Matti Lehikoinen Joins CRC/Intense!

We are delighted to announce that Matti Lehikoinen from Finland will be joining Team Chain Reaction Cycles.com/Intense for the 2010 race season.



Since finishing 2nd overall in 2007, Matti's World Cup seasons have been hampered by injury - he is now back to full health and in the middle of a tough winter training schedule preparing for the 2010 season.

The last 2 years have been hard on Matti - firstly he broke his back at the end of 2007, then breaking both his wrists in Canberra for the Australian round of the 2008 World Cup series. Matti then had another bad crash last year at the Bromont World Cup round breaking more bones and putting him out for the remainder of the season.

Matti is a great addition to the team roster... Team Chain Reaction Cyles/Intense fully believe in his ability and feel with the support of our team and his return to Intense frames will help him get back on the podium at World Cup level and allow him to achieve his goals for 2010.

On joining the team Matti Lehikoinen says:
"I am really exited to ride for Team Chain Reaction Cycles.com/Intense in 2010. I am looking forward to getting back on Intense and working together with CRC crew. I think with a good team behind me we are able to get me back on the podium. All my injuries are in the past now, I am healthy and looking forward to the up coming season. The past two years have been pretty hard for me due to my injuries but now I am really motivated and hungry for some good results in 2010!"

Team Riders for 2010

Chris Kovarik
Julien Camellini
Matti Lehikoinen
Claire Buchar
Matt Simmonds
Ruaridh Cunningham

A full list of our 2010 sponsors to follow shortly......

Nigel Page
Team Manager
http://www.CRCintense.com

Transition Bike's Factory Race Team for 2010!

Transition Bikes is pleased to announce the launch of their highly anticipated Factory Race program!

To aid in this new direction Transition has hired Lars Sternberg as an athlete, and team director. Joining Lars on the squad is the world renowned duo of Jill Kintner, and Bryn Atkinson. In her first year racing professional Downhill, Jill will bring the fitness and bike handling skills that have made her an Olympic BMX Bronze Medalist and 4X World Champion to a whole new riding discipline. With many years experience racing at the Elite level, Bryn is a regular top ten finisher in World Cup rounds. Together they will embark on one of the most progressive schedules in 2010. While Bryn will be attacking the downhill World Cup circuit, Jill and Lars will be setting their sights on the North American race scene. In between World Cup rounds Bryn will be returning to join the team for key North American events.

More details, pics and video inside!



Transition Bikes have kept a watchful eye on the race segment for some time now. With the rise and fall of the infamous NORBA Nationals, and the resurgence of multiple successful regional series’, Transition Bikes feels it is the right time to take a leap into the race realm. The team will be participating in gravity events around the globe, documenting their trials and tribulations on and off the track, and bringing this story to the public. Transition’s very own Media Wizard Brad Walton will be traveling with the team to compose this story.

Lars had this to say about his new position at Transition:

“I feel so fortunate to have had the support of Fluidride for the past three years. It is due to them that I have been able to maintain my position within the industry and earn this new opportunity. Being able to continue to race professionally, and now utilize the skills I have learned off the bike, and now as team manager is a dream come true. I am beyond stoked to have Bryn and Jill join me as fellow teammates. They are two of the hardest working individuals out there, and I am so glad to be able to help them continue to achieve their goals. Rounding out our program with Brad’s talent behind the lens is just the icing on the cake. The new season can’t start soon enough!”




Lars Sternberg



Jill Kintner


Bryn Atkinson


Transition Bikes Co-owner Kyle Young says:

“Over the years, my interest in downhill racing has grown right alongside the interest shown by our customers, and it seems now is the perfect time to really dive head first into the race world. We finally have a full fledged World Cup level downhill bike and what better way to kick this off than to create a top level race team that shares our vision to represent us around the globe. The first step towards developing our race program was hiring Lars Sternberg, which brought a great new angle to the company. He has deep roots in racing (both BMX and MTB disciplines), and it has been really fun working with him to develop the strategy and focus of our team. Having riders that are approachable, friendly and interesting both on and off the bike is tremendously important to me and from the first time I met Jill and Bryn I could tell they would be great people to represent Transition Bikes. We are stoked to have them as part of our family. It will be great fun to watch Lars, Jill and Bryn as they compete around the globe.”

