It has been one turbulent start to the season for the Santa Cruz team, seeing all three racers in various shapes on injury. Everyone knows about the Rat’s infamous foot injury, but Minnaar was also rocking a recently operated ligament injury and Peaty was off the bike due to a torn ACL.

For more action from the Syndicate crew check out the This is Peaty finale, or better yet see what Peaty’s winter training regime is like when he hasn’t busted himself up.

Regardless of their various shapes of fitness, Ratboy and Minnaar stepped up to the challenge of racing finals admirably. Despite the setback in the off season Ratboy stormed qualies with a third and landed seventh overall:

“I’m quite happy with 7th place with the run I had  I felt I rode well and was pushing it. With a really solid qualifier the points add up to 5th in the overall rankings.  This is a great way to start the season. My foot is sore so I need to take it easy a bit as I really asked a lot of myself the last few weeks.”

Greg came down in 22nd, higher than he’d hoped considering he had to be strapped into his bike.

“A few weeks ago I told the doctors I would be racing in two weeks’ time, and now I’ve done it. I feel I had quite a good run considering my injury and I improved my time each day. I’m pretty confident it should be healed up for the next World Cup in Ft. William.”

Treat yourself to a 10 minute break and watch a recap of Lourdes and Rotorua through the Syndicate eyes. You’ll also get the treat of seeing Josh punish himself through rehab, Minnaar hitting the holy water and Peaty transforming himself into the Syndicate super fan, equipped with chainsaw and all.