Ronan Dunne is Leaving Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing

Dec 16, 2023
by Ed Spratt  
Dunne with the ride of a lifetime and almost snatching the win.
Ronan Dunne on his way to his career-best result at this year's Snowshoe World Cup.

Ronan Dunne has announced on social media he is leaving the Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing team and no longer riding for Nukeproof.

During his three successful years with the team and Nukeproof brand, Ronan has released wild edits and collected some top World Cup results including a 2nd place finish at this year's Snowshoe round.

bigquotesAfter 3 years I’ve decided that I will no longer be riding for Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing & Nukeproof

I’d just like to thank everyone behind this team for there hard work and determination , From qualifying for my first World Cup too getting my first podium it’s been a amazing experience and trip with this lot , and I’m sure they will do great things in the future, onto 2024— Ronan Dunne

bigquotesThe time has come to say goodbye to Ronan. We’re stoked to have been able to give him the platform to thrive over the past 3 years, from back when it was just the lads in the camper, to the 13+ strong setup we have today. 2 World Cup Podiums, 6 top 20s, 2 Red Bull Hardline appearances and 22 World Cup races for the team, it has been an honor to witness his growth and success and we can only assume there’s more to come wherever you end up next.

We take immense pride in knowing that we have played a significant role in Ronan’s journey, thank you for being a valuable member of our team and remember you’ll always be welcome back to the pits for a Guinness.

Sláinte— Continental Nukeproof Factory Racing

We don't know where Ronan is heading next year just yet, but we'll keep you updated when we learn more.

Posted In:
Racing and Events Racing Rumours Nukeproof Ronan Dunne


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89 Comments
  • 115 3
 Let this serve as proof to all other Pinkbike editors that an announcement of a team change can in fact be reported without using the term ‘part ways’.
  • 41 7
 I see the anti part ways police are out in force
  • 27 3
 @browner: I’m the chief of the anti part ways police.
  • 8 7
 Not really looking to defend the phrase 'part ways' but here Ronan's statement heavily implies that this is his rather than Nukeproof's decision. In this scenario 'leaves' is accurate but 'part ways' is more neutral and more appropriate whose decision it was for the contract to end. I suppose when it is clear that it is the brands decision the headline should be [bike brand] drops [rider], but it probably feels disrespectful to the rider writing a headline like that
  • 8 3
 @rambotion2: "Brand drops rider" is exactly the type of story line this sport needs right now. Otherwise, who's going to pay $19.98 a month to watch races with no dramatic story lines. Think back to the days of Gwin leaving Trek, Sam Hill leaving Specialized, And Jack Moir getting hosed by Cannondale. It adds a layer to just another rider pointing a bike down a hill.
  • 13 0
 The problem is that most riders are contractors and you don't "drop" a contractor don't by not renewing the contract. Parting ways is perhaps the most neutral and accurate description.
Getting dropped to me sounds like getting sacked, which is having the contract terminated before the expiry date.
Leaving is quitting the contract before the expiry date.
Hence, if the specifics aren't known, parts ways seems the best outcome.
  • 2 1
 @jaame: another part of the problem is this dumb practice of teams and riders making these big formal announcements just to say a rider is not returning. And then making a whole other round of announcements to announce new teams. Just make one announcement when a new deal is signed.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: it's all publicity isn't it, and another story for us to click on
  • 87 2
 Hope he isn't totally dunne.
  • 26 7
 He will keep on fighting, like a Ronan Gladiator
  • 8 0
 This is what I came here for. Good work
  • 8 1
 Just Dunne with nukeproof
  • 4 0
 He'll be Ronan around for a new team
  • 5 0
 @daweil: ronan the barbarian
  • 1 0
 @zacknh: Hopefully he's not Ronan too much...
  • 33 0
 With no Nukeproof in future this looks obvious
  • 3 1
 I thought the same but the rumours he's going to Mondraker are stronger.
  • 2 1
 @gaffney92: in his photo on the hardline rider's list he was wearing alpine stars. I'm thinking unno
  • 2 0
 @gaffney92: I've heard the same
  • 1 0
 @gaffney92: That would be great
  • 5 0
 When their best offer is a frame and a pack of winny blues , you gotta do what you gotta do
  • 14 0
 Headed to Mondraker with Pinkerton and Norton
  • 18 1
 Norton leaving Intense would be a surprise.
  • 6 4
 @Ososmash: already been confirmed by him. talked about it on downtime podcast
  • 7 3
 @Ososmash: bro no intense team next season
  • 3 0
 @bikingonbikes: what!!!
  • 9 1
 @bikingonbikes: he didn't say that
  • 1 0
 Mondraker must be paying the bills better than others with that new lineup!?
  • 5 0
 MS is the team, Mondraker is the frame/title(?) sponsor. Previously known as MS Intense, MS Evil, MS Mondraker, and now MS Intense again?
  • 59 0
 @bl4pb: MS Office?
  • 3 0
 What does this mean for brook and tuhoto and the others??
  • 14 0
 @cavitand: also riding on MS next season: that knowitall paper clip guy
  • 2 0
 @ciaobellend: under-rated comment
  • 1 0
 @cavitand: MS Racing mountain bike team was founded by Markus Stöckl 2004
  • 3 0
 @JTAUSEND: He changed his name to Markus Out-Of-Stock in 2020.
  • 10 2
 Sign of the times. Nukeproof is not bankrupt proof.
  • 1 0
 I would be very surprised if Nukeproof fold. But I'm with you in that they probably weren't able to offer Dunne anything stellar (or maybe no DH team this coming year ?)
  • 1 0
 But they are having business/financial problems.
  • 3 0
 @DGWW: their funding source, a property and retail magnate, is 5 billion in debt. Even if someone does buy the Nukeproof brand, it'll most likely be somebody who buys the name only ie: Mike Ashley.
  • 1 0
 CRC are in big trouble since Brexit. The turkeys voted for Christmas.
  • 1 0
 @Maxcommencemal: well aware , it's been bit news on here and on every other cycling outlet. My statement made with all of that context.
  • 8 1
 He is good friends with Goldstone, it'd be class to see him in the syndicate
  • 4 2
 nah mondraker
  • 6 0
 For some reason I think he may go to Atherton... but I'm probably wrong on that. Good luck to Ronan wherever he ends up..
  • 1 0
 Agree.
  • 2 0
 How does Atherton pay the bills ?
  • 3 0
 @DGWW: the team is continental atherton, so that likely means continental is the #1 sponsor and covering thee most of any sponsor. Then there is atheron bikes, and then the whole host of other sponsors the team has like Endura, Fox, FSA, etc. It’s never just one company footing the bill for any team.
  • 1 9
flag skiboot1 FL (Dec 16, 2023 at 19:42) (Below Threshold)
 @sino428: how can Continental be the #1 sponsor when I can't even find their tires for sale?
  • 14 0
 @skiboot1: “how can Continental be the #1 sponsor”: this is because they sell every tyre they can make.