The Program has already enlisted some of the best component support in the business. Competing aboard Fox Racing Shox equipped TR450’s, Doubles, Banks, and Coverts. The team equipment also includes Crankbrothers wheelsets and pedals, KORE handlebars, stems, saddles and posts, Maxxis tires and tubes, E.thirteen chainguides, ODI grips, THE helmets, Dakine riding gear and luggage, Cane Creek headsets, Obtainium titanium springs, Jagwire cables, CadenceWORKS titanium hardware, and Jetlites lighting systems.

Stay up to date with all team happenings here.



Keep an eye out for the Transition Racing team at a 2010 event near you!

Junior Downhill Sensation Neko Mulally To Join Trek World Racing

Trek World Racing confirmed today that young American star Neko Mulally from Pennsylvania will be joining the team for a full World Cup program, as well as other key events throughout 2010. Neko will be joining gravity team mates Tracy Moseley (GBR), Justin Leov (NZL) and Andrew Neethling (RSA) racing the Session 88. His first race for the team will be in Vigo, Spain, at the end of March.



Neko has had an impressive 2009 season, despite being too young at 16 years to race World Cups, he had the privilege of being the course fore-runner at the Mont-Sainte-Anne and Bromont World Cups, and had some great results throughout the year in east coast racing culminating in a win at the Pro Gravity Tour finals. At Crankworx his 5th in the Canadian Open Downhill, only a few seconds behind established World Cup top 10 pro's, really turned some heads. He also had a 4th in the Dual Slalom at Crankworx.

Neko said today: "I'm so excited to get my first full pro tour of the World Cup circuit confirmed; to be racing at the level I have always dreamed of, and to have such a professional team supporting me. I'm stoked on the bikes and equipment and technology. I can't wait to learn as much as I can from my team mates. Like any junior in my position, I will be hoping to do really well in the Junior World Cup standings, and win a medal for the US at the World Championships at Mont-Sainte-Anne on a course I really like. I can't wait for the season to start!"

Team Director Martin Whiteley said: "Adding Neko to our team makes perfect sense. He has the right attitude, is a committed athlete who takes his training very seriously, and has a head that is far wiser than his years. He will fit in perfectly and we are confident we can support him in reaching his goals. Next year we will have 7 riders in total, with our 4 Downhill riders, Mathias and Lukas Flueckiger in XC, who both had impressive seasons with us this year, and a 3rd XC rider we'll be announcing shortly."

Trek MTB Brand Manager Michael Browne said: "Bringing Neko to Trek World Racing is an addition that makes sense on so many levels. His talent, professionalism and enthusiasm are something for all youth to look up to, and having a rider from yet another continent truly adds to the global scope of this program. We're excited to see what the best equipment, the best infrastructure and the best support can do for this young athlete."

A recent on-line audio interview with Neko can be viewed here:
http://www.descent-world.co.uk/2009/11/17/neko-mulally-audio-interview/

Trek World Racing has also confirmed the hiring of two new staff. Jessica Hayes as TWR's Public Relations Manager who comes to the team with a wealth of experience that spans Formula 1, Moto GP and Powerboat Racing among other sports. Gabrielle Murphy will be joining as a new soigneur for the team, and comes to TWR with years of experience in working for elite level road cycling teams.

For further Info on Trek World Racing: http://www.trekbikes.com/twr

Sam Blenkinsop To Ride for Lapierre in 2010

Lapierre has been an active member of the international race circuit for many years now. For 2010 the French company has decided to take their sponsoring activities to the next level in order to reflect their export ambitions by creating a new “Team Lapierre International”, composed of the world’s best DH, Enduro and XC riders.



Sam Blenkinsop (NZ):
A young rider (21 years old), Sam already has a long list of podiums and even a World Cup victory under his belt. Talented, humble, and fast, Sam will be the leader of the new DH team.

“I’m excited to ride for Lapierre next season. It’s going to be great to ride alongside 10 time World Champ Nico Vouilloz, someone I really respect. I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone on the team. I reckon the bike is the best looking bike out there and I can’t wait to start testing next month. After learning so much with my last team, I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career with Lapierre”.

Sam is personally sponsored by Adidas Eyewear, Five Ten and Skull Candy.




Nico is back ofcourse

Nicolas Vouilloz (FR):
Known as E.T. on the race circuit, the nickname is more than fitting for the man known for his incredibly clean speed. Nicolas has decided to participate in the 2010 Enduro races, along with a selection of prestigious rally car races (Monte Carlo and San Remo). Known for his attention to detail, you’ll also probably catch him hanging out at the DH race paddocks this year in his role as product developer for Lapierre…

Nicolas is personally sponsored by Bos Suspensions and the Alpe d’Huez ski and MTB resort.




