Josh "Ratboy" Bryceland clinched the 2014 UCI Downhill World Cup overall title on Saturday August 23. His podium run at the seventh and final round in Méribel (France) secured a comfortable 149 point margin over his nearest rival, and heralds a new era for the 2008 Junior World Champion.

"Knowing the World Cup title was mine for the taking was a whole new kind of pressure," admits Josh. "I found calm amongst my family... not just from Dad being there and the messages from my Mum and sister, but from my Syndicate family too. The crew have all been in this position before and know how to keep things both relaxed and focused in the run-up. They really helped me keep my sh*t together."

Meanwhile, the lads' teammate, Greg Minnaar, managed to pull off a Top 10 finish, which was somewhat amazing given the fact he was recently involved in a serious car accident in California.

"This time last weekend I was crawling out of the wreckage of an upturned vehicle" reflects Greg. "There was more tape on my body than on track today, but I'm just happy to still be here racing and see Josh take the title to be honest!"

Greg continued "I've nervously watched Ratty take down some big challenges this season, and none more so than this World Cup title. 'Railing ruts and nailing big things' seems to be his new motto. Everywhere."

Next stop for the Santa Cruz Syndicate and their new V10 race bike will be the UCI World Championships in Hafjell (NOR) on Sept 7, 2014.

Will Ratboy's run continue? Will Minnaar pull of a triple World Champs back-to-back? Will Peaty strike back? You'll have to tune in live HERE to find out.

Méribel Results:

1st: SAM HILL (AUS) 3:16:372

2nd: MATT SIMMONDS (GBR) +0.366

3rd: JOSH BRYCELAND (GBR) +0.530

10th: GREG MINNAAR (RSA) +3.844

25th: STEVE PEAT (GBR) +8.342

2014 UCI World Cup Final Standings for Syndicate:

1st: JOSH BRYCELAND (GBR) 1187

7th: GREG MINNAAR (RSA) 742

19th: STEVE PEAT (GBR) 426