“when I can't even find their tires for sale?”: this is because they sell every tyre they can make.

Hope that helps.
  • 1 1
 @DGWW: Investment from the Athertons, crowd funding and the other sponsors. No doubt they're running at a loss atm
  • 1 0
 @tom666: how do atherton's pay the bills ?
  • 1 0
 @DGWW: Good question.
  • 5 0
 Redbull definitely hired their #1 consumer!
  • 3 0
 Pinkers have more info than PB
  • 21 0
 Vital has more info than PB
  • 5 3
 So many grammatical errors in this piece.
  • 16 4
 But did you die?
  • 3 1
 @MrRight: yes. The service is being held on Tuesday
  • 3 1
 I hope his career isn't Dunne for.
  • 1 0
 Well, Nukeproof is in business/financial problems. Better to seek greener pastures.
  • 2 0
 Minnaars new team mate now that would be cool
  • 1 0
 I just want to announce that I won’t be riding for a company that won’t exist next year, also.
  • 2 0
 Going with angel at unno
  • 1 1
 He’s going elsewhere to a let’s say.. a
Newer company
  • 5 0
 Angel is riding with Neko and Asa on Frameworks
  • 3 0
 @pisgahgnar: Frameworks gonna kill it next year, in that case.
  • 2 0
 What about Sam Hill?
  • 3 0
 He’ll be on something else next year for sure
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: he’s still posting nukeproof stuff on Instagram, think they’ll keep him on an ambassador type deal
  • 1 1
 @mcfadden999: hope so, but he must be one of the most expensive enduro guys out there, just not sure how the administrators will justify it.
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: great point. I was thinking similar.
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: unless he's in talks to buy the NP brand from the admins, along with Pagey and some of the office staff.
  • 1 0
 This is a separate team.
  • 2 0
 The Syndicate awaits.
  • 1 0
 I thought nukeproof was losing down
  • 1 0
 Cool how he was named after that movie with a great car chase
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