Also coming to Lapierre is junior superstar Sam Flockhart

Sam Flockhart (UK):
Even though he was still in the junior category last year, Sam finished 15th in the overall of the Maxxis Cup in 2009! Determined, a hard worker, and virtually fearless, Lapierre has added this young and talented British rider to its roster. His main objective will be to learn from his more experienced teammates, Sam and Nico.

2009 IMTTO Event Of The Year

After tabulating the votes of our Trade Team and Tech Support members, here are the top 25 events for 2009!

1 Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup
2 Fort William World Cup
3 Offenburg World Cup
4 La Bresse World Cup
5 Schladming World Cup
6 Pietermaritzburg World Cup
7 Houffalize World Cup
8 Canberra World Championships
9 Maribor World Cup
10 Vallnord World Cup
11 Roc d’Azur
12 Crankworx Whistler
13 European DH Champs
14 Racer Bikes Cup Muttenz
15 Singletrack Weekender
16 Pump Track Worlds
17 Madrid World Cup
18 Bromont World Cup
19 Racer Bikes Cup Solothurn
20 Bundesliga Bad Salzdethfurt
21 Dirt Master Winterberg
22 Champery World Cup
23 Bern Bike HC
24 US Open
25 Mountain Mayhem UK

More info on IMTTO: www.imtto.com

Chris Heath and Blake Carney Sign with Factory KHS!

http://quintonspaulding.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/khs-factory-racing-signs-2009-pro-grt-tour-winner-chris-heath-and-2009-junior-us-worlds-rider-blake-carney/

houseMARTIN.com - MTB Tours by Sven & Anka!

houseMARTIN is a new mountain bike touring company founded by Anka and Sven Martin. With a history steeped in travel, racing and trail riding exploration, they are now offering a trip of a lifetime taking in the best of their native Cape Town, South Africa and combining it with a truly unique African mountain bike safari in Botswana where you will be sharing singletrack with elephants and maybe even lions.

Now would be the perfect time to plan on migrating south to join a small group of riders on a 11 day trip of a lifetime in March 2010.
Check out the website for trip details and image galleries.
www.ridehousemartin.com



At houseMARTIN, our goal is to provide a unique, once in a lifetime adventure on a mountain bike, that will simply leave you completely satiated and filled with memories to last a lifetime.


We specialize in small group adventures, to better experience hidden gems that cannot be explored with big groups of riders.


You will be riding the most epic singletrack trails, eating delicious traditional food and sleeping in luxury accommodations - ranging from beautiful guest houses to luxury tents hidden in fynbos and an unforgettable night under the stars.


Our professional guides will ensure a unique cultural experience combined with miles of epic singletrack and stunning scenery. We love to ride our bikes, and would love to share our passion for mountain biking and the hidden wonders of our native country with you.


Tired of the cold snowy northern climates or looking for something new and exciting, why not join us and head South to the sunshine, blue skies and the shimmering sea, for an unforgettable mountain bike journey.


Never stop exploring!

Anka Martin


houseMARTIN
Mountain Bike Adventures

Swanguen accepts sanction for doping violation

Colorado Springs, Colo. (October 20, 2009) -- USADA announced today that J.D. Swanguen of San Diego,
CA, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a
suspension for his doping offense.

Swanguen, 20, tested positive for Carboxy THC, a metabolite of marijuana and/or hashish in the class of
Cannabinoids, in a sample collected on July 19, 2009 at the USAC MTB National Championships.
Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances and are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic
and Paralympic Movement Testing and the Union Cycliste Internationale, both of which have adopted the
World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances
because they could be susceptible to a credible non-doping explanation, and therefore use of those
substances can result in a reduced sanction.

Swanguen accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which began on October 9, 2009, the day he
accepted the sanction. As part of his sanction, the period of ineligibility can be suspended and reduced to
time served since he accepted his sanction on October 9, 2009, upon completion of a USADA anti-doping
educational program. As a result of the doping violation, Swanguen has been disqualified from all
competitive results achieved on July 19, 2009, the date of his positive test, through and including the date
the doping education program is completed, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in
understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on
the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication,
and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National
Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such
as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and
protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and
Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and
educational programs.


