[Closed] Megavalanche cheat

Years ago everyone raved about the Mega and lots of encouragement to do it. One of those bucket list things every MTB rider should do. Saw the videos and while a bit crazy it looked like something I could maybe survive with bike and bones intact. Thought I may give it a go some day, but for laugh purposes, not competitively (I'd finish last anyway probably).

Now it's got so big, egos so big, so competitive, and everyone's prepared to take a lot of risks, deliberately crash into others to get the best line, cheat, etc. It doesn't look attractive to me any more and I think my chances of surviving without injury to self or ride over bike breakage is slim. I'm not aggressive enough to barge my way through and get out of danger so I'm likely to get the shit kicked out of me or run over.

So you've not done it but are assuming that it's changed? 🙄

I did it last year - crashed/mechanicals in qualifying so ended up in the Saturday race with the 'mid pack warriors' as someone put it and it was one of the best races i've ever done. Contrary to popular belief on internet forums most people are out to have a good time and ride a bike down a mountain which makes for a pretty good atmosphere. I would encourage anyone to do it and I will definitely be back, hopefully with a decent position on the main race.

dangeourbrain - Member

Is the mega actually a serious race then or just (as I'd assumed) a mountain bike sportive that some people forget is really just for fun?

Cant be, no cake stalls on the way down

no cake stalls on the way down

Why in the name of all that is holy would you enter?

bloodsexmagik - Member 
So you've not done it but are assuming that it's changed? 🙄

No need for the roll-eyes. I'm going by reports from many friends who are saying the same thing and everything I've seen. It's been enough to put me off.

If it's no different to when it started then fine. I stand corrected.

[url= https://dirtmountainbike.com/videos/rider-1613-disqualified-footage-emerges-megavalanche-french-line.html ]Dirt are reporting he's been DQ'd[/url]

Not named him though 🙄

In 5 years I've not seen anybody crash into or take anybody out deliberately, seen plenty of rubbish riding and awesome riding.

Have lined up alongside some great riders, met some great people and had a lot of fun.

For under £200,
A weeks lift assisted riding, effectively 2 races of which the qualifying is my favourite bit. Brilliant atmosphere. Even my GF who isn't much into bikes likes the event.

There are some downsides but nothing's perfect. True to do well aggression is required like any race.

I also cheated as I had push assistance up a climb from Mr Bryceland I believe.

"Speaking to the rider on Monday, he told us he had been nudged down a bank off the side of the singletrack by another rider and felt terrible when he realised where he was. He claimed he hated seeing French lines at the EWS, and that he had probably only gained 15 places".

Read more at https://dirtmountainbike.com/videos/rider-1613-disqualified-footage-emerges-megavalanche-french-line.html#AHZUVPk5LcYiFpo6.99

😀

I;ve done the Mega twice now, if you count the second time I came off the mountain on a stretcher. I'd say the final is my least favourite part of the week, I really enjoy practising the courses, quali's and the general atmosphere and social aspect of a load of mountain bikers on the side of a big hill together. I don't think you can understand the draw unless you've done it. I spent the weekend at Fort William for the Endurance Downhill and throughout just wished I was at AdH.

 

Was Ratboy in the nip? I was was goosed on that climb but heard the 50:01 lads were gallivanting about in the buff...

It's a great laugh, I've had a whale of a time the last two years I've ridden it.

Main issue with the main race this year was the lack of the glacier start to thin the pack out. Normally the race spreads quite nicely and you find your natural place in the grand scheme of things. I haven't seen any aggression beyond people jostling for racing lines, most of the time your having a laugh with the riders around you.

He's been DQ'ed according to Dirt! This explains why the posts disappeared too!!

He's been caught out telling porkies too!!

[url= https://dirtmountainbike.com/videos/rider-1613-disqualified-footage-emerges-megavalanche-french-line.html ]Dirt link[/url]

Speaking to the rider on Monday, he told us he had been nudged down a bank off the side of the singletrack by another rider and felt terrible when he realised where he was. He claimed he hated seeing French lines at the EWS and that he had probably only gained 15 places.

“Fair enough”, we thought – young kid, probably got caught up in the standard Megavalanche carnage and did what he had to to keep his race going. It’s not worth getting him in trouble for a few page views, Ben Deakin clearly thought the same and the video has pretty much gone from the internet.

This morning, a new video has emerged. Friend of the mag Aidan Bishop posted up his view of the race that shows the incident from behind. We’ve slowed down the moment in question below and you can clearly see the rider chooses to hop the tape while being given racing room by the rest of the pack.

Read more at https://dirtmountainbike.com/videos/rider-1613-disqualified-footage-emerges-megavalanche-french-line.html#yAT1b2pHPEB1UjUM.99

is 'French line' an actual thing then? thought it was made up just for humorous purposes on this thread.

French Line is similar to a Brazilian except there is no shaving

Cheating is bad. DQed, move on.

