Meet the 2021 Trek Factory Racing downhill squad

Trek Factory Racing’s downhill squad made the most of 2020’s twists and turns. In a thoroughly unpredictable year, they overcame injuries and quite literally shocked the world, proving that there’s no limit to their potential. With a new addition to the team for 2021, they may soar to new heights.

World Champion Reece Wilson, Charlie Harrison and Kade Edwards all return. They will be joined by 24-year-old Loris Vergier from France, who is coming off a breakout year as a pro. He is “as excited as a child” to be joining Trek. 

“I got the opportunity to jump on a project with a brand that I always looked up to and that fit what I desired and needed as a racer and took it!” Vergier said. “I’m 24, slowly starting to reach the goals I’ve set myself, and I found the team, the brand I trust to achieve them!”

Vergier stood atop the podium four times in 2020 despite a truncated schedule, winning two World Cup and two French Cup races. He would finish as UCI’s No. 2 overall elite men’s downhill rider. Vergier also had a solid run at the World Championship in Leogang, finishing 10th at just over 10 seconds behind Wilson.

He should fit right in with one of the most talented, energetic and youthful squads on the circuit. Kade Edwards, not yet 21, competed in four World Cup events this year, with a top result of 18th in Lousã. Charlie Harrison, 23, took three podiums in an injury-marred season: wins at Downhill Southeast and in the Northwest Cup, and a bronze at Crankworx in Innsbruck. Reece Wilson, no longer the oldest member of the team at a grizzled 24 (Vergier has him beat by 35 days), won a World Championship in Leogang.

No small detail, that.

At an average age of just over 23, Trek’s downhill riders still haven’t hit their ceiling.

“So stoked to be riding for Trek again this year! Can’t wait to get back to it with the boys and have a ride with our new teammate,” Edwards said. “Good times to come!”

Harrison is particularly looking forward to 2021, after having to battle back from a wrist/hand injury before returning to competition and securing a podium at Crankworx in October.

“I’m extremely excited to extend and continue my relationship with Trek,” Harrison said. “I feel very honored to be involved with such a professional, fun and progressive program as TFR. After missing the 2020 season due to injury, I’m very much looking forward to having a healthy and consistent 2021 season, while battling for podium finishes!”

It’s hard to imagine how Wilson could top his rainbow-striped season, but he’s champing at the bit to try. He announced that he’d be re-signing with Trek in November, while unveiling his all-class World Champion-styled Session. 

“I’m thrilled to have re-signed with Trek,” Wilson said. “The team is a tight family who do a great job of making the riders feel special while providing a structure for great performance. I’m excited to build on the recipe this winter and see where I can go.”

Ethan Shandro, who was unable to race 2020, will step back from the team in 2021 as he recovers from concussion symptoms. Trek will continue to support Ethan as he works towards a return to full-time racing.

Trek’s downhill racing calendar is still coming together, but UCI has announced dates for the DH World Cup series, beginning April 24 in Maribor, and the Mountain Bike World Championships, taking place from Aug. 24-29 in Val di Sole. Downhill icon and longtime Trek ambassador Andrew Shandro will once again oversee the team.

“I’m fired up to have Loris joining the TFR program, I know he will fit in well with our crew,” Shandro said. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished the past few years of racing and look forward to seeing what we can do next season and beyond. Bring on 2021!”

Expect to hear more about the 2021 season after the competition schedule is finalized. For now, please welcome Loris to the Trek family!