Spotlight: JUNIOR TEAM
For many years, GHOST has been committed to fostering young talent in competitive mountainbiking - not only through its German GHOST Junior Team but als with its Dutch counterpart Bar-End GHOST Junior Team. This article highlights the incredible achievements of these young athletes during the 2024 season.
BAR-END GHOST JUNIOR TEAM
Founded in 2022, the Bar-End GHOST Junior Team was established to specifically support young riders. Reflecting on the past season, the team manager describes it as a year full of highlights: fantastic team dynamic, optimized processes, and outstanding results! The team's motto, "Have fun on the bike, and the results will follow", emphasizes the importance of joy in riding. Success isn't just about podium finishes - it's also about the personal and technical growth of each athlete, which lays the ultimate foundation for long-term success.
Check out the Bar-End GHOST Junior TeamCheck out the Bar-End GHOST Junior TeamBente Jochems
The 2022 Dutch National Champion, had high hopes for the 2024 season. While the results didn’t meet her expectations, she values the lessons learned and is confident these experiences will fuel her performance in the coming year 2025.
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Daan Bakelaar
Daan reflects on a successful season, particularly proud of securing 3rd place at the weather-challenged European Championships. Over the year, he learned a lot about himself, tackled various challenges, and is already looking forward to the 2025 season.
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Thijs van den Brink:
Thijs describes 2024 as a year of literal growth: not only personally but physically as well. Transitioning from an S-sized Lector FS SF Universal frame in 2023 to an M size frame in 2024. He adapted to changes while navigating three crashes, zero flat tires, and countless new experiences. Thijs plans to use the winter break to reflect on the past season and set new goals for 2025.
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Jowi Cnossen:
The start of the season was quite challenging since illness forced him to miss the first two races of the 3 Nations Cup. Recovery took longer than anticipated, leaving Jowi frustrated. However, as the season progressed, he regained his strength, particularly excelling in XCO races. 2024 also marked his debut in Enduro and Downhill disciplines, where he performed well and gained valuable experience.
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Cas Timmerman:
He enjoyed a standout season, clinching victories in the 3 Nations Cup races in Eupen, Haiming and Wijster. The highlight of his year was his thrilling win in Houffalize, secured with a sprint in the final climb. Cas' season culminated in a remarkable 3rd place finish at the European Championships (XCO) - a testament to his hard work and determination.
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Caden Jagt:
Caden needed to spend the 2024 season training and racing in the United States due to family matters. Highlights for him were 3rd in the US Pro Cup Series overall and the Arizona State Champion Elite Men. He still came back to Europe a few times to compete with the team. It’s been a year of personal challenges and loss for Caden but through it he has continued to show his commitment and love of the sport.
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GHOST JUNIOR TEAM
The German GHOST Junior Team also had an exceptional 2024 season. Over the year, the four young riders grew closer, showcasing incredible team spirit and mutual support. Their sportmanship and positive atmosphere translated into numerous podium finishes. Consistent technical and endurance training allowed the team to shine in XCO competitions throughout the season.
Check out the Junior TeamCheck out the Junior TeamSeason 2024 Recap
Lina Baldauf:
She truly dominated her age group in 2024, proving nearly unbeatable. At the start of the season, she hoped for a memorable, cohesive, and injury-free year - and her dream came true. Excelling in the Bayernliga and the National Youth Cup, she consistently claimed top podium spots.
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Tobi Remmele:
He aimed to maximize his time with the GHOST Junior Team by learning from his teammates and refining his skills. His efforts paid off, earning him several podium finishes. While not all of his goals for 2024 were met, he views this as motivation to go all-in for 2025, living by the motto "All or nothing".
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Emily Mehltretter:
She set out to grow, gather diverse experiences, and learn from her mistakes. Emily describes 2024 as one of the most formative years of her career. By overcoming challenges, she gained confidence in her abilities and achieved impressive results, deepening her love for mountainbiking. With her mantra "Face it. Fix it. Make it better." she eagerly anticipates the next season.
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Noah Sinner:
Noah embraced the philosophy that "the journey is the goal". He made significant progress in honing his technical skills and counts the European Championships in Sweden as a highlight, where the team bond grew even stronger. Reflecting on his achievements, including podium finishes and a 3rd place at the German National Championship, Noah is especially grateful for the guidance of his mentor Anne Terpstra, who has supported him both on and off the bike.
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