Mass Rider Layoffs As Pon ‘Pauses’ GT Bicycles

Pon is reported to have ‘paused’ GT Bicycles. Alarm bells started ringing last week, as many GT sponsored BMX riders were told they couldn’t ride for GT next year. GT without BMX? It’s like gin without tonic. It appears the cull continues on the MTB side. We’ve yet to find a mountain bike rider who will confirm they’re riding for GT next year – though perhaps there will be transfer deals with other Pon brands? Some were also unable to comment on whether they’re not riding for GT – although Joey Gough went public on Instagram to announce her departure from GT.

Phil Kmetz of Skills With Phil provides more information, saying that GT staff have been trying to keep GT alive, but that Pon’s plan is to sell off the remaining inventory and pause the brand.

Ethan Donohoe also confirmed he’s leaving GT – though didn’t say anything more about the circumstances:

To be let go this late in the year is extra tough – by now most brands have made plans for next year’s riders. Any GT riders looking for a ride for 2025 are going to have their work cut out. As well as having some of the biggest names in BMX on their books, GT also have well known mountain bike riders like Brage Vestavik, Wyn Masters, Tyler McCaul and Eliott Lapotre (whose tree-top shenanigans surely couldn’t have been published at a better time?).

And of course, there’s Hans Rey – who survived the previous rebirth of GT to remain with the brand and be one of the longest continuously sponsored riders ever. GT pulled back from much of the elite level racing last year, re-focussing on grassroots racing, where yet more riders are uncertain about their future. If that grassroots support is being lost, it’ll be an especially sad day. We’ve asked GT Bicycles for the official word on what’s happening, and we’ll update you when we hear more.