Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Trek World Racing Team Launch

With new bikes, new kit and 2 new team members in Emily Batty (CAN) and Neko Mulally (USA), the Trek World Racing team camp which concluded Sunday in Arizona, set the tone for the upcoming season. In pursuit of key goals that revolve around the World Championships in September and the summer long World Cup season, the 7 rider team will also be supporting other key events throughout the year, in particular this weekend's Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, the Swiss Racer Cup Series, the new US Pro Gravity Tour, Crankworx and other selected events.

Fresh from their two stage victories in South Africa at the Absa Cape Epic, Swiss brothers Mathias and Lukas Flueckiger joined their new team mate Emily Batty for the first time in Arizona and enjoyed their time out riding the trails on their new Top Fuels. The new bike (pictured below) has a very distinct appearance and is once again loaded with the performance technology needed for podium results. Both Mathias and Emily have the Under 23 World Title as shared major goals for 2010, while Lukas wants to finish top 5 overall in the World Cup, something he narrowly missed doing in 2009.
Lukas: "For me having two World Cup podiums last year was a great start on this new team for me, but we have learned a lot and the engineers have done some great work over winter and we're excited by the developments we have seen at camp, so I would really like to get my first World Cup win this year."

Emily: "I have been so impressed and amazed at the team set up, this is a such a dream come true for me and I know I will have the greatest support as I set out for the 2010 race season. I'm excited about racing in the new colors this weekend at Monterey".

Mathias: "I'm really looking forward to Champery, at the middle of the season. That's for 2 reasons. One is because that's where Luk and I made history as brothers on the podium last year, in front of our family and friends...but also because from Champery onwards, I become a full time racer having completed my studies and other work!"
On the gravity side, last year's trio of Tracy Moseley (GBR), Justin Leov (NZL) and Andrew Neethling (RSA) are joined by US phenom Neko Mulally for 2010, as the team aims for the number 1 ranking in teams classification. Riders are once again aboard the Session 88 (pictured below) with its race proven geometry and class leading weight.

Tracy: "It's been a pretty harsh winter in the UK this past few months, but I've been working as hard as ever. It was nice to be in the sun in Arizona and now I'm looking forward to repeating my win at Sea Otter from last year, as well as doing the Dual Slalom. The World Cup promises to be the most competitive for a long time in Women's DH, with a new World Champ in Emmeline, Sabrina (Jonnier) always a tough competitor and the return of Rachel (Atherton) to the mix. Can't wait!"

Justin: "I've been working hard in the off-season, but I'm all about racing. Getting back with the team at camp and seeing all the new gear just gets me amped for the race season ahead. Looking forward to hitting the tracks again and hopefully some more podiums this year."

Andrew: "Out training with the boys in Arizona and I feel as fresh as ever and I'm ready to take on a new season. I’m ripped and raring to go!" I actually raced less in the off season than I planned to, mainly due to earthquakes and such, which in a way has worked out pretty well or me, coming in a lot fresher."

Neko: "I was really happy to be at camp in Arizona and meet all the people from Trek, Fox and the team that do all the hard work behind the scenes, and I'm stoked to hang out with my new team mates. For Sea Otter this year I really want to improve on last year, and I'm counting the days to my first ever World Cup in Maribor. The support of the team is amazing and I'm hoping to make them proud this year." Team Director: "So much work has gone in over the off season with the bikes, the upgrading of our team vehicles, and a bunch of other cool stuff, that it's almost a feeling of relief to get on the road and start the season. All of the riders have very specific goals we'll be helping them to achieve and with the arrival of Emily and Neko, we have a very full program ahead of us. The new bikes look amazing, and together with the new kits and the testing we've been doing with Fox Racing Shox, as well some other surprises we have the fans, it should be an amazing season".

The team's partners continue their commitment to the global program. In particular JBL, Shimano for drive train and brakes, Fox Racing Shox, Bontrager components, clothing and tires for XC, Bontrager rims and Hope hubs for Downhill, FUNN bars and stems for gravity as well as SDG seats and i-Beam, e*thirteen chain-guides, Alpinestars clothing and bags, Maxxis Downhill and Slalom tires, and long standing 23 Degrees supporter, Motorex, with their Lubricants and Cleaning products.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Athertons launch new Commencal Team

Commencal 2010 Team Launch Press Release

April 7th saw Commencal and the Athertons launch their new look team, as the complete family roster prepare for a 2010 season back at full strength.

