Hi, I’ve had some thoughts about how important/beneficial it is for a champion to ride with the #1 the following year (if they’re ultra superstitious of course then forget it), so hear me out:

Individual reason: as Randy Mamola says - you can always ride with your regular number. You have to earn the right to run the #1 and you may only get that opportunity once in your lifetime.

Growing the sport: pointed out by @LouisSuddaby23 - when a new audience watches for the first time, they instantly know who the benchmark is.

Adds an extra instantly understandable storyline to the viewer, “hey, how’s the champ doing in this race? 5th?! Sh*****ttttttt”

“But Matt, what about BRANDING?!?!?!?! The rider will need a whole new line of merchandise?!?!” - often cited as a reason NOT to change numbers but I think it’s the opposite…

In the era of digital ‘creators’ and ‘influencers’, the more ‘merch drops’ the better - if they bring the end consumer value. Far more reasonable for a rider to ask their fans to buy their “World Champion Edition” shirt/cap/hoodie than a regular rebranding job.

Just my thoughts, I’ve seen a lot of polls about this online and a surprising amount of people think Joan should stick with #36… would love to know other peeps thoughts on this?