike (the Specialized Demo).
We know he has the raw talent to win the series but he needs to get that first World Cup win in the bag quickly to show he is a true contender.
Verdict: Top 3 overall for sure, and an obvious choice for the big money signing on your team. I’ve gone for proven consistency with Gwin for now, but Bruni is my no-brainer replacement if Gwin looks off the pace.
Troy Brosnan
325k 1013 points in 2015
Remarkably consistent with the points in 2015, Brosnan’s lowest points in a weekend was 103, while Gwin was 90 and Bruni 55. The 22-year-old Australian is on the same team and bike as last year, so expect some more consistent performances. He is no stranger to the top step having won at Fort William in 2014.
Verdict: A true contender and at £25k less than the above two he’ll give you points and more money to use within your team. Solid.
Greg Minnaar
275k 1006 points in 2015 season
Minnaar is a true veteran and has spent a long time at the top. Not far off the top 3 overall in 2015 where he took 2 wins from 7.
Verdict: He is likely to win a round and if he gets the same points in 2016 as 2015 he’d represent excellent value for your money if you are looking to get points from a few riders rather than risk take the risk on a main player.
Josh Bryceland
275k 836 points in 2015 season
Loose, lairy and hairy, Bryceland is great to watch, there is no doubt about that. If he can get back up to his 2014 title winning speed he’ll be a true force to be reckoned with.
Verdict: Could win the title, and I’ll eat my 5:10’s if he doesn’t get more points than last year. Must be worth a punt in your team?
Gee Atherton
275k 760 points in 2015
On his day Gee is a phenomenal racer. He is a two-time World Champion and World Cup series winner in 2010. The Worlds in 2014 was his last win on the world stage but will a new bike help get him back to the top?
Verdict: At this price I’d go for Josh for the first round, but otherwise a good squad player that’ll bring in podiums and maybe a win if things line up for him.