2008 World Champion Rachel, returns this year after having to sit out last year due to an injury sustained in a training accident. With her form nearing one hundred percent you can be sure she will be in the mix for the overall World Cup title and in medal contention once again at the World Championships in September.

Despite qualifying fastest at Andorra, Slovenia and Fort William last season, Gee found himself on the other steps of the podium too often come the finals. He finished the season in fourth place and is out to better that this year with an ambitious assault on the Downhill overall title, kicking off in full force at the Slovenian hosted first round in May.

Eldest sibling Dan has undertaken a tough winter training schedule, with more emphasis on his speciality Four Cross. Working on his weaknesses from 2009, Dan is now ready to unleash these improvements on the World Cup series.

With the bond between the family and Commencal growing even stronger, the team’s relationship has become more involved, allowing greater potential in areas such as product development. The Andorran brand has projects lined up perfect for the expertise and knowledge that the Athertons have gained from six years on the World Cup scene.

Partner sponsors; Animal, Shimano and Fox continue their commitment to the UK based team with their support and supply of quality product.

The alliance with Continental tyres continues into 2010. More than just a sponsor, this partnership is based around the development of Continental’s range of Downhill, Four Cross, All-Mountain and Freeride tyres. The team needs the best tyres to win at world level and the continuing work with Continental ensures they will have the product required.

You will no doubt hear the Athertons coming before you see them this year with car audio company Alpine backing the team. Fitted out by Chorley Car Audio, you can be ensured the new race rig will be the highlight of the pits!

The team’s strength is reinforced with support for components from Pro, shoes and pedals from Shimano, protection from 661, headsets from Chris King, chain devices from E-13, eyewear from Oakley, tools from Park and lube from Finish Line.

“We’re all really looking forward to racing the season as a complete unit again, Rach was sorely missed last year and I am sure her return will be met with the same success we had in her last full season. We have worked closer with our sponsors over the winter and the team is running a tight set up that will ensure the riders have little to worry about during race weekend.’ Dan Brown, Team Director

“With a long off season nearly coming to an end I’m super excited about getting involved in the race scene again. All 3 of us thrive off the competitive side of racing and with the calendar stacked with great courses it will doubtless be an awesome year.”
Gee Atherton

'' I could not be any more excited about the coming season, to be back in the thick of The Team, racing, riding and working with the best companies and people out there, well its nice to feel so supported at such an important time for me, so thanks guys and thumbs up!''
Rachel Atherton

“This season everything seems to be falling into place,the winter has seen some serious changes in the team,with every one from Dan Brown working flat out to make everything happen,to Me Gee and Rach having one of our most intense off seasons,to Stevie and Andy working super hard to complete the professional look of the team.Confidence is high - we cant wait to get stuck in to the season.”
Dan Atherton

photo: Commencal Bicycles/Hadrien PICARD

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

ODI - X Fusion - Intese Team Announced!


The ODI and X Fusion racing programs have agreed to combine into one. This alliance has developed both programs into one well-founded squad. Team ODI X Fusion is proud to announce their team line up for 2010. The roster will include Sean “Griz” McClendon, Brad Oien, JD Swanguen and Ryan Condrashoff, who will be contesting the Pro GRT championship series and competing in select international events.

Sean McClendon returning to the program after being picked up mid season in 2009 has high expectation for himself. McClendon said, “My whole life revolves around boosting the American downhill scene. For a couple of years I helped cast the media spotlight on riders from our soil and now I’m back to do-battle with them at the races. It’s a childhood dream come true to be racing for Intense and I’m really happy to be back with X-Fusion and ODI.

Brad Oien spent the off season in Australia again because he can’t get enough racing in one hemisphere. Eager for the season to come he said, “2010 is going to be a good and productive year for everyone involved with the ODI X Fusion race program. I’m glad to retain my long running relationship with ODI and begin new ones with companies such as X Fusion!”

JD Swanguen is stepping into the filming world along with keeping his racing at the highest level. He said, “I enjoy showing the amazing life I lead and I couldn’t think of a better team to do it with.”

Ryan Condrashoff has taken on the responsibility of managing the team. Coming back from an injury in 2009 he said, “I am excited to work with the boys to make this our best season ever. 2010 will be an awesome season and thanks to all of our sponsors for making this dream a reality.”