Lying about your reasons for cheating, which is then uncovered by video evidence, is a lot worse. Shame on him.

Read more at https://dirtmountainbike.com/videos/rider-1613-disqualified-footage-emerges-megavalanche-french-line.html#yAT1b2pHPEB1UjUM.99

I didn't realise the Bryceland was in it. And came 64th (65th before the DQ) now I've gone back to the original finisher list. I know MA is a very different sport to WCDH but that still surprises me. Either he was not really competing but had a picnic blanket with him for a mid run sarnie or it is even more of a lottery than I thought. Was there a backstory as to why he (and Sam hill) were so far from the point end?

Bad qualifying I think.

Bryceland punctured in qualification, so as a protected rider he automatically gets to race from Row D I believe.
I don't think he finished his Qually run so technically I beat him 🙂

Sam Hill had a flat in quali too, hence being four rows back with Ratboy in the main event. Even the best riders in the world can't teleport through other people.

That Dirt article makes interesting reading, the lad's not done himself any favours since the offence by the sounds of it.

[quote=chakaping ]That Dirt article makes interesting reading, the lad's not done himself any favours since the offence by the sounds of it.

He's in a whole world more shit now by lying.

I can't understand the mentality of lying like that - sure in the heat of the moment it might be easy to forget you're surrounded by lots of people with GoPros, but when coming up with excuses afterwards how stupid do you have to be not to realise there is other incriminating footage? I'm betting there are at least another half dozen videos in existence, some showing the incident even more clearly.

edit: having checked the latest footage I'd be interested to see the footage of Jean Marc Picard (number 6) who is right behind him when he turns off and clearly has a camera.

Isn't this all a bit.......

It's only a bike race, and a fairly 'novel' one at that.

[b]He's in a whole world more shit[/b] now by lying

Engage full drama queen mode.

Pack of lies after cheating?, Dial-a-mob on standby
[img] [/img]
Respect to Dirt and Deakin for their initial compassion towards him, but the guy just doesn't know at what point to stop his stupidity.

bryceland just looked to be there for the party and Sam Hill just for the sponsors.

From the Mega facebook feed:

[img] [/img]

I'm still a bit perplexed why Dirt mag is not naming him. You can argue the toss about whether or not it matters or if there is an Internet lynch mob, but he has been DQ'd. What is the justification for keeping him anonymous..

Dirt probably just showing some business respect to Focus until Focus officially make a decision on their guy. Not their(Dirt) fault, just understandable business nouse.

Maybe they know him and like him and think this is all a bit much considering he only scored 27th place. If he was on the podium I could see the point but this setting the mob on him is a bit much and he does seem to have reacted badly like a young guy easily might without the right direction.

Isn't everybody being told to [i]not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them[/i] right now?

Maybe they know him and like him and think this is all a bit much considering he only scored 27th place.

This. Who remembers who got 27th place last year? No-one. And coming 28th or 27th doesnt matter a jot. Not good, tell him that, move on.

Ahem...I'll leave this here.

FOCUS Bikes13 hours ago
Sometimes in the heat of the race, failures are made. It was an accident by Joe Connell he instantly regretted. After the race it was clarified and he already apologized for it. It was never his purpose to achieve a better result through cheating. FOCUS doesn’t jettison someone, because of a mistake, he’ll never do again. We’re looking forward to the next races and wish all the best to all riders out there.?[/quote

 

After the race it was clarified and he already apologized for it.

I think he has been punished enough now DQ and media report about it.
Its good focus are sticking with him. They should tidy up that statement and release it, maybe via the Dirt report

Excellent statement from focus.

Drama queens, stand down, back to the single ring bullying.

Disappointing.

I was waiting for the transcript from an outraged STW'er to the CEO of Focus Bikes, demanding the instant dismissal of the rider in question and a public flogging.

How can something done on purpose be an accident? That's a pretty crap statement from focus.

Aren't they German so it's therefore written by someone who doesn't articulate English like a native and therefore may get the tone exactly right?

Give em a break.

Reasonable and proportionate response. He deserves the DQ and a load of piss-taking but nothing more.

Speeder - Member
Aren't they German so it's therefore written by someone who doesn't articulate English like a native and therefore may get the tone exactly right?

Give em a break.

They can probably speak and write better English than me.

Ironically after looking at his Instagram etc I got curious about the bike he's riding, the Focus Jam 29er. Was never really on my radar before so maybe it's not all bad for Focus.....

the Focus Jam 29er

Do you think he told Focus the same shite he told Dirt!?!?! 😆 bless him he's having a shocker!! 😆

They probably mean he's apologised to them.

Anyway, justice has been done now, and long after everyone's forgotten who came 27th in this year's mega people will still be joking about "taking the Joe Connell line".

They probably mean he's apologised to them.

