2013 TWR Adds Three New Riders To The Team

Trek World Racing is excited to announce its much anticipated line-up for the 2013 race season, a roster which sees a mixture of race winners, World Cup podium riders as well as up-and-coming talent. All the riders selected for the program have the same philosophy and clearly have youth, talent and massive potential as key ingredients.

Headlining the team line-up is the Kiwi duo of Brook MacDonald (pictured above right) and George Brannigan (pictured above left). Brook MacDonald is the 2009 Junior World Champion and has recently scored his first World Cup win at 2012s Round 6 in Val dIsere, France, bringing his World Cup podium tally to 4 so far. George had his first taste of the World Cup podium when he finished 2nd at Round 7 last year in Hafjell, Norway, just missing the win by 0.4sec. His current UCI world ranking of #9 is a testament to his 2012 season of consistent results.

These two riders join American Neko Mulally (pictured below right) who enters his 4th year with the program, and his 2nd as an Elite rider. Last year was his most successful to date seeing him break into the World Cup top 15 and knocking on the door of the top 10. Even though Neko is still the youngest rider on the program, turning 20 next month, he carries a wealth of experience for his age as he enters the new season.

Making his debut onto a pro-team ride is Scottish talent Greg Williamson (pictured below left) who has impressed a number people with his recent results, most notably a number of top 20 World Cup placings despite very little support. His 15th in Hafjell after qualifying 19th, and a 17th in Fort William, shows he has strength on different styles of tracks and can earn points for his team.

Brook MacDonald says: "Being on Trek World Racing represents a fresh start for me and Im looking forward to all the new things Ill experience. Im really excited to be joining this team for the next 3 seasons and working with my new team mates and new bikes. The combination of the Session 9.9 with Fox Shox and Shimano has been pretty lethal the last 2 seasons!"

George says: "I'm so excited to be a part of Trek World Racing. This feels like the opportunity I need to improve my results and still be consistent. I know any team run by 23 Degrees has produced real talent and I want to make the most of this opportunity to get where I want to be. The group of team mates will be great and Im sure the support will be top notch. I cant wait for this season!"

Greg says: "For me, joining Trek World Racing is a dream come true. Ive been working hard for a long time to get onto a professional team like this. The roster this year is awesome, theyre all hard workers and dont do anything half-heartedly, so Im really looking forward to learning a few things and stoked to get back racing."

The four full time downhill riders will be joining Justin Leov (NZL) who we recently announced as our Enduro rider. Justin will be doing selected downhill events as well as acting as a mentor to the team. At 28 years of age, 10 years on the World Cup circuit and entering his 5th year with our program, Justin is the perfect role model for the other 4 riders.

The team is proud to confirm the following sponsors who have committed to the program and the new line-up. Shimano (Brakes and Drive Train), Fox Racing Shox (Suspension), JBL by Harman (Sound Systems), Bontrager (Tires and Wheels), Royal Racing (Competition and Casual Clothing), Seven (Body Protection), FUNN (Handlebars/Stems), MRP (Chain Guides), DT Swiss (Hubs), SDG Components (Seats and Seat Posts), SRM (Power Measurement), Motorex (Lubricants and Cleaning Products), Ryno Power (Sports Nutrition), ODI (Grips), Cane Creek (Headsets) and Alpinestars (Team Baggage).

The team was recently informed by the UCI that it had successfully completed the registration process for 2013, and will be informed on February 7 whether it has been awarded one of the 15 Elite Team spots, something we are quite confident of achieving with our current roster.

The team website currently has the profiles of all 5 riders in the Downhill section of the site. In the coming weeks well be updating the site with a new Enduro section.

2013 DRD Team Announced

Escondido, CA (January 17, 2013) – Dean Racing Development (DRD) is proud to announce our factory downhill mountain bike race team for the 2013 season.  Team DRD will be comprised of an elite 3-person roster consisting of former US & Pro GRT Champion Cody Warren, as well as young & rising talents such as Mikey Sylvestri, & John Keep. The DRD team will be competing downhill and enduro disciplines in the USGP, Sea Otter Classic, US National Champs, Crankworx, select World Cups, World Championships & select Enduro specific events.
 
Cody Warren returns to the DRD team for his 3rd season.  As a veteran rider, Cody has a plethora of victories & titles under his belt.  Cody’s highly regarded resume will lead the team domestically as well as being a mentor to the younger riders.
 