Team ODI X Fusion sponsors:
ODI, X Fusion, Intense Cycles, Intense Tires, SDG Components, Gamut USA, Formula Brakes, Fulcrum, CrankBrothers, Ride SFO, Cane Creek, Cadence Works, Dark Timbers, HyroglyphFX.

Race Face Launches Progressive New Web Site for 2010


Race Face Components Inc., one of North America’s leading producers of high-end mountain bike components, apparel and protection, has officially launched their latest contribution to cyberspace. Our quest for cutting edge technology and great design never ends. Witness the new Race Face website – a veritable work of art aesthetically, yet lightning fast and packed with innovative features.

Highlights include a pull down CSS menu that allows users to preview all products, a rollover chart that indicates intended usage for components, and of course, the debut of the Spring Summer Soft Goods and Protection line.

The SS 2010 Collection line is not only online, but is arriving at Race Face retailers as you skim this. Prepare yourself: The Buzz Collection is about to launch a little plaid-tastic into your world, d3o innovation joins the protection line, a killer street wear collection sure to make your buddies drool, and for the ladies, the highly sought after For Her collection.



The 2010 Race Face site is compact and efficient to say the least. The source code itself is contained on a single page of code – 2800 lines of it to be exact. Other features include a fully customized Word Press installation, allowing over 100 riders to login individually, post and maintain blog content. All blog posts feed live to the Race Face homepage, as well as streaming live via RSS to the Pinkbike homepage.

Pinkbike’s mad geniuses have helped us develop a proprietary video player, allowing site users to access Race Face video in full HD if they choose. The new site also incorporates PHP List, an open source newsletter management system that updates the nearly 70,000 Race Face fan club members.

To celebrate the launch, we’d like to give some schwag out! We’ll keep it simple - be the first to email marketing@raceface.com with the correct answer to any or all of the skill testing questions. Please note - 1 question per email. Good luck! Hint: all answers can be found on the new Race Face web site.

1. What is the number and name of the CE safety regulation that all Race Face protection must be certified under? Prize - 2010 Flank Leg Protection
2. What did Frankie Vass name his alter ego? Prize - Respond 45mm stem
3. Name all riders sponsored by Rocky Mountain. Prize - Atlas FR bar
4. What’s the worst situation Paul Basagoitia ¬ clai¬ms to have been in? Prize - Race Face Taperlock Jeans

Port Angeles PRO GRT Attendee Highligts!

Check out the growing list of elite racers who will compete at the 1st round of the Pro Gravity Tour in Port Angeles, Washington!

Interesting in attending? Check out all the info here!

Interesting in sponsoring the 2010 Pro GRT? Contact Dylan Dean at your earliest convenience at 760-443-3344 or email jdd@dylan-dean.com.

For more information feel free to visit www.progrt.com


Team KHS - Fontana Race Report



http://quintonspaulding.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/fontana-city-national-fontana-ca/

Friday, March 26, 2010

Get Ready for the Port Angeles Pro GRT!

We’re gearing up for the first round of the 2010 Pro Gravity Tour on April 22-25 held in the picturesque town of Port Angeles, Washington. The kickoff to what its set to be an astounding national mtb gravity race series is going to take the Pro GRT to new levels! Not only will the event be close to some great cycling & snowboarding destinations, but it’ll be fairly easy to travel to, as it’s the weekend following the Sea Otter Classic! With a majority of the industry already in attendance, we’re expecting to see a GREAT turnout of athletes, teams & industry alike! Both Trek World Racing & Team Giant will be in attendance, not to mention many more!

Interested in attending? All of your questions, & logistical concerns can be found by visiting the Pro GRT website at www.progrt.com/portangeles2010.htm

Port Angeles, where the mountains meet the sea, will also be the 2nd round of the NWCup. The venue is just 3 miles from town with ample lodging and dining opportunities. Dry Hill's trails are legendary for providing both a challenge and super fun, flowy trails. A large network of trails that all start and end in the same spot ensures a variety of courses for the riders throughout the series.

The Pro GRT will bring in top riders from across the country and world. Last year the attendance was over 400 racers for this event. As a promoter, this is both exciting and very challenging. Dry Hill is not a ski resort with existing services, so we set it up and tear it down for each event. Additionally, we have very limited level space for pit/tech use. It is very important to let us know exactly what you need as soon as possible so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. All space is first come, first serve.

