Californian returns to Trek's on new factory level program
Trek is proud to welcome Charlie Harrison to it’s new factory level gravity program. Charlie is no stranger to the Trek platform, having come through the Trek Test Team program while a junior. 2018 saw solid results from the affable Californian, and he is looking forward to making a consistent impact on the World Cup season in 2019.
The move to Trek in 2019 comes after learning a lot about the World Cup scene, and looking to find the right fit for outlooks as well as product. The ‘continuous improvement’ mentality employed by Trek’s research and development arm is where Charlie started his riding, and where he finds himself once again.
Why Trek in 2019?
Over the last few years of racing World Cups full time, I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve learnt a great deal about myself, about racing in general, and I’ve learnt a lot about teams and the people I want to be working with. Having worked with Trek in the past, I know exactly how they handle themselves, how they go about research and development, and how they push to get results, both for themselves and for their riders. When I would ask myself who I wanted to be working with or what my ideal inner circle was, it would always come back to being Trek. I really value and appreciate their professionalism, their clean image, and their work ethic. Not to mention, through my previous years of riding for Trek, I had established awesome relationships with the people there that I really valued and respected.
What are some of your top goals for 2019?
I would like to finish in the top fifteen overall, get consistent top ten finishes, and get on the podium for the first time.
What’s going to be the vibe of Trek Factory Racing in 2019?
Well, when TFR rolls up the pits, you’ll probably be able to pick us out fairly quickly because there’s going to be kendamas flying every which way. Following that, Kade’s probably going to be doing some questionable jib on whatever toy he can get his hands on- DH bike, Trail bike, or whatever. But in all seriousness, it’s a very young, fun team and we all get along exceptionally well, so I think it’ll be a real positive environment. Hopefully everyone else will want to come by the pits and have a chat!
One thing you want people to know about you.
When I’m not riding mountain bikes, I spend a lot of time surfing with my friends. That’s probably my favorite thing to do whenever I have a free afternoon or rest day. I also spend a lot of time riding motocross, as it was what I spent eight years of my childhood doing before I started racing downhill.
