Greg Minnaar, the legendary South African downhill mountain biker, officially completed his final World Cup race this week at Mont-Sainte-Anne. After 27 years of competitive racing and an illustrious career that spans back to 1997, Minnaar is hanging up his racing helmet, leaving a legacy unmatched in the sport’s history. His 167th and last race in Quebec marked the end of an era, capping a career filled with 22 World Cup wins, four World Championships, and 86 podiums.
A Career That Rewrote History
Minnaar burst onto the downhill scene in 1997, racing as a 16-year-old at the Stellenbosch DH World Cup in South Africa. From those early days, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. His first World Cup podium came in Vail, Colorado, in 2000, and since then, he has become the most successful male downhill racer of all time. Minnaar has won the overall World Cup three times (2001, 2005, and 2008) and secured the prestigious World Championship title four times, most recently in 2021, at the age of 39.
Reflecting on his final race, Minnaar expressed immense gratitude for the fans who supported him, even under less-than-ideal conditions. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the crowd coming out today. It’s not the best weather, and they supported me the whole way down,” Minnaar shared after his run. “To be honest, not a great start. I stalled up in the first corner and tried to work hard to catch rhythm back up, but it was greasier than I thought. But that crowd was going nuts, and as I lost my footing in the rocks, I could just hear my name being shouted. They were cheering all the way, and I can’t thank them enough.”
A Special Connection with Mont-Sainte-Anne
Minnaar’s relationship with Mont-Sainte-Anne goes back to his early days, having first raced there as a junior in 1998. Throughout his career, he raced at the iconic Canadian venue nearly every year, barring the cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The track holds a special place in his heart. “Mont-Sainte-Anne has been a big part of my career. I love coming back here; it’s such a great place,” Minnaar remarked, reminiscing about his connection with the event, the organizers, and even local traditions like enjoying poutine and go-karting.
While his time as a competitor has come to an end, Minnaar isn’t stepping away from the sport. In his new role as the Team Director for Norco’s Race Division, he’ll continue to frequent the World Cup circuit, mentoring the next generation of riders. “I’ll be back next year,” Minnaar said. “I just want to be one of the jockeys.”
A Career Filled with Evolution
Over his 25-year career, Minnaar witnessed significant changes in the sport of downhill racing. From the evolution of bikes and technology to the transformation of race tracks and training methods, Minnaar has seen it all. “Everything’s changed so much—the bikes, the equipment have changed massively. It allows us to go a lot faster, so the tracks become somewhat less technical. We can handle a lot more, we train harder, and we’re more prepared physically and mentally,” he explained.
Despite all the progress, Minnaar is humble about his journey, noting a few regrets, particularly regarding injuries that plagued him in his twenties. “I always wish that I’d got surgery a bit sooner, but back then there was no real surgery to fix the problem with my shoulder until 2008 when I managed to get it fixed.”
Ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa
Outside of racing, Greg Minnaar has made an impact off the track as well, serving as an ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa. He has played a key role in raising awareness for the foundation’s causes, including water safety and wildlife conservation. Most notably, Minnaar auctioned his race kit and a custom-made helmet for the foundation’s ChasingZero initiative, which aims to stop rhino poaching. His dedication to this cause underscores his commitment to making a difference beyond the world of sports, and his efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Message from Chantell Wittstock, CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa:
“Greg Minnaar’s impact on the world of downhill mountain biking is immeasurable. He has shown us what it means to pursue excellence, face challenges head-on, and continue striving for greatness even after decades in the sport. Greg’s determination, humility, and sportsmanship are traits that inspire athletes globally, and we are incredibly proud to witness the journey of such a remarkable South African sports icon.
As an ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa, Greg has gone above and beyond by supporting initiatives like ChasingZero, where he auctioned his race kit and custom helmet to help protect endangered rhinos. His contributions to conservation and the foundation’s goals highlight his dedication to making the world a better place. Thank you, Greg, for all that you have given to this sport and for continuing to inspire us all.”