Attached is a form to submit for Tech/Expo spaces. Please remit them to Scott Tucker at your earliest convenience at olympicdirtsociety@yahoo.com

The weekend of this event, there is also a Jazz Festival going on that draws a lot of out-of-towners, so we encourage you to make lodging arrangements as soon as you can.
Some things to consider:

-We will have at least one person on-site at all times for security purposes.
-The North Olympic Peninsula enjoys weather not typical of the Pacific Northwest. Often we are dry while surrounded by rain.
-There is no water or electric service on-site. You must be fully self-contained. Generators welcome.
-There will be a food-vendor on-site serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.
-The trails and venue area are behind a locked gate, so if you are wanting to pre-ride or set-up early, you need to let us know. The event is scheduled for Thursday the 22nd thru Sunday the 25th.
-The venue is only three miles from town and only one mile from the nearest campground.
Can’t wait to race? Port Angeles will host the first round of the NWCup this weekend (March 26-28, 2010). For more information check out www.nwcup.com.

Should you have any questions or need additional information (including sponsorship), feel free to contact Dylan Dean at your earliest convenience at 760-443-3344 or email jdd@dylan-dean.com

Seeya at the races!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

DRD Tomac's Kieran Bennett Back on Track at Oceanias! Podiums twice – 3rd in 4X and 4th in Downhill!



(March 21, 2010) Dunedin, New Zealand – DRD Team rider Kieran Bennett takes home two stellar results from one of the most prestigious cycling events in the south pacific! The Oceania Mountain Bike Championships, held in Dunedin, New Zealand, showcases the best mountain bike racers from Australia, New Zealand and the region all battling it out to win the title of Oceania Champion.

Following a streak of problematic races, Kieran seems to have gotten his rhythm back as he has finished his second race aboard his new DRD Tomac Primer... and with just as many podiums! With a new bike & a new team, Kieran is quick to prove just why he’s one of the quickest Kiwis on the circuit!

After a last minute decision to race 4X, Kieran promptly proved that his decision would be fruitful. Within a few practice runs, Kieran had the course dialled and had some big inside lines ready on the turns.

Going into qualifying, Kieran was pleasantly surprised to find himself in 6th position after a fairly average run.

During the race, Kieran’s inside lines paid off, as he was still getting accustomed with gated racing. Getting pushed to the back, he had to dig deep and make a move for advancement. The next round once again required Kieran to make a move against some veteran 4X riders. After a few strong passes in the first two corners, Kieran found himself in the lead & holding on until the finish.

In the finals, Kieran would find himself next to strong competition in Wyn Masters and Daniel Franks

“I definitely wasn’t expecting to be in the finals that when I decided to race, but I was stoked knowing I had made it that far,” said Kieran

Wyn Masters and Daniel Franks would take the top two spots at the finish, while Kieran was all smiles with his strong 3rd place performance.

Kieran’s main focus this weekend would undoubtedly be in the Downhill. The track suited Kieran well as it varied in terrain & was a lot of fun to ride. Kieran had to hold himself back from riding, so he wouldn’t exert himself doing too many practice runs, and remain fresh for race day.

Kieran was feeling confident and knew he could pull a good result. However, qualifying would prove to be bittersweet as a mechanical would cause a bit of a dampener in his plans, as he wanted to leave the start gate hard and see how he ranked against his competition.

“I sprinted hard out of the start and into the first few turns,” explained Kieran. “As I was pedalling out of the 3rd turn on the track, my chain dropped and got jammed out in my guide! I was pretty gutted so I just tried to carry as much speed as possible for the rest of the run. I somehow still managed to come in 12th, so I felt good going into the finals.”

Kieran’s confidence going into his race run would prove essential as there were a number of elite world cup level racers in attendance.

“Straight away I was feeling good on my DRD Tomac Primer and hardly felt like any time had passed by entering the final wooded section,” said Kieran. “Knowing all I had to do was make it out of the trees and through the 4x section clean, I started to ramp it up a little more, until I hit the finish and into the lead!”
In the end, Kieran’s time would be good enough for 4th place behind fellow countrymen Cam Cole, Nathan Rankin and Wyn Masters who have all been at the top of their game as of late.

All-in-all, an extremely successful weekend for Kieran, as he makes another big step towards the top of the podium! His confidence is on the rise & he’s getting comfortable on his new DRD Tomac!

Next up on the agenda, team DRD Tomac will be competing simultaneously in two different states. While Robin Baloochi will be attending the first round of the NWCup in Port Angeles, Washington; John Keep & Brad King will race the first round of the California Gold Cup in Fontana, California.

