![TEAM IDOLS](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387351976/1666945742/articles/2asCJJJct1668067191585/TEAM-IDOLS.jpg)
Some people thought I was mad for starting a team in 2021, during a worldwide pandemic. Then we were hit by global supply-chain issues the likes of which the industry had never seen before. There was a point in the off season when I wondered what I'd got myself into, but thankfully, after some last-minute hurdles and a manic few days collecting parts and building bikes, we made it to the 2022 team photoshoot at Wales's Revolution Bike Park. That appeared in MBUK back in April, and now I'm sitting here writing a recap of the team's year. The season has flown by! The GT Viris team was never purely about race results we just wanted everyone to have a good time and to progress their racing. That said, we've had some massive standout moments this season. Between them, our riders won Scottish national series and championships titles, and topped the podium at two European IXS Downhill Cups, as well as numerous domestic races!
Marginal gains
We set up the team to act as a springboard to bigger things, to give the riders the tools and support they might need, and guide them onwards and upwards. That comes down to marginal gains - something I learned from British Cycling and my time on the World Cup circuit. If we can take some of the stresses away from the rider (and their parents), it allows them to focus on the racing.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2022 de Mountain Biking UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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![BIKETEST BACKCOUNTRY HARDTAILS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/zfgO5XPvU1700734506505/BIKETEST-BACKCOUNTRY-HARDTAILS.jpg)
BIKETEST BACKCOUNTRY HARDTAILS
We see whether carbon fibre or steel, big-name value or boutique attention to detail comes out on top on the trails
![NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT CARBON 297 RS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/hi418O3IE1700734374386/NUKEPROOF-MEGAWATT-CARBON-297-RS.jpg)
NUKEPROOF MEGAWATT CARBON 297 RS
The original Megawatt proved itself almost instantly, winning our inaugural E-Bike of the Year award in 2022.
![CALIBRE LINE T3 29](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/15fZjj80n1700733296359/CALIBRE-LINE-T3-29.jpg)
CALIBRE LINE T3 29
£1,100 (with £5 GO Outdoors card) Cost-effective proper' mountain bike
![FIRST RIDES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/pD7FL29gK1700733158464/FIRST-RIDES.jpg)
FIRST RIDES
STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX & ONTO THE TRAILS
![ROUTES QUICK BLASTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/hemXyezjm1700732986986/ROUTES-QUICK-BLASTS.jpg)
ROUTES QUICK BLASTS
Facing shorter days and inclement weather, Max finds three satisfying routes that show it doesn't have to be an all-day ride or nothing
![GRIME TIME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/SJeaamCH31700732752798/GRIME-TIME.jpg)
GRIME TIME
EXPERT WORKSHOP ADVICE
![TRAILCREW HAVOK BIKEPARK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/7fAWdejNV1700732446826/TRAILCREW-HAVOK-BIKEPARK.jpg)
TRAILCREW HAVOK BIKEPARK
A hand-cut, rider-built bike park, Havok reopened earlier this year at a new site in West Yorkshire and is still expanding
![From dust it did rise](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/0tJqlXZGS1700731999574/FROM-DUST-IT-DID-RISE.jpg)
From dust it did rise
Steve Thomas traces the birth of British mountain biking, from 'tracker bikes' to Muddy Fox
![THROW DOWN THE CAUNTLET](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/9543BUrwo1700731370205/THROW-DOWN-THE-CAUNTLET.jpg)
THROW DOWN THE CAUNTLET
In our final challenge of the series, we see if e-bikes really are as good at climbing as they're cracked up to be, as we tackle Antur Stiniog back to front
![THE RIDER OFF YEAR' 23](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5214/1514822/781e1jTp51700730910962/THE-RIDER-OFF-YEAR-23.jpg)
THE RIDER OFF YEAR' 23
THE BIG REVEAL! You voted in your thousands - now meet our winners...