“I’m pumped for another year with DRD,” stated Cody Warren.  “Racing the USGP’s is where I want to put my effort.  This team is the best program to tackle that series.  2013 is a new exciting year for DRD and I’m pumped to be a part of it.  The team is growing with experience and structure.  There are a couple of changes to the roster and sponsors that are going to make it an exciting year.”
 
Joining Cody will be 23 year old Mikey Sylvestri.  Touted as one of the most gifted US prospects in recent years, Mikey has shown glimpses of his talent, besting many of the world’s top racers at highly competitive events.
 
“I’m excited to be a part of the DRD program this year,” exclaimed an excited Mikey Sylvestri.  “Being a part of a strong and sound team is going to help me get to the next level of my racing career. I’m excited to race with my teammates Cody & John, and am anxious to work with my new team manager, Jeremiah Dylan Dean “
 
22 year old John Keep also joins the DRD program, but is a familiar face to the team.  John was an original founding member of the DRD program in 2010.  John has grown to be a competitive figure in southern California, & has his sights on a full national tour.
 
John Keep said, “2013 is going to be a great year for the DRD team. I’m excited to work with such a great group of guys.  Knowing that we have the best sponsors & products supporting us is such an asset for any rider who is looking to be competitive.”
 
The 2013 DRD team will see numerous improvements & changes, not only in personnel, but with sponsors as well.  A new title and frame sponsor will be named in the upcoming weeks.   Stay tuned for upcoming race reports, photos & videos from the newly redesigned DRD race team!

2013 Gravity East Series (GES) Changes

GES 2013 has gone through some minor re-organized management; the series is ready to move east coast gravity racing forward through its progressive program development

Changes:

Daniel McDonald, DHD Promotions & Gravity East Series Owner, long time gravity advocate and cycling promoter/consultant, due to the potential conflicts of interests following USA Cycling’s election of Mr. McDonald to “Gravity Race Director” position on USAC’s MTB Committee and due to his commitment to the Riders and the Committee some changes which were difficult to make, however Mr. McDonald feels the long time the series has been under his direction and the right decisions had to be made to maintain the GES rider and series integrity.

Mr. McDonald has licensed the “Gravity East Series” it’s name and logo for a minimum of two years to our very own well qualified 2012/2013 Race Director Mr. Joe Olivas of “Indie Marketing and Sales” whom will be President/Race Director and will handle ALL day to day business going into 2013/2014. Mr. McDonald remains as GES consultant and advisor to Joe Olivas.

Joe Olivas, 2012/2013/2014 President & Race Director, was also former Promotions Manager at Rollerblade USA, he has an extensive career in action sports industry category as well as experienced in grass roots events marketing and management. Long term experience in event logistics. Specializing in outside vendor management and trade show asset management. Many reasons we felt this is the best candidate, and one who will continue the GES vision.


Dieter Ward, remains GES Vice President and will continue to be available as a consultant to Race Director Joe Olivas and the GES Series as needed.
Dieter Ward who was former GES director from 2007-2008, although he will also be leaving day to day operations to participate/Support in the 2013 USABMX National and New Jersey Sate Series. He will also continue his work with Lars Tribus in creating synergy between MTB and BMX racers by hosting gated racing for mountain bikes at selected New Jersey BMX tracks and events.

Frank Endreson JR. , Assistant Race Director, Gravity East Series participant since 2008, Assistant Race Director for 2012 and will remain as Asst. Gravity Race Director for 2013, Mr. Endreson JR. is also Team Manager for “Team Femme Fatale”.

The Gravity East Series is set to charge into 2013 for its 7th downhill mountain bike race season! The series was started in 2007 to promote and showcase downhill racing, and racer talents on the east coast. Since that humble beginning it has grown to become one of the largest and longest running gravity racing series on the east coast offering riders an affordable, professionally run series with ever changing diverse competition, courses and venues.

"Maxxis is once again proud to be the Title Partner for the 2013 Gravity East Series,” said Aaron Chamberlain, Marketing Specialist at Maxxis International, USA. “We're excited to continue our partnership with the premier downhill race series on the East Coast."

Christoph Vogl, General Manager of Formula North America, says, “Formula is very excited to continue our partnership with the Gravity East Series in 2013! As the returning Presenting partner for the series, we are proud to work with such a proven and longstanding series.”

