Following a devastating pair of injuries to Pivot Factory Racing’s Bernard Kerr and Ryan Griffith during pre-season testing, the team was forced to adapt quickly. In a powerful show of team spirit and generosity, Bernard offered his racing slot to Roger—a move that would make Roger only the second Brazilian in history to race for a factory team at the UCI Downhill World Cup. Even more significantly, he became the only Brazilian currently on the World Cup circuit.
For Roger, the significance wasn’t lost.
“This means everything,” he said. “To have the chance to represent Brazil on the world stage, with the support of a program like Pivot and riding on Reynolds wheels—it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. I’m beyond grateful.”
With just a single day to get up to speed on the Pivot Phoenix and dial in his setup, Roger had no margin for error. But he made it count. Pushing through Poland’s freezing temperatures and slick, technical terrain, he laid down a strong performance in round one qualifying, finishing 30th. Though a mistake in the second qualifier ended his chances of advancing to the finals, Roger’s run didn’t go unnoticed.
Brazilian fans flooded social media with support, celebrating a new chapter in their nation’s racing legacy. For a country passionate about bikes but underrepresented at the top levels of DH, Roger’s breakthrough was a powerful moment.

And he did it all aboard Reynolds wheels.
The Pivot Phoenix is equipped with Reynolds DH wheels—the same carbon platform trusted by World Cup pros for its blend of brute strength, dialed compliance, and laser-precise handling. Built to withstand the most punishing courses on the planet, Reynolds DH wheels give riders like Roger the confidence to attack the track with nothing held back. In World Cup racing, where thousandths of a second matter and conditions can turn chaotic in an instant, it’s gear you can count on—or don’t bother showing up.
Roger’s verdict? “The wheels were flawless. In those muddy Polish conditions, you need something that tracks straight, holds lines, and takes big hits without flexing off-line. Reynolds gave me exactly that.”
As the World Cup season unfolds, it’s unclear how long Roger will stay with the factory squad—but one thing is certain: Brazil has a new hero, and Reynolds is proud to be part of his journey.
From São Paulo to Poland, from privateer to factory pilot, Roger Vieira is proof that hard work, talent, and the right gear can carry you all the way to the world stage.