Eliot Jackson & Tracey Hannah Join the Red Bull World Cup Commentating Team

Apr 30, 2021
by Ed Spratt  

Red Bull has announced that Eliot Jackson and Tracey Hannah will be heading into the commentary booth this year as they join the team for World Cup coverage.

After announcing her retirement from World Cup racing last year, we have all been waiting to see what Tracey Hannah had planned for this year. Now it appears that one of her plans is to join Rob Warner in Red Bull's coverage of the Women's downhill racing this year.

Eliot Jackson is also joining Red Bull's World Cup coverage team this year. He is no stranger to commentating with experience on the Crankworx live streams and hosting Red Bull's World Cup YouTube highlights in past seasons. We have loved his insight and coverage of World Cups, so we can't wait to see him move into a commentating role for Red Bull.

Alongside the two latest additions to the team, Rob Warner, Bart Brentjens, Lauren Smith and Claudio Caluori will be returning in their roles for 2021.

bigquotesUCI Mountain Bike World Cup fans, meet your hosts for 2021.

We proudly present our panel of experts who will guide you through all the racing excitement of the next few months on Red Bull TV: Rob Warner, Bart Brentjens, Eliot Jackson, Lauren Smith, Claudio Caluori and Tracey Hannah— Red Bull Bike

bigquotesSoooo excited to finally be able to share that I will be in the commentary booth at some of the races this year on Red Bull TV!!!

What a surreal moment! Who would have ever thought I would be in that seat!? Feel like life just keeps reinforcing that hard work pays off. Those 100s of interviews, BBC presenter training, Crankworx commentary, Red Bull Bike YouTube highlights, Grow Cycling Foundation pitches and presentation, etc. have alllll led to this moment.

Dream bigger than you ever thought possible and you’ll probably end up looking back and wondering why you thought so small.— Eliot Jackson

bigquotesSo excited to share with you that I’ll be attending all the World Cups working alongside Rob Warner commentating the women’s downhill racing thanks to Red Bull Bike.— Tracey Hannah


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104 Comments
  • 127 2
 So excited about this. Now we just need some racing! Fingers crossed...
  • 31 0
 be good if they filmed the winner too!
  • 13 2
 Looking forward to seeing both Eliot and Tracey in these roles, should be awesome!
  • 6 0
 @Gremclon: thanks mate, Katy always brings the goods!
  • 50 2
 So happy for them and glad Rob is back for another year, wouldn't be the same without him
  • 20 1
 Hear hear. As long as it’s Rob and A N Other The commentary alone is worth tuning in for. I reckon him and Eliot could be dynamite together.
  • 1 0
 @sewer-rat Yeah me too... but who is that clean-shaved guy up top? ;D
  • 11 2
 Frankly I miss drunk Rob, he was a better commentator
  • 1 0
 @yonibois: Hell yeah www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZV7zfMGTg
  • 1 0
 @korev: Literally the best part of that Danny's run. So glad they had a camera there.
  • 35 0
 "Tracey Hannah joins Rob Warner in Red Bull's coverage of the Women's downhill racing this year".

I like her very much and why not covering both women and men's racings?
Women covering women's racings?
Men covering men's racings?
Cyborgs covering eMTB racings?
  • 5 0
 Lol Just have Alexa read one of those algorithmic sports articles about each rider.
  • 67 55
 Claudio is pretty good at a few things, but commentating is not one of them. I was hoping to see him replaced. He rarely brings valuable info on time, during the heat of the race. He is always much too late with vital comparisons or tech details. Not saying that I would be better, but he is not a professional level commentator.
  • 29 0
 He'd be a welcome addition to one of the other language versions of RB's coverage ;-)
  • 88 1
 I do miss his track previews though, they we're fantastic.

