Trek's off-road program readies for the World Cup and EWS seasons
March is here, and so is the 2019 Trek Factory Racing off-road program. The winter months saw some significant changes, with the DH program coming under Trek ownership, and new partners 100% and SRAM coming on-board for the DH program as well as XC and Enduro. Along with these major moves, the teams will see some new additional partners, but largely the same rosters for XC and Enduro.
Enduro comes up first, and keeps things rolling with a strong roster that saw solid moves in 2018.
Katy Winton has shown big abilities with consistent top-three finishes in the EWS
Fresh off of his win at the Andes-Pacifico, Pedro will be ready for a strong 2019
Ruaridh Cunningham is ready to push for top positions in the EWS
The three person Enduro World Series squad will again feature Katy Winton (SCO), Ruaridh Cunningham (SCO), and Pedro Burns (CHI). Last year saw Katy Winton score third overall in the series, and she will again battle to push farther up the box. Pedro Burns is fresh of a win at Andes-Pacifico, and will continue to put his talent to the test, and work on keeping consistent in the often grueling EWS events. Ruaridh Cunningham will again take his proven DH speed, and put it to work in the increasingly technical world of EWS. Last year year was the affable Scotman’s first full EWS season, and although a learning year, Ruaridh still put up extremely respectable times. If 2018 signaled what he was capable of, 2019 is going to be the year of proving that Ruaridh is a major player for the top-10.
See below for some technical partners, and a quick gallery.
ODI will join for both the Enduro and DH teams
Crankbrothers will be a pedal partner for the Enduro, DH, and XC programs
Katy Winton has shown big abilities with consistent top-three finishes in the EWS
The cross country team will feature a similar team plus one very notable addition with Jolanda Neff.
Jolanda Neff will be ready to race after a solid CX season
Anton Cooper has shown huge potential, and will continue to hunt for the win in the World Cup scene
Emily Batty has been a consistent performer, and coming off her third place at World Champs, Emily is ready to make 2019 hers
Evie Richards will tackle the U-23 category
Expect to see Ellen Noble at select rounds of the World Cup
The XC contingent represents the largest roster of the off-road program, coming in with a hearty five riders. New to the team this year is Jolanda Neff (SUI), who needs no introduction. Returning this year is also Emily Batty (CAN), who is coming off what is likely her best season yet, and will look to find the top step at World Cups. Anton Cooper (NZL) made big moves in 2018, highlighted with an impossibly close second place finish that showed he is literally millimeters away from his first elite World Cup win. Evie Richards (GBR) will continue in the U-23 category, and look to add a Rainbow jersey to her closet. Expect to catch Ellen Noble (USA) at select World Cups, but who will maintain her focus towards goals in the fall.
See below for some technical partners.
New partner for the XC team in Cornercard, delivering all of your Swiss credit card needs!
For the 2019 season the team will continue to use the trusted lycra kit provided by Santini, all custom fit to each rider's measurements. Santini, who is also partnering with the Trek-Segafredo road teams, is led by Monica and Paola Santini, two strong business women who run the company that was started by their father Pietro Santini.
ESI is maintained as the grip partner for the XC squad
100% will supply the XC team with eye wear and gloves
And who could forget the DH squad. One of the youngest World Cup teams on the scene, ready to make some moves.
Jump park always a crowd pleaser
Ethan Shandro always looking fast
Charlie Harrison to some, Chuck to others
Junior World Champion Kade Edwards
Reece Wilson, your local Kendama dealer
The all new TFR Downhill team is a force unto itself. From day one, riders have been having a blast off the course, and even more fun on the bike. Ethan Shandro (CAN) will helm the program in the Junior category, looking to learn in his first season as a junior. Kade Edwards (GBR) is coming off of a huge season, winning the Junior DH World Championships, and being the first person to win a WC on a 29er. Although he wont be able to wear the Rainbow jersey, he will be taking it to the heavy hitters in the elite category. Charlie Harrison (USA) has made some big steps up in 2018, and will continue that upward trajectory in 2019. Reece Wilson (SCO) fights for two things, local market share in the children’s toy business, and World Cup podiums. Here’s hoping we focus on the World Cup scene.
See below for some technical partners, and a quick gallery.
The DH and Enduro teams will both run CushCore inserts and air valves
MRP is taking care of the entire off road team for chain guides
Welcome to the family Osprey. Whether it the race course, or Terminal-A, TFR will be crushing it
