Seton Tuning DH Worldcup Team
Phil Seton, the team owner, has announced the takeover of the former Pole Factory Racing team, rebranding it as Seton Tuning. This announcement comes just two weeks before the first round of the 2024 UCI World Cup Downhill mountain bike racing season.
Challenges Faced by the Team
The recent bankruptcy of Pole bicycle company left Seton's team without essential support for parts, testing, accommodation, travel, and food bills. "My two riders, Onni Rainio and Dan Slack, were left with no wages or rides for the season," Seton revealed. These two 22-year-old riders had dedicated their winter to preparing for the upcoming season, only to face potential career-ending circumstances.
Seton's Commitment to His Riders
Feeling a deep sense of responsibility towards Rainio and Slack, Seton decided to support them personally. "I took the decision to support them myself," he stated. Given the financial uncertainty, Seton rebranded the team to Seton Tuning. "We are a very small company with limited resources, so the most I can support alone is the first two rounds of an eight-round season racing across Europe and into Canada," he explained.
Community Support and GoFundMe Initiative
The transition has garnered substantial moral support from the mountain biking community. Encouraged by this, Seton launched a GoFundMe page to seek donations from individuals and companies willing to support the team. "I am desperate to give my two riders the chance they need," Seton emphasized. "I really hope you understand what we are trying to achieve and want to support us on this journey."
Conclusion
Despite the challenging circumstances, Seton's commitment to his riders and the sport exemplifies the resilience and solidarity within the mountain biking community. The team, now operating under Seton Tuning, aims to navigate the difficult road ahead with the support of fans and benefactors.
For more information and to support the team, visit their GoFundMe page.
Our main sponsors
These great companies are sponsoring our efforts in UCI World Cup downhill in 2024.
Team Photos from Fort William
Become sponsor
You can fund us at gofundme.org or directly by contacting Phil: info@seton-tuning.co.uk
Seton Tuning does remarkable job running the DH team this season. Onni Rainio is a local legend so I wanted to offer my helping hand for him and the team.