"Slippery roots! waaaigghahah!"
  • 79 10
 I’m hoping they’ll replace Claudio with Gee at some point given how good his track previews were. The level of technical insight about track conditions and bike set up an experienced modern racer like Gee would bring would complement Warner quite well.
  • 30 2
 @rsbromley: Absolutely. Gee has proven to be so much more eloquent, technical und understandable.
  • 30 2
 I don't have an issue with Claudio, but I don't think Richard Cunynghame should have been replaced in the first place
  • 4 0
 @HankHank: he reminded me of the cookie monster
  • 29 28
 @rsbromley: Gee is so dry and serious. I'd rather have Claudio.
  • 28 29
 @jeremy3220: i agree. Gee might have more knowledge but let's face it, he isn't a "personality". No offence to Gee..
  • 3 0
 Harsh but not unfair. I think both Rob and Claudio have been doing less tech details, background info and pit gossip in recent years though. Since Warner took on doing the XC as well he may be too busy to wander round talking to people, or have just got out of the habit. He's better at the actual commentating, but I miss the other insights he used to be great for.
  • 20 5
 I don’t feel this is fair, Claudio has done a great job, he said some controversial things and got into hot water with crowd favorites like Rachel and Rat-Boy and each time I felt sorry for him because I feel he was in both cases miss understood. I do however feel he lacks enthusiasm for the women’s field and I couldn’t be more excited about Tracey joining Rob for the commentary.
  • 20 2
 @oldfaith: it's not the controversy, it's his fluidity, his syntax and, frankly, the sound of his Jim Henson voice.
  • 16 11
 Been saying Claudio needs to go for years now... I was muting him on the broadcast at some points... He just wasn't giving me as a viewer an a fan wahwt I wanted from a broadcaster... Despite his vast experience in MTB.... Glad to see him go and some fresh blood and personality.
  • 7 2
 @BenPea: Thanks for that. I think it has a lot do do with the fact that english is not his native language...he is just not at the tip of the spear like would be good for this type of job.
  • 7 2
 @thedirtyburritto: Don't get me wrong, full respect to him for doing it in a foreign language. It's not his fault, it's a recruitment issue. There must be a reason why he was picked for the job and it could have something to do with nude pics he has in his possession/friends in high places.
  • 3 6
 I mean same for Rob too, I enjoy them both but they are the commentators from yester year in a completely different era.
  • 5 0
 @BenPea: Same here mate! I work all day every day in a non native language, and I'll be the first to admit I can do most things, but I probably am not going to be the next person they choose to speak with the press....espacially in a spontaneous situation where you have to deliver the perfect answer, quickly.
  • 9 2
 @thedirtyburritto: exactly, but then again Gracia was pretty good. Though they were all quite drunk in the booth I seem to recall. I think that might be a crucial factor. I think Red Bull need to remember that their best friend is vodka.
  • 3 0
 Fully agree, but I did love his track previews. How he rambled and rode the WC track at the same time, with that level of enthusiasm, was crazy!
  • 7 10
 @stage-a: absolutely. I’ve been calling the guy a muppet for years. Super annoying. The track runs I just turned off the sound. Good riddance.
  • 8 1
 @DC1988: yeah!get Cunny back!
And while we're at it get Dirt back.
Gravity mountain biking needs more perspective and representation back that whats happens to be going on inSquamish
  • 4 0
 @stage-a: Super Grover
  • 12 5
 Totally agree with all the criticisms of Claudio. So many of his predictions during runs turn out wrong, he's rarely funny, is often awkward with Rob, and does not have a good broadcaster voice.. at all. Rob and Elliot in the booth would be a great combo. Having 3 might be crowded, but Tracey might also fit in with them.
  • 7 0
 @slow-af-rider: Who knows, Gee might turn out to be good in the booth? But yeah the man is definitely more known for his stone-cold competence than anything resembling a colorful personality.
  • 1 0
 @DC1988: This
  • 7 1
 @Molesdigmyjumps: yes, get us the real Dirt back.
Cunny was great and so much of a better match to Rob. Claudio is killing Rob‘s flow in commentating. My wife is getting angry every time she hears him!
  • 8 0
 I like Claudio, I've never really understood the hate he gets on here.
  • 3 1
 @korev: just read the above comments on Claudio's broadcast personality, to get a better understanding.... It pretty clear most just don't enjoy hearing him on the broadcasts...
  • 9 1
 Not aimed at the burritto per say. But I'd be a bit more careful about how much shite I aimed at people. Our words have bigger repercussions in such a small circle as mtb. This isn't the daily mail. Your welcome to your preferred commentator, but slagging off someone's work isn't classy at all
  • 4 0
 @matt5311: I agree, imagine being Claudio and reading all this...
  • 1 0
 When you hear Barel for example there is a world between him and Claudio, he comments french national races or world champs, he is clever and the clock allways confirms what he says. You can see a rider attacking very hard and think he is fast, he will see his legs working and tell you he is slow, then at the split the rider is 5s back. Really impressive. Hope one of them can bring this technical added value.
  • 1 0
 @pasteque51: Barel is another example that came to mind, good shout.

@korev: yeah, it's not nice, but I'm sure he doesn't base his self-esteem on his commentating chops. He's probably got a great family and many fingers in a lot of sweet pies around the world. He can rise above it, hopefully.
  • 1 0
 @BenPea: Yeah, he's famous and making a good living out of mountain biking; most people on here don't...
  • 2 0
 @matt5311: Understood and agreed. The only reason I said anything is that he is a public figure and we are discussing his publiic performance.