Focused on growing rider participation, with a commitment to the pro and amateur the GES offers a minimum of $1000.00 Pro purse at each race for a total of $6000 for the series, plus, a GES Finals Pro purse of $5000.00 and amateur prizing in excess of $20,000.00 for a total of over $31,000.00in cash and prizes for the series.

5/5/2013 -- Duryea Downhill, Reading, PA
6/2/2013 -- Mountain Creek Bike Park, Vernon, NJ
6/30/2013 -- Windham Mountain, Windham, NY
7/14/2013 -- Swain Resort, Swain, NY
7/28/2013 -- Oak Mountain, Speculator, NY
8/17/2013 -- Blue Mountain, Palmerton, PA

Specialized Signs Aaron Gwin

The mountain bike off-season is almost as interesting as the hockey/football/basketball off-seasons, with transfers and team changes becoming as talked about as the racing itself.

It was obvious something was moving in Aaron Gwin’s camp. The rumbles and murmurs had been building. Then when it was revealed Hill was moving on from Specialized, leaving a gap in the roster of one of downhill mountain biking’s most powerful teams, speculation roared as to who would replace the man who used to be the most dominating and frightening downhill racer.

In the past two years, Gwin has grasped the crown as the most dominant downhill racer. He has trampled on the competition, becoming the most successful American downhill racer of all time, and in record time. He won the World Cup overall in 2011 and 2012, becoming the first American to ever win an overall, and being the first man to win five World Cup DH races in one season. That was in 2011, in 2012 he only won four WC races. Gwin joins Specialized riders Troy Brosnan and Mitch Ropelato.

“I’m super excited to start this new chapter in my career with Specialized bicycles,” says Gwin. “The entire Specialized staff has welcomed me with open arms and I’m blown away by the level of support they’ve shown me. This is my dream program and I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity. Bring on 2013!”

Team manager, Sean Heimdal, is equally upbeat about Gwin joining the team. “The combination of Aaron Gwin and the Specialized brand have an American storyline written all over it that was always meant to be,” explains Heimdal. “Aaron will not only bring another element to the program, but it’ll be amazing watching this trio ripping down the tracks together. We can’t wait to get started with this new exciting opportunity and look forward to the season ahead.”

Sam Hill Signs With CRC/Nukeproof

Team CRC/Nukeproof has signed Sam Hill to their squad for the 2013 season.

Team CRC/Nukeproof are proud to welcome legendary Australian rider Sam Hill onto the roster, joining Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith as they look forward to success in the upcoming 2013 RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season. A five time downhill World Champion and with numerous World Cup podiums under his belt, Sam Hill is widely regarded as one of the most skilful riders on the circuit, often showing disregard for and picking apart the most loose, steep or gnarly courses in the world.

Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith, who both had their most successful professional season in 2012, are hoping to push themselves even further this year with the help of their new teammate. Matt said: “To have a rider of Sam’s calibre on the team will be awesome for us! Placing 16th overall in last year’s World Cup was great for me and gives me the perfect platform to improve my times this year and get closer to podium finishes.” Joe Smith, who took 19th overall in last year’s World Cup rankings, is stoked on what the future holds for the team, saying: “Finishing seventh at Fort Bill last year was a definite highlight, and to end up in the top-20 overall was fantastic. With the help of the team and some tweaks to my riding, this year should be amazing for us all.”

"I'm very excited about riding for team Chain Reaction Cycles/Nukeproof. They are very positive towards downhill racing and I know they are going to put in 100% just like me. I'm really looking forward to getting to the races under the Chain Reaction Cycles tents and hanging with the team. 2013 is going to be a good year." Sam Hill

"I'm delighted Sam has decided to join our team! I have been a big fan of Sam throughout his successful downhill career. He's had amazing results in the past winning five World Championship titles and is a fantastic ambassador for any company involved in downhill and mountain biking in general. We have worked hard on developing a great team and great bikes over the last five seasons and I believe having a rider of Sam's pedigree will step the team up to that next level and also bring on the results of Matt and Joe, who had very promising seasons in 2012. We are all really looking forward to having Sam on board helping the development of new Nukeproof products and hopefully helping Sam achieve his goals in racing in the next stage of his career. I can't wait for the 2013 season to begin!" Nigel Page