Trek Bicycles and Volkswagen of America are happy to announce their continued partnership in supporting the 2007 Trek-VW mountain bike racing team. The Trek-VW team represents more than a decade of racing partnership that has produced the most enduring and successful team association in off-road racing history.
For 2007, Trek-VW expects to maintain its reputation as the winningest mountain bike team in the country, by returning all riders from 2006, and promoting "Rad" Ross Schnell to the factory team from the ranks of the Regional Teams program. Ross joins returning members Jeremiah Bishop, Susan Haywood, Lea Davison, and endurance specialist Chris Eatough. He follows in the footsteps of Jeremiah, Sue, and Chris, each of whom was promoted from a Trek-VW regional team.
Ross Schnell made headlines in ’06 by showing his face at the front of many NMBS events over the course of the season. His most notable performances included a top five placing at the Deer Valley event, several Super-D wins, and racing in character as "Rad Ross" at the Snowmass short track. "Rad Ross" sported a mullet hairdo, mustache, and vintage helmet and sunglasses—and he cleared double jumps on the course with enough panache to gather a cheering crowd. Based on Ross's extraordinary combination of
endurance, skills, and mullet-rocking flair his promotion to the national Trek-VW team was a must. He expects to challenge for the podium at all US events, and looks forward to tackling the World Cup circuit as well.
Returning riders Jeremiah Bishop, Susan Haywood, Chris Eatough, and Lea Davison each have renewed motivation going into the 2007 season:
Jeremiah Bishop won the NMBS final at Snowmass, and placed 8th (top American!) at the World Championships in New Zealand, capping the most consistent season of his career. He plans to attack the World Cup circuit as a top American contender with the hopes of securing a U.S. Olympic spot.
Susan Haywood won national championships in Short Track and Super D, then won the 24-Hour Solo World Championship in October. She too is gunning for UCI cross-country races, in a bid to land a U.S. Olympic roster spot.
Chris Eatough won the 24-Hour Solo National Championship, and narrowly missed earning a 7th World Solo Championship—thus he returns laser-like focus to 100 mile endurance events, and the 24-Hour Solo world title.
ea Davison, sidelined for much of ’06 with injury and illness, never lost her positive attitude and good spirit. She plans to prove her self in the NMBS national series and crack the top five at cross country and short track races.
In addition to the pro riders on the factory Trek-VW team, more than 35 grassroots riders will be showing the colors of Trek-VW as members of the Regional Teams program. Divided among six regions of the country, they represent the hardworking local pros who can win any race, anywhere around the nation, on any given Sunday.
The Trek-VW team will be racing new-for-’07 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 full-suspension cross country bikes, along with Elite 9.9 hardtails for short tracks. The new ‘07 Top Fuel 9.9 features a fully redesigned OCLV 110 carbon main triangle, lightweight welded aluminum rear triangle, a new "Wide Stance" sealed bearing main pivot, and the optimized R1 suspension rocker link. When autos are needed to get to events, the teamwill be rolling up in high-performance and stylish ‘07 Volkswagen Touaregs, GTIs and Jettas.
Cytomax is an important team partner, providing scientifically proven energy drinks and nutritional products. RockShox extends a long association with the team to provide suspension forks and rear shocks. Shimano will showcase new 2007 XTR grouppos on the Trek-VW team. Nike provides technical and casual wear, and Bontrager provides wheels, components and tires.
Trek-Volkswagen Mountain Bike Team 2007
Riders:
Jeremiah Bishop
Susan Haywood
Chris Eatough
Ross Schnell
Lea Davison
Staff:
Dean Gore – Team Director
Zack Vestal – Manager
Chris Furer – Soigneur
Dusty LaBarr – Mechanic
Steve Borkoski – Mechanic
Sponsors:
Trek
Volkswagen
Cytomax
RockShox
Shimano
Bontrager
Nike
JBL
AMD
Cane Creek
661
Genuine Innovations
Light n’ Motion
DuMonde Tech
Sara Sportline Cycling Socks
www.trekbike.co.uk.