I will never say he is a loser or a chump or whatever. He has achieved a lot, and as I said in my OP, he is good at many things.

Definitly not trying to assassinate his character!
  • 20 11
 Good to see someone who has actually been involved in WC womens dh racing commentating on womens racing. And hopefully redbull phase out claudio "foot in the mouth" calouri entirely.
  • 12 4
 Hopefully they get training like Rob Warner did. Elliot is a great guy, met him a few times. Think that was crankworks last year I could barely understand a word he was saying. Tracy seems to have the gift of gab already.
  • 3 1
 HUH?? What do you mean?
  • 2 0
 @mybaben: Rob got training to be a sportscaster I understand him. Elliot would benefit similar training.
  • 5 1
 @ReeferSouthrland: Agree it would help him. Eliot is a very likeable guy and great personality. He tends to giggle a little too much when covering the races for Crankworks. I think part of that is his excitement for the sport but something he can work on. He has a great perspective and is so knowledgeable as well.
  • 2 0
 @ReeferSouthrland: I've never had an issue. Are you saying he speaks too fast or something else?
  • 2 0
 @mybaben: If you want a career in sportscasting get some training, simple stuff.
  • 9 1
 Fantastic news! I was really going to miss Trace, with her sense of humor and clear direct communication this will be great not to mention she has a great connection with the riders.
  • 6 0
 Between Claudio's crash and the Atherton brand launch, it looked like Gee was sewing the seeds for his post racing life, presenting a few insights and the track previews. Looking forward to watching some racing this year with this presenting team. People may have some complaints about red bull's coverage, but i dont think on-screen talent is one of them.
  • 6 0
 Tracey Hannah's very candid, she's always been great in interviews. Relatable and honest, and she's a fucking gnarly rider. Very recent experience WC experience, she'll be the most accomplished on the team. Sick!
  • 2 0
 Aussies tend to say what they think, Claudio already gets a fair bit of stick for saying the "Wrong Thing" so this could be fun to watch...
  • 8 1
 Can we have IFHT film the races? We would get all of the angles of every run
  • 2 0
 Footy Phil on the job.
  • 3 0
 This is great for these two. What I'm curious about is what happens to Crankworx. Can Cam McCaul carry the broadcast? Didn't Tracey, Eliot, and Cam do the coverage?

I've always felt like Crankworx played 2nd fiddle to UCI in racing, but I feel like they had made some strides the past couple years. I hope this doesn't set them back too much.
  • 5 0
 What a great combo to add. They both have the most positive outlooks. They are always laughing!
  • 2 0
 It's gonna be a good time for sure. Looking forward to the new season!
  • 5 1
 Quality additions to the team.
  • 4 0
 The real headline here is that Tracey Hannah joins the commentating team.
  • 3 1
 Eliot is an excellent commentator and has the data analysis to back things up. Looking forward to seeing more of him on RedBull media
  • 1 0
 This will be interesting. I lost a lot of respect for Tracy a couple of seasons back. Totally stanky attitude towards not winning and other riders young new who were.
  • 2 0
 Sweet! That's got to be 1 of the best broadcast teams for any sport? Can't wait for the WC season
  • 8 5
 I'm hoping Eliot replaces Claudio. Sorry, NOT sorry.
  • 3 1
 More than a little excited for this. Eliot and Tracey+WC!! Season's gonna great
  • 2 0
 Would be cool to have tracey and Elliot give more specific POV shots of crux spots on the tracks
  • 2 0
 I hope Elliot is able to convince Eddie Masters to come back for an episode or two on the track side.
  • 1 0
 AWESOME .. Mr Jackson always brings such a great vibe to the show ... really really awesome that he is going to be hear and seen more often on RedbullTV!
  • 2 0
 Can't wait to hear these get excited.
  • 1 0
 That's awesome, I love the joy Eliot brings to everything and I love the sound of Tracy's voice
  • 2 0
 Buzzing for this!
  • 2 0
 Excellent !
  • 24 22
 Phase out Claudio.
  • 7 8
 I think just Tracey will work fine. Rob can switch over to ebike races since he loves them so much :p -and dont even get me started on Eliot J. id rather see him race
  • 8 0
 Agree that watching Eliot ride a bike anywhere is worth watching, but the man has got Phd nerd level bike knowledge and is an eruption of charisma, he's gonna be great in the box. Plus Tracey!
  • 2 0
 Great news
  • 5 5
 Really? Good people but many will cringe come event time.
  • 1 2
 sry but did someone ever see this Eliot Jackson on a bike??
  • 1 4
 I look forward to hearing "...carrying good speed!!!!..." in that beautiful Queensland accent. So damn hot, that accent.
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