Nukeproof returns to the World Cup with Axess Racing
We’re proud to announce a major step in our return to elite racing: Nukeproof is the title sponsor and official bike partner of the newly formed Nukeproof Axess Racing Team, an Elite UCI Downhill team set to compete in the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cups.
The team is owned by Joe Breeden and managed by Olly Morris, and the partnership is locked in for the next three seasons. Nukeproof Axess Racing will line up on the Nukeproof Dissent, our flagship downhill race bike built for the most demanding tracks in the world.
2026 Rider Line-Up
Elite Men
Joe Breeden
Juanfer Muñoz
Oscar Griffiths
Elite Women
Mille Johnset
Louise Ferguson
Milatul Khaqimah
Junior Men
Camden Rutherford
A partnership built at race speed
The collaboration came together fast — but for all the right reasons.
“I started with Nukeproof in August, and there was already a plan to go racing in 2027,” says Clive Gosling (Nukeproof).
“When I met Joe and Olly at the World Cup in Les Gets, it was immediately clear there was an opportunity to go racing sooner. The stars aligned, and here we are — racing at the highest level with a seriously exciting squad for the next three years.”
With Belgian Cycling Factory’s in-house wind tunnel at its Belgian HQ, the team will spend the winter fine-tuning rider position, components and setup — hunting for every marginal gain that matters when racing is this tight.
Proven winners, bigger ambitions
Axess Racing has built serious momentum over the past two seasons, and this next chapter marks a major leap forward.
“The progress Axess Racing has made over the last two years has been incredible,” says Joe Breeden.
“Welcoming Nukeproof as we enter Stage 2 of this journey is a huge milestone. From day one it was clear Nukeproof is serious about racing. That drive to innovate and push boundaries is in the DNA of Belgian Cycling Factory — and at World Cup level, that commitment is essential.”
Alongside the World Cups, the team will also line up at iconic events such as Red Bull Hardline and Red Bull Cerro Abajo. In 2025, Louise Ferguson made history with the first-ever women’s win at Hardline in Wales, while Juanfer Muñoz is a three-time overall champion of the Cerro Abajo series.
Back where we belong
With world-class riders, a proven race platform and long-term commitment, Nukeproof Axess Racing represents everything we believe in: progression, performance and racing at the sharpest end of the sport.
A full list of team partners will be announced in January.
See you between the tapes.
