Focus on the DragonSpeed DH two-wheel programme

You are undoubtedly familiar with DragonSpeed, the team led by Elton Julian, competing in IMSA in the GTD category with a Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Since last year, DragonSpeed DH, the two-wheel branch of the organization, dedicated to downhill mountain biking (DH for Downhill), has also been a force to be reckoned with.

Driven by a shared passion for cycling, team boss Elton Julian and sporting director Anthony Megevand naturally decided to launch this new project, which is set to grow over time. Anthony Megevand answered our questions to tell us more about the origins and ambitions of DragonSpeed's cycling program.

Why was this team created?

Passion above all else, even if it was the result of careful consideration. Elton did a bit of BMX, Enduro, etc. I did a bit of DH mountain biking at an amateur level when I was a kid and then a teenager. In short, we are both passionate about DH and we wanted to diversify the team's activities through a fun project.

The discipline ticked all the boxes: the technical aspects with links to motorsports, the athletic aspect, the opportunity to develop young talent, etc. Some people are surprised, but it was actually quite obvious.

What is your relationship with DragonSpeed?

This is a 100% DragonSpeed project...

Why mountain biking?

Elton had a few disciplines in mind, but mountain biking was a natural choice. Apart from motor racing, it's probably the sport we both know best. We had some contacts, potential partners in common... The technical aspect is paramount, the discipline is developing... When things are simple, you have to go for it.

Who manages the team?

Elton and I. Elton has the same role as team principal, with technical and sporting involvement, including with the guys. I am also in my role as sporting director, which includes organization and partnerships. For the MTB DH World Cup, we will have two mechanics, an engineer, a coordinator, and a coach. We will grow gradually, eventually adding a physio and perhaps a cook-nutritionist.

Can parallels be drawn between the two disciplines?

Very clearly. First of all on a technical level, particularly with regard to suspension, brakes, and tires. In fact, we will be riding on Michelin tires.

The development over the last few years has been impressive. We come from motorsport, but we shouldn't think that we'll have it all figured out. The level is very high and there are no single suppliers. So there's a battle at every level: riders, frames, suspension, brakes, transmissions, rims, tires... It's very interesting because there's a certain amount of freedom. We have a few ideas, perhaps on some less common topics. Obviously, there is also a parallel in terms of the riders, in their approach and management.

A word about the cyclists you've recruited?

We have a team that combines experience, talent, youth... These are riders who are hungry and who haven't always had the opportunities they deserve. We have four French riders and one Ecuadorian. France is one of the leading countries in this sport, so it's not illogical. We would have liked to have had an American, but we prioritized performance and complementarity. I think it's a solid team.

Thibaut Daprela is a pure talent, he has won World Cups and he demands the highest level. He's a bit like our driving force. Antoine Rogge also has a lot of experience and has shown his qualities, with a slightly different temperament. We started with him at the end of last season, so he's our road captain. Zoé Fayolle is the reigning French Junior Champion. This is an important year for her and she has great potential. She's only 17, but she has an incredible mental strength and is truly impressive. Léo Godin is about to discover the World Cup. He has the distinction of being both French overall and junior champion, even though he was only a cadet. He will learn a lot alongside our two Elite riders. Finally, Mariano Leon Maldonado is a very young driver based in Ecuador. We're going to bring him to Europe once this year. It's great to know that we can help young talents we believe in. It's becoming so rare, or at least difficult, in motorsports.

How did Thibaut Daprela and Antoine Rogge experience the 24 Hours of Daytona? Was it a first for them?

It was a big first, but they have a real connection with motorsports. It speaks to them. I think they loved it! They were very curious, wanting to know who does what, how... It was interesting for them, and for us. Over the years, we sometimes lack perspective, we forget everything that goes into it, the tools we have, the organization it requires. For people coming from outside, all the staff, everything that goes into preparing and managing the car, the tires, the strategy, it's impressive. It all brings a bit of freshness and it's nice. We will certainly repeat the experience in the future.

What is the ultimate goal of this team? Is mountain biking a first step?

We want to compete at the highest level and be a recognized entity in the discipline. Be careful, because it's very competitive, with official teams that have considerable resources. To make it to the final, you have to be in the top 30 in qualifying every weekend. It's as if, after qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, only a third of the field were allowed to race!

Will there be other disciplines?

Why not? Elton has ideas. I have ideas too. We have one thing in common: the desire to be entrepreneurial and not be afraid to try. It's good to step outside your comfort zone and reinvent yourself.

Ultimately, cycling, whatever form it takes, and motorsport have quite a few similarities...

Definitely. They are both high-level sports, both motorsport. So all these elements, such as suspensions, brakes, tires... The approach to competition, driver management... There are many parallels. You can apply certain things from one discipline to another, bring ideas from one to the other... It's exciting.