What? he never apologised to STW? ridiculous.... 😆

the Focus Jam 29er

They bunnyhop really, really well

They don't turn left too good but turn right amazingly

[grammar pedant]

They can probably speak and write [s]better [/s] English [i]better[/i] than [s]me[/s] [i]i can[/i].

ive no idea if theres any validity to that or not but it sounds right and made me chuckle 😆

xc-steve - Member
the Focus Jam 29er
They bunnyhop really, really well

They don't turn left too good but turn right amazingly

Focus Zoolander?

Well that's a Focus/Joe Connell/Zoolander meme just waiting for some clever person to make.

Like this?

[img] [/img]

Aye, like that, except maybe actually funny?.

This is STW, how come Hitler hasn't had a rant about this?

I thought his name rang a bell from somewhere:

I hope someone from Focus has told him that his sponsorship is only continuing on condition that he grows up, stops riding like a dick, thinks of an original video concept, and points his Go-Pro up a bit.

He's 21, not a 50 something IT nerd, I'm sure he'll grow up just fine.

I'm surprised noones posted the pic from his FB feed -posing naked with his red Focus. I'd do it but don't know how

[img] ?w=919&h=690[/img]

That Focus is white, fake news covfefe

chakaping - Member

...snip... people will still be joking about "taking the Joe Cocker line".

I'm afraid I've got some bad news...

sadexpunk - Member
[grammar pedant]
They can probably speak and write better English better than me i can.

[/grammar pedant]
[b]ive[/b] no idea if [b]theres[/b] any validity to that or not but it sounds right and made me chuckle

Physician, heal thyself.

Quick everyone, into the megahole!!!

[img] [/img]

That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?

That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?

eddie11 - Member
That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?

Burnley?

Do you pop out the other side?

That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?

Obvious "Your mum" joke, is obvious

nairnster - Member
That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?
Obvious "Your mum" joke, is obvious

Obvs not yer ma, that would just look familiar, its not fun the 5000th time.

Well done foe trying to use someone's joke back on them. That's some clever stuff.

In the madness and confusion of the mass start.

You hoped over the tape. Then claimed you were bumped off when first challenged.

Still reads like he's trying to shrug off some of the responsibility for his actions.

legend - Member

br />

between his pathetic excuse for an apology and the fanboy replies its hard not to vomit.

[legend - Member
>

br />
between his pathetic excuse for an apology and the fanboy replies its hard not to vomit.]

To be fair he's probably deleted any unfavourable comments.

between his pathetic excuse for an apology and the fanboy replies its hard not to vomit.

A guy cuts the course in a race and gets disqualified, and you care so much about it !!!!!!!!!! Why ?

Given that this has up till now been referred to as a 'French Line', should it not henceforth be called a 'Scottish Line'?

(I would have suggested calling it a 'British Line', but I know how some Scots get annoyed about their sportsmen and women being described as British rather than Scottish.)

Hes only sorry he got caught.

ChunkyMTB - Member

eddie11 - Member
That mega hole looks great fun. Where is it?

[s]Burnley?[/s] Blackburn Lancashire.

About the size of the Albert Hall

A guy cuts the course in a race and gets disqualified, and you care so much about it !!!!!!!!!! Why

It's the offended generation, innit?.

It took long enough to come out and admit his mistakes but at least he has. So fair play to him. Everyone makes stupid decisions at some point of their life. It's how they handle it that makes them a good or bad person. I believe he is sincere, if maybe that sincerity has been prevoked by outrage. But I don't believe he needs his career or sponsorship ending for a stupid move in 1 race....

But I don't believe he needs his career or sponsorship ending for a stupid move in 1 race....

I don't see how calling a bloke out for thinking he could do what he wanted and blatantly cheating as being part of an offended generation,personally I couldn't give a crap as i wasn't there and it doesn't affect me what so ever,but the people who do care cant really let this guy take them for a fool can they,to much of that nowadays,right back to my daily mail:)

Lots of people took Lance Armstrong's cheating quite badly too. He also went went through a stage of denial. Maradona, Ben Johnson and Rosie Ruiz. The spanish paralympic basketball team had its detractors too.

It is a high profile race in mtb terms

Is there much prize money on offer?

Probably more than at UCI DH races

Clearly that is up to the sponsors & whether or not they consider that they are suffering from reputational damage by associating themselves with a cheat.

Obviously really, I was merely stating my thoughts. I personally wouldn't want him to lose his backing now he has made an apology.

Completely with you around some saying it doesn't matter and should be ignored. I find that a little narrow minded. Cheating, is cheating and is the scourge of all sports.

Do I think this chap would of admitted to his mistake if there was no GoPro footage...no, so I take the sincerity of his post with a swig of 'wish I hadn't been caught'. But he has apologised, it's been taken seriously as he has been DSQ.

I think it's time to move on, the long term ramifications for this chap will live longer than this thread I suspect

It's not exactly a sincere apology though, is it? "I didn't realise what bit of the course I was on."

It's just an embarrassment for him from start to finish. Man up.