Mountain Bike Trail & Event News

Trond started at the age of 15 years with trials riding and then got into DH racing. But he always had most fun jumping and doing tricks, so it was a natural change for him to do dirt jumping and freeride as well.

After rocking with great performance at different global freeride events such as the Adidas Slopestyle, the Whistler Crankworx and the Red Bull District Ride, the bike scene got more conscious of Trond and had him already in their mind among the world’s best riders. More and more companies got aware of Trond’s talent and meanwhile most of his sponsors for 2006 are fixed.

Trond has just signed with Specialized bikes. Trond is stoked: “Specialized was the first brand that came in my mind when I thought of a new bike and they got bikes that I always wanted to ride. I love the P3 for street and dirt riding and the SX trail is awesome for the slopestyles, but also for a freeride-enduro trip. I used to ride DH races and I would love to do more big mountain riding, the Demo 8 is perfect for that.”

His sponsors are not only well known, but when image and quality meet, those brands are on the top. Besides Specialized, Trond is supported by Marzocchi, Oakley, Fizik, Giro, Magura, Sixsixone and DaKine.

Trond is spending this spring in Munich, but he’ll be travelling lots around central Europe and North America to go to events, photo- and film shootings. In March, he was shooting in Switzerland for the European Freeride movie "Evermore" (www.evermore.ch).

Kevin Franks (Specialized Global Marketing) about their new gun:

"We are proud that we gained Trond for Specialized. He stands for progressive freeride in Europe. We are looking forward to his first appearance at SeaOtter in California. “

To get more info on Trond, just check out: www.rasoulution.com

South West Mountain bikers are invited to the premiere for the film Roam, the follow up movie to the super successful The Collective, at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton on Monday April 17th at 2pm.

So that's two amazing Mountain bike films on a big screen with a proper sound system for £5!!

The bar will be open and there will be free prize draws including Collective goodies and products supplied by Ralph Colman Cycles.

Tickets are on sale now from the Brewhouse Box Office (01823) 283244.

www.thecollectivefilm.com
www.thebrewhouse.net

Gamut USA is proud to announce the signing of Irish rider Ben Reid, one of the fastest young riders in mountain biking.

A regular contender in the UCI World Cup series, Ben is looking toward a breakout 2006 season. Many have seen Ben in Alex Rankin's 'Earthed' video series pinning it throughout the greater UK and Europe.

"I am very excited for 2006 and looking forward to riding Gamut," said Ben "The guides are light, well designed, and will suit my needs for the upcoming season."

Gamut USA joins industry notables Ironhorse, Mavic, Fox , Shimano and fiber optic outfit In Touch in supporting Ben in his 2006 endeavors. Ben will also be directly supported by the Scotland-based Out of Control Imports.

"Ben is a great addition to the Gamut USA team and we look forward to watching his career evolve," said Mateo Graziosi, Gamut USA co-founder. "He has years of great riding in front of him and Gamut is proud to be in his corner."

Reid is the latest addition to Gamut's growing team of up-and-coming riders. Gamut will continue to support the riding pursuits of young talent throughout the world like Ben Reid.

www.gamutusa.com

CHUMBA Racing formally announces that Kote Driscoll will be the company's new professional female DH racer.

Kote's recent race history has seen a multitude of podium finishes in local downhill and NORBA downhill races, and considering she is only in the start of her pro career, the 2006 season looks very promising.

Kote will be riding the celebrated CHUMBA Racing F4 downhill chassis for her gravity duels, and look for her to be contending select Super D races aboard the all-new EVO frame.

www.chumbaracing.com

The reigning UCI World Men's Downhill Champion Fabien Barel (France) and 2004 UCI Womens Downhill Champion Vanessa Quin (NZ) have shown their class and a clean set of wheels to win the Elite Men's and Women's divisions at the Subaru Oceania Downhill Championships in Rotorua.

In a top quality field, which included a number of the world's best riders, Barel and Quin thrilled the thousands in the crowd and found some nearly impossible lines on the steep, fast and technical Mount Ngongotaha course.

Sam Hill of Australia took out second place in Elite Men to be crowned the Oceania Champion (Barel is not eligible) and Cedric Gracia (France, also ineligible for Oceania medals) was third across the line. Michael Hannah (Australia) came in fourth after posting the fastest qualifying run received the Oceania Champs silver medal and Kieran Bennett (New Zealand) was awarded the bronze.

In the womens field Sabrina Jonnier (France) and Tracy Moseley (UK) who took out second and third were using the Oceania Champs as a chance to take a look at the course for the New Zealand Community Trust UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships in August and were impressed - vowing to come back later in the year faster and fitter.

2004 Junior World champion Scarlett Hagen (NZL) came in fourth overall and picked up the silver medal in the Oceania Champs with up and coming junior rider Tracy Hannah (Australia) coming in fifth overall and earning the Oceania bronze medal.

The race was a huge success and a great dry run for the World Champs where even bigger crowds and faster times are expected. If you didn’t make it to Rotorua this weekend make sure you pencil Saturday, August 26 into your diary.

www.2006rotoruamtb.com

Iron Horse Bicycles is proud to announce the signing of French downhill star Sabrina Jonnier to a two year agreement. Sabrina will campaign the 2006 UCI World Cup downhill and 4X schedule for Team Iron Horse/Mad Catz.

Sabrina is currently in Perth, Australia training for the 2006 season with teammate Sam Hill. "It's time in my life and in my career to make some changes. I’m excited for this opportunity to be an Iron Horse/Mad Catz girl! I look forward to an exciting year and reaching my goals on Iron Horse Bikes."; says Jonnier.

During the 2005 season Sabrina was on the podium at every event she entered including winning the Sea Otter Classic Gravity Omnium, U.S. Open, and two UCI World Cup rounds. Sabrina also picked up a Silver Medal at the World Championships and finished second at the European Championships. Iron Horse Product Manager Todd Seplavy comments; “Iron Horse is thrilled to be adding Sabrina to the list of professional riders and racers representing Iron Horse. She is amazingly talented on the bike and a great ambassador to the sport."

The Iron Horse/Mad Catz Team thanks all of its 2005 sponsors for their continued support and excellent products that raised our game to podium level at every race this season! 2005 Team sponsors include: Iron Horse Bicycles, Mad Catz Interactive, Monster Energy, Progressive Suspension, Sram/Rock Shox, FSA, Maxxis, DT/Swiss, FUNN, SDG, Game Shark, Hayes Brake, Minoura, Maxima, Crank Brothers, Troy Lee Designs, KMC Wheels, Freestyle Watches, Alligator Cables, Rip Curl, and e.thirteen Components.

For more Iron Horse/Mad Catz Race Team news, please visit: www.madcatzracing.com