The Trek Factory Racing team are pleased to welcome an Elite rider with enormous potential – 19-year-old Brit Charlie Hatton.
Charlie’s 2017 was packed with great performances: two National wins, the overall British Downhill Series title, and three World Cup top 20 results – the highlight an 11th place at the World Cup Finals where he was just tenths of seconds off the top ten.
Team Director Dan Brown said: “We’ve been keeping a close eye on Charlie since he was a Youth rider and his performance last year was one of the breakthroughs of the 2017 season. It’s exciting to be heading into the season with such a strong roster.”
Charlie Hatton: “I’m stoked to be joining one of the very best teams out there. Growing up I used to always see the team on films and now it’s crazy to think I’ll be riding with them. I can’t wait for the season to kick off.”
Charlie will join Gee, Rachel and Junior Kade Edwards on board the Trek Sessions as the team sets its sights on regaining the title of “World’s Fastest Downhill Team” which they held for both 2012 and 2013.
Kade Edward added: “I can’t wait to go racing. Last year’s podiums were Ok, a start, but I want to win… it’s gunna be a hell of a year with some good people.”
Eldest sibling Dan Atherton will continue to hold a pivotal role guiding the team. Dan will concentrate on progressing mountain-biking in the UK through his work on Dyfi Bike Park, designing the fifth Red Bull Hardline, and mentoring the Atherton Academy, which continues to support young riders including Mille Johnset and Luke Williamson.
Gee Atherton responded: “Having Charlie on board with us is going to be awesome; we’ve already got to know him pretty well and I think he’ll be a massive asset to the team. Personally, I’m coming in the strongest I have for some years, not having to rehab this past off-season has allowed me much more bike time which means I’m feeling super comfortable on the Session”
There are some significant changes to the team’s equipment line for 2018 with Endura supplying apparel, Hope Technology moving up to be the key component supplier and Renthal supplying bars, grips, and stems.
In other partnership news, long-term supporters Silverline Tools, Red Bull, Oakley, Fox, Muc-Off, and Bell remain in the mix.
Look out for further news very shortly.
Images: ©Moonhead Media and Endura
