RAD Fox 40: A New Frontier at Mont-Sainte-Anne
The Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup weekend delivered more than just fast times and tight passes. In the pits, two Canadian riders—Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet—were spotted aboard what looks like Fox’s latest RAD 40 fork, a piece of equipment tied to Fox’s hush-hush Research and Development program. The stakes are high, with both riders chasing World Cup overall podiums as the season closes. The visuals were impossible to miss: a white-livery Santa Cruz v10 bearing rainbow accents and a RAD 40 fork that seems to push the envelope beyond what public prototypes have shown thus far.
What is the RAD 40?
Fox’s RAD labeling signals a component shrouded in secrecy, usually associated with internal testing and development. In Mont-Sainte-Anne’s busy pits, Goldstone’s RAD 40 sported a distinctive arch design, reminiscent of newer Fox 34 and 36SL forks rather than the current 40 profile. The space between the lowers was open, hinting at a possible new chassis shape, lighter internals, or refined air/spring dynamics. Fox’s R&D program has a history of quietly iterating on fork architecture, and Mont served as a live testing ground where riders like Goldstone put the parts through the paces of a true downhill arena.
Tech on Show: More Than a Fork
Behind the RAD 40, a CounterSycle tuned mass damper rode mounted near the front of Goldstone’s bike. Tuned mass damping is a rising trend in downhill racing, aimed at smoothing out harsh track corrugations and reducing fatigue on long runs. It’s a telltale sign that teams are seeking marginal gains through ride stability, especially on courses with variable grip and long, demanding sections. Even with a race plate covering some of the hardware, the damper’s presence underscores the complexity of modern downhill setups.
Gracey Hemstreet: In the RAD Spotlight
Hemstreet wasn’t far behind in the visuals or the pace. The Norco rider qualified into finals with a strong showing in the elite women’s field, finishing a hair off the top run times but still well within striking distance for podium honors. The RAD 40 and accompanying components on Hemstreet’s rig added to a broader narrative: Canadian teams are pushing innovation and speed in equal measure, aiming for a season-ending championship surge.
Beyond the Fork: What Might Be Hiding Inside?
While the exact internals of the RAD 40 remain under wraps, industry chatter points to a potential hybrid spring-damper system, novel stanchion geometry, or both. The fork’s exposed arch and the open space through the lowers invite speculation about weight savings and improved stiffness. For now, Fox maintains the secrecy around the internal configuration, emphasizing performance gains rather than public unveilings. In practice, this secrecy adds to the intrigue of Mont-Sainte-Anne, where teams race on a gravity-sculpting course that rewards precision and boundary-pushing technology.
Are There More Secrets on the Brake Side?
Observers also noted the possibility of a new Shimano brake caliper lurking under the fork leg of Goldstone’s bike. The levers visible at the bar appeared to be the latest XTR, while the caliper’s raw alloy finish and robust silhouette suggested a prototype phase. The integration of a heavy-duty Shimano brake with a RAD Fox 40 fork could signal a broader collaboration or merely parallel development in braking tech. It’s not unusual for riders to ride prototype components in World Cup settings, and the signals coming from Mont point to a busy season of behind-the-scenes engineering.
The Championship Countdown: Could Goldstone Take the Lead?
Mont-Sainte-Anne presents a unique mathematical puzzle. In the men’s field, Jackson Goldstone trails Loïc Bruni by a slim margin in World Cup overall standings. With finals on the line and a course that favors aggressive lines and consistent speed, Goldstone has a tangible path to the title. If he earns a strong result—ideally a win or a podium—and Bruni falters, the Canadian could reclaim the lead in the overall. The 72-point gap at this stage means a dramatic swing is possible, and the RAD 40’s performance could become a defining factor in the outcome.
Closing Thoughts: Innovation Meets Resolve
Mont-Sainte-Anne is more than a race; it’s a stage for technology and talent to converge. The RAD Fox 40, along with possible new Shimano braking developments and the CounterSycle damper, reflects a broader shift toward incremental, race-tested improvements that add up over a season. For fans, the sight of Goldstone and Hemstreet pushing the limits provides a compelling narrative: Canadian riders leveraging advanced engineering in pursuit of World Cup glory.
