Another Strong Season for Team Monster Energy

As the book closes on yet another quality Mountain Bike racing season, Team Monster Energy's riders and Team Manager reflect on the World Cup finals in Schladming, Austria, as well as the season as a whole and look forward to the 2009 season. Strong podium places, race wins and a tantalizing glimpse into the future for Brendan Fairclough, were all highlights of the year that was 2008. While lead rider Sam Hill (AUS) didn't take home the World Cup title, he remains philosophical about the season and that last race. Sam – "I wasn't too happy with my result in qualifying at the World Cup finals. I found myself riding tight and slow which was disappointing because I was really trying to get maximum points for the series overall. I was really stoked though that Brendan qualified in 2nd. He has more speed and skill than pretty much everybody out there so it was cool that he put it together. My race run just didn't really feel right at all. I was riding too cautious and then when I did try to go a bit faster I just kept making mistakes. I had four big saves during my race run and that has never happened to me before. I was pleased to finish 2nd with the run that I had and this season has motivated me a lot for next year." On speaking about the season as a whole, Sam had this to say: "Overall with my season I have mixed feelings about it. Some races have been good and then there are a lot I would rather forget about. I think I have learned a lot this year and hopefully I can turn the negatives into positives for next year." Meanwhile, teammate Brendan Fairclough (GBR) had a season that included some injury from Andorra, and some great moments in Bromont. Though most people will not forget in a hurry his superb racing in Schladming where he qualified 2nd fastest, had a faster split on his teammate in the final, before the front wheel washed out on him and spat him down the track just moments from a certain career best result. Brendan – "It felt good to be up there after the semi but it didn't really feel that good beating Sam. It meant that his points were down so I felt a bit bad for that. I knew that my run was really chilled in the semi and knew I could go faster in the final quite comfortably. It really sucks watching my first possible World Cup win go down the drain, but I've had time to think about it and it's all good now. Only me to blame really for not been strong enough to hold on. So another learning experience for next year. The season was very disappointing for me. I've got a lot to work on in the winter and have never felt so keen and inspired to do it. Having Sam as a teammate has been really good not only for the riding but having a good friend on the circuit is so cool. I feel I've got on with the team really well and really look forward to getting back on the road next year fitter and faster than ever. Just need to put in a few road miles and I feel I could be fighting for a top 3's next year, rather than these top tens which are really starting to piss me off!" Team Manager Sean Heimdal is happy with how the season has panned out: "I'd like to thank both Sam and Brendan for giving it all this season. I couldn’t ask more for 2 riders that mesh so well, and I appreciate all that they deliver to the team. Jacy (team mechanic) has been killing it this year by keeping the bikes running solid, helping with more team details than before, and continually coming up with cool ideas that peak everyone's interest; from moto-foam, shock-stockings, or seat-tread, it's ideas like this that keep the riders feeling extra special, that much more prepared, and more confident on the track. We can't end the season without thanking all of our sponsors that have helped keep the team running at the highest level and continually developing new products that help the riders go faster. We're all driven by the same passion and we all want to win races...here's looking at more podiums in 2009!" The next event for Team Monster Energy is Interbike in Las Vegas where Sam Hill and Manager Sean Heimdal will be attending. Brendan will be resting back in the UK and preparing plans for his off season training. More team news will be coming out in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for these developments. Team Monster Energy Iron Horse is also sponsored by: Mad Catz, Game Shark, Air Drives, RockShox, SRAM, Avid, FUNN, Maxxis, DT Swiss, FSA, Crank Brothers, WTB, e.thirteen, DW Link, Troy Lee Designs, Minoura, Maxima, Obtainium Performance Products, Five-Ten, Freestyle Watches, THE, Alligator, Yamaha of Troy, KMC and Kicker. More info: www.madcatzracing.com