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Tough Conditions, Stronger Resolve: Pivot Factory Racing Battles Through Poland on Reynolds Wheels
May 19, 2025
Tough Conditions, Stronger Resolve: Pivot Factory Racing Battles Through Poland on Reynolds Wheels
The second weekend of racing for Pivot Factory Racing took the team from the sun-soaked Italian Riviera straight into a mud-soaked, snow-dusted crucible in the Beskid Mountains of Poland.
With both the Enduro World Series and UCI Downhill World Cup hosting rounds within reach of Bielsko-Biała, the crew faced a double-header like no other—defined by sub-zero temps, deep mud, and relentless mental and physical demands.
And through it all, Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro wheels once again proved why they’re trusted by some of the world’s toughest and fastest riders.

Enduro: Podiums Through Perseverance
For the EDR squad, Round 2 delivered some of the harshest weather the series has seen in recent memory. Snow at elevation during practice gave way to cold rain on race day, turning already technical trails into slick, rutted tests of line choice and composure.
Edward Masters opted out of racing after ongoing elbow issues resurfaced during practice. Still on the mend after surgery earlier this season, Ed is wisely playing the long game—with his Reynolds-equipped ride waiting for his return.
Matthew Walker, meanwhile, kept his momentum rolling. Despite treacherous terrain and a stacked field, Matt delivered consistent stage times to finish 35th. While the results sheet doesn’t show it, the way Matt handled the conditions—precise, measured, and with zero wheel-related drama—once again underscored the role Reynolds wheels play when staying upright is half the battle.
But it was Morgane Charre who stole the spotlight once again. Demonstrating elite-level precision and grit, Morgane carved through the greasy descents to lock down her second World Cup podium in as many weeks. Her 3rd-place finish, in conditions where even the smallest mistake could cost dearly, is a testament to her racecraft—and the razor-sharp feedback and vibration damping that Reynolds’ MR5 carbon layup delivers when the stakes are highest.
From high-speed rock gardens to tight, off-camber corners blanketed in mud, the Reynolds Blacklabel Enduro wheels were an essential part of the team’s success. Built around a carbon layup that balances vertical compliance and lateral stiffness, and laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs for instant response, they offer the kind of control and durability that matters when the trails are actively fighting back.
Tough Conditions, Stronger Resolve: Pivot Factory Racing Battles Through Poland on Reynolds Wheels
Downhill: Heart, History, and Hard Lessons
Just a short drive away, the Pivot Downhill squad faced their own mountain to climb—both literal and emotional. With team leaders Bernard Kerr and Ryan Griffith sidelined by injury, the DH crew entered Round 1 of the World Cup under difficult circumstances. But in true Pivot fashion, they showed up swinging.
Bernard’s decision to offer his spot to Brazilian privateer Roger Vieira wasn’t just a gesture—it was history in motion. As only the second Brazilian ever to race for a factory World Cup team, and the sole Brazilian currently on the circuit, Roger stepped into the spotlight with pride and purpose. Despite just one day to adapt to the Pivot Phoenix, he qualified 30th in round one. A mistake in round two ended his finals hopes, but the effort was massive—and so was the outpouring of support from Brazilian fans around the globe.
Team newcomer Remy Meier-Smith nearly broke through as well, missing finals qualification by a razor-thin margin, while Jenna Hastings faced the same fate in the women’s field. Under the new UCI qualifying format, every mistake is amplified. But every lap also builds fire. The experience gained in Poland—on some of the slickest, least-forgiving surfaces seen this season—will pay dividends.

On to France
As Pivot Factory Racing dries off and recharges ahead of the next World Cup stop in Loudenvielle, one thing is clear: the conditions may have been brutal, but the bond between rider and equipment held strong. For the enduro athletes, Reynolds wheels remained a quiet constant—silent over the rough stuff, strong under pressure, and responsive in ways that only true race-tuned carbon can be.
From podium highs to qualification heartbreaks, it was a weekend that tested everyone. And that’s exactly the kind of test Reynolds Blacklabel wheels are built for.
Tough Conditions, Stronger Resolve: Pivot Factory Racing Battles Through Poland on Reynolds Wheels
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