─ # ─

CONTACT:
Erin Hannan, Communications & Outreach Director
Phone: (719) 785-2009 (719) 785-2009
E-mail: ehannan@usada.org
NEWS RELEASE

American Junior Sensation Neko Mulally Signs With 23 Degrees

23 Degrees Sports Management announced today that it has finalized an agreement to represent rising American mountain bike talent, Neko Mulally. The 16 year old gravity rider from Reading in Pennsylvania has had an impressive year despite the fact that he's not yet old enough to race World Cups; that will come next season.

Most notably, at Whistler this year during the Crankworx events, and racing Pro Men, Neko finish 4th in the Dual Slalom (behind world class talents Kyle Strait, Brian Lopes and Johannes Fischbach), and then in the Canadian Open Downhill finished 5th, just seconds behind World Cup stars Brendan Fairclough and Steve Smith.

Neko rode as the forerunner for the Canadian rounds of the UCI World Cup, and is now dead keen to hit the circuit next year in his first World Cup season. Currently a member of Specialized Team America, Neko is open to race for a new program in 2010.

"Next year is a really important year for me. I want to build on the experience I gained this year with my current team, and chase down my goals of being one of the top juniors on the Downhill circuit next year and hopefully gain a medal at my first World Championships. It was really cool to see the Mont-Sainte-Anne course this year, and it's one I'm really looking forward to racing in 2010," said Neko this morning from his home in Pennsylvania.

Founder and Owner of 23 Degrees Sports Management, Martin Whiteley, commented on Neko's signing.

"Neko's been well known in the US for a little while now and he's been getting some pretty impressive results for his age. His skill level is right up there and since one of our other clients, Kyle Strait, is on the same team, we got to spend some time with Neko in Whistler. He impresses me greatly. He is a grounded young man who clearly comes from a very supportive family. We haven't signed any new athletes to our management program for more than 2 years as we've been waiting for just the right rider to come along and Neko fits that bill. I'm very excited by what the future holds for this young talent".

Neko's profile page can be found here:
http://www.23degrees-sports.com/athlete.php?athlete_id=21

For further information:

Martin Whiteley
23 Degrees Sports Management
E: captain23@23degrees-sports.com
W: www.23degrees-sports.com

Race for Tara 3!

What- MEGA DH race! Bring at least 5 inches folks...you're gonna need it!! This year GIANT Bicycles has upped the ante and there is a $2,500 GIANT and GIANT for Women Pro Purse.

Where- Northstar Resort at Tahoe - www.Northstarattahoe.com

When- October 10th and 11th weekend.
Practice Saturday and race Sunday.

Who- Everyone who loves to ride for a good cause!!

Why- To help raise money for the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord Research Center.

Course Description:
The Mega DH course is a one of a kind course for a one of a kind event!! A Classic!! This year Northstar has put together an unreal downhill course that will challenge both your skill and your fitness. The course will be approximately 4 miles long with an 1800 foot descent from 8600ft at the summit to 6800ft at mid mountain. I expect to see times ranging from just under ten minutes to fifteen plus minutes depending on ability. As far as course descriptions are concerned: All classes will be on a somewhat rocky descent of a fireroad (east ridge) that will connect to the tahoe trail which is a smooth winding descent to the top of the vista chair. The Sticks and Stones portion of the course is a mix of rocky/ technical singletrack with some drops that have slower ride arounds and some more serious rock gardens that the sport riders will avoid by going over to speed control. The Twigs and berries and speed control trails are more of the wide open high speed singletrack with some nice floating jumps across ski trails and will descend down Frolick (a fireroad) back to lower sticks and stones. All of the courses will converge at the btm of lower pho dogg to finish at the stadium jump. The route the 4-wheel bikes will be taking might be a little longe in mileage and will contain more fireroad sections to avoid sticks and stones.

Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert course: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

Sport/Beginner: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Twigs and Berries, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

4 Wheel Route: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Snake, Tryumph, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

There is race day practice, but only from 10:00am to 11:00am since racing starts at 11:00am. If you do take the gondola up the race day morning you will only be able to practice the mid to lower sections unless you hike to the top since there will not be shuttles running the top section at that time.

Shuttles will be taking riders to the top all day Saturday for practice and Sunday for racing.


BREAKING NEWS: NWD10 Tahoe premiere to be shown at Race for Tara 3 event in Northstar!!

