Matt Simmonds Joins Madison Saracen for 2014

We are extremely happy to announce that Matt Simmonds and Kazuki Shimizu will be joining Manon Carpenter and Sam Dale on the Madison Saracen Factory Race Team for 2014.

The Madison Saracen team had a fantastic 2013, with multiple podium finishes at both the British Downhill Series and the World Cup Series, with Manon continuing her rise towards the top of the Women's field with a third place overall finish. Sam Dale also enjoyed a solid first season with Madison Saracen, with multiple top-twenty finishes showing real promise for the coming season.

With the announcement late last year of the formation of the Madison Saracen Development Team, the Factory Team is now 100% focussed on Elite-level racing for 2014 and we are excited to bring Matt and Kazuki to this new team set up.

The 2013 season saw Matt finish as the highest ranked UK rider at the World Championships, alongside top-ten and top-twenty finishes throughout the World Cup season. These great results helped Matt take 13th place overall in the World Cup, in addition to finishing fifth in the British Downhill Series.

"I'm really excited to join the Madison Saracen Factory Team for 2014. After riding the Saracen Myst and seeing the support that some great sponsors and team manager Will Longden can offer me, I'm really looking forward to the start of the season and focusing on the racing." Matt Simmonds

Kazuki may not be a name that is too familiar on the World Cup circuit, but this young hopeful is determined to show that a Japanese rider can hold their own amongst the top World Cup racers. After racking some impressive results in his home nation, including Junior and Senior National titles, as well as a 2nd place at the 2013 Asian Championships, joining Madison Saracen is a logical step in Kazuki's riding career.

"It is amazing to have this opportunity to race on a global team and I'm looking forward to the challenge. The riding level in Japan is not as high as in other parts of the world, but I want to show that a Japanese rider can fight at World Cup level and with the help of the Madison Saracen team, I know I can work towards achieving my goals." Kazuki Shimizu

"I've known Matt for quite a few years and have always been impressed with his attitude towards racing and the potential he has. When I knew he was available I jumped at the chance to invite him onto the team. He is a great addition to the new line up and I'm confident the different personalities we have will complement each other well. Along with Sam, Manon and Kazuki it's going to be an exciting year for sure! We are all looking forward to the upcoming training camps and first few races of the season." Will Longden, Madison Saracen Team Manager