Photo credit: Max Carter-Smith

DRD Tomac is proudly sponsored by

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Oceania Championship Pro DH Results - Full

1 Cameron Cole 76 Christchurch New Zealand 2:39.15 +0:00.00 1 1- 2:43.36
2 Nathan Rankin 17 Levin New Zealand 2:41.03 +0:01.88 2 3- 2:47.85
3 Wyn Masters 2 New Plymouth New Zealand 2:45.01 +0:05.87 3 2- 2:46.97
4 Kieran Bennett 5 Nelson New Zealand 2:45.60 +0:06.45 4 12- 2:57.24
5 Matt Walker 20 Kawerau New Zealand 2:46.59 +0:07.44 6 5- 2:50.60
6 Rhys Willemse 21 Brisbane Australia 2:47.17 +0:08.02 7 6- 2:50.87
7 Glenn Haden 77 Wanganui New Zealand 2:47.52 +0:08.37 8 27- 6:42.50
8 Matt Scoles 19 Alexandra New Zealand 2:48.11 +0:08.96 9 10- 2:56.59
9 Richard Leacock 75 Wellington New Zealand 2:48.17 +0:09.02 10 7- 2:51.19
10 Martin Frei 73 Switzerland Switzerland 2:49.67 +0:10.52 14 8- 2:53.96
11 Reuben Miller 15 Nelson New Zealand 2:51.44 +0:12.30 17 14- 2:57.37
12 Hayden McGregor 74 Tauranga New Zealand 2:52.35 +0:13.20 21 15- 2:57.69
13 Freddie King 56 Christchurch New Zealand 2:53.13 +0:13.98 24 11- 2:56.93
14 Dan Sims 16 Auckland New Zealand 2:54.61 +0:15.47 27 16- 3:00.12
15 Lindsay Klein 12 Brisbane Australia 2:54.66 +0:15.51 28 18- 3:00.75
16 Laurie Dinham 8 Adelaide Australia 2:58.05 +0:18.90 39 19- 3:01.92
17 Michael Manning 14 Gold Coast Australia 2:58.71 +0:19.56 43 17- 3:00.53
18 Simon French 10 Howrah Australia 2:59.12 +0:19.97 47 13- 2:57.26
19 James Rennie 18 Christchurch New Zealand 2:59.24 +0:20.09 48 25- 3:24.26
20 Edo Franco 9 Saint Christophe Italy 3:01.88 +0:22.73 53 21- 3:05.15
21 Chris Barlin 3 Sydney Australia 3:01.91 +0:22.76 54 22- 3:05.32
22 Benjamin Ayling 78 Queensland Australia 3:06.42 +0:27.27 60 20- 3:02.12
23 Eymeric Blay 6 Papeete French Polynesia 3:20.66 +0:41.51 91 26- 3:25.69
24 Aari Barrett 4 Hastings New Zealand 3:33.95 +0:54.80 106 9- 2:54.34
25 Hayden Lester 13 Brisbane Australia 3:51.80 +1:12.65 118 24- 3:08.62
DNF Justin Leov 1 Dunedin New Zealand DNF 4- 2:47.87
DNS Kaine Cannan 7 Hobart Australia DNS DNS
DNS Ryan Hunt 11 Sydney Australia DNS 23- 3:08.42
DQ Thomas Jeandin 79 Vessy Switzerland DNS DQ
ELITE WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM COUNTRY TIME GAP OVERALL PL- SEEDING
1 Harriet Harper 81 Blenheim New Zealand 3:07.36 +0:00.00 66 5- 5:58.99
2 Gabrielle Molloy 84 Rotorua New Zealand 3:16.25 +0:08.89 78 1- 3:23.37
3 Sarsha Huntington 82 Brisbane Australia 3:28.14 +0:20.78 98 2- 3:38.64
4 Holly Baarspul 80 Perth Australia 3:32.62 +0:25.26 103 3- 3:47.54
5 Emily Hockey 86 Adelaide Australia 3:47.25 +0:39.89 115 4- 3:51.77
DNS Sophie Borderes 99 France France DNS DNS
DNS Rita Langley 83 Christchurch New Zealand DNS DNS

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Oceania DH Results - Top 4 men

quick dh men resutls from the Oceanias in New Zealand

1. Cameron Cole
2. Nathan Rankin
3. Wyn Masters
4. Kieran Bennett