The screening will be shown at 6:30 pm at TC's Pub in the village Saturday, October 10th. Registered racers show your number plate at the door and your cover is $5. If you are not registered to race there will be $10 donation to get in. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundation. New World Disorder had their premiere just last week in Interbike in Las Vegas and now we're bringing it to the Race for Tara. So come to the village Saturday, October 10th to sit back, relax and watch one of the most amazing mountain bike videos ever!


Ride like Rando: Team Giant World Cup Pro downhiller Jared Rando and Team GiantNerd World Cup downhiller Duncan Riffle will be holding 2 DH clinics on Saturday, October 10th. The first will be a Beg/Int clinic from 10:30am-12:00pm and the second is a Int/Adv clinic from 1:30pm-3:00pm. You can get in on the action for only $40!! More details at the www.racefortara.com website. All proceeds go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundations.

Wrench like a Pro : Team Giant World Cup Mechanic Frank Trotter will be putting on a mechanics clinic for everyone that wants to talk with a true expert in suspension and bike set up. The clinic will begin at 4:00pm at the Giant Team Trailer and the cost is only $5 with tips always welcome. All proceeds go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundations.

Our list of sponsors is ever growing. Here are a list of the companies that are backing the Race for Tara 3:

TITLE SPONSORS : Northstar Resort, Giant, Giant for Women, Fox Clothing, The Bike Trip Santa Cruz, Danville Bike, CCN (Cycle Component Network)

TITLE SPONSOR of the RAFFLE : Tomac Bikes

BEER GARDEN SPONSOR : Nutcase Helmets

VENDOR / PRODUCT SPONSORS : Leatt Brace, Easton/Bell, Park Tool, Voler, Michelin, Fox Shox, Kryptonite, Camelback, Perfect Pushup, Casa Orozco, Jamis Bikes, Dakine, Troy Lee, Shimano, Thule, SixSixOne, DH Productions, Dahon, Electra Bikes, Crank Brothers, Freeride Films, Light & Motion, Scott USA, Garmin, X-Fusion, Pearl Izumi, LUNA, Chris King, Mavic, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Specialized Bicycles, Cyclepath MTB, and Tag Wheels.

MEDIA : Decline, Mountain Bike, MTB Action, and Pinnedmtb.com

We want to THANK all sponsors and for believing in this event and we will continue to see it grow and help raise money for those with SCI (Spinal Cord Injury).

We've also got some amazing riders showing up to race the Mega DH. Here are just a few Pro riders that will be there to try and win part of the Giant Bicycles $2,500 Pro Purse. Kirt Voreis, Shaun Palmer, Jared Rando, Bryn Atkinson, Duncan Riffle, Adam Craig, Mark Weir, Lisa Myklak, Marla Streb, Cheri Elliot, and Joanna Peterson.

We'll see you at the Northstar resort in Tahoe for the 3rd Annual Race for Tara on October 10-11th weekend. Get ready for a Mega DH race that will definitely challenge your skills and your endurance!!


--

www.racefortara.com


How- Click Right Here to Register

Why- To help raise money for the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord Research Center.

Course Description:
The Mega DH course is a one of a kind course for a one of a kind event!! A Classic!! This year Northstar has put together an unreal downhill course that will challenge both your skill and your fitness. The course will be approximately 4 miles long with an 1800 foot descent from 8600ft at the summit to 6800ft at mid mountain. I expect to see times ranging from just under ten minutes to fifteen plus minutes depending on ability. As far as course descriptions are concerned: All classes will be on a somewhat rocky descent of a fireroad (east ridge) that will connect to the tahoe trail which is a smooth winding descent to the top of the vista chair. The Sticks and Stones portion of the course is a mix of rocky/ technical singletrack with some drops that have slower ride arounds and some more serious rock gardens that the sport riders will avoid by going over to speed control. The Twigs and berries and speed control trails are more of the wide open high speed singletrack with some nice floating jumps across ski trails and will descend down Frolick (a fireroad) back to lower sticks and stones. All of the courses will converge at the btm of lower pho dogg to finish at the stadium jump. The route the 4-wheel bikes will be taking might be a little longe in mileage and will contain more fireroad sections to avoid sticks and stones.

Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert course: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

Sport/Beginner: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Twigs and Berries, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

4 Wheel Route: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Snake, Tryumph, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

There is race day practice, but only from 10:00am to 11:00am since racing starts at 11:00am. If you do take the gondola up the race day morning you will only be able to practice the mid to lower sections unless you hike to the top since there will not be shuttles running the top section at that time.

Shuttles will be taking riders to the top all day Saturday for practice and Sunday for racing.