Specialized Factory Racing has published the photo of the Chilean Martin Vidaurre Kossmann in the Specialized jersey. Now it's official. The young Chilean, one of the most promising U23s in the world, moves up to the Elite and does so with the support of Specialized, after having won everything among the youngsters, including the world title and the U23 World Cup. Even if it must be said that the U23 World Cup he conquered it in 2021 in Val di Sole because in 2022 he was beaten by the Italian Simone Avondetto.
Victor Koretzky will also be supported by Specialized, who signed with the UCI Bora – Hansgrohe team but it has reached an agreement with Specialized to switch between road and MTB activities (Bora is a Specialized sponsored team). This is the same path he has decided to take Philip Columbus with Scott: from 2023 MTB will be followed by Eurosport and many top road teams want to put a foot in off-road, thus not being caught unprepared.
Victor Koretzky and Martin Vidaurre will be joined by Christopher Blevins, former 2021 XCC world champion. In the women's field, confirmed Laura Stigger, Sina Frei and Haley Batten. There will therefore be 6 athletes on the Specialized Factory Team for 2023.
I am happy and very excited to join the Specialized Factory Racing Team. Many factors influenced my decision, but Specialized is a very racing brand, one of the best out there, and I'm sure I made the best decision for myself. Their bikes have an incredible history and the team knows how to win. And there is a large Specialized community in South America. Of course it won't be easy among the Elites: there's a lot to learn but I'll keep my style and do my best. I don't have much pressure, so it's time to take risks and gain more experience. My goal is to be consistent throughout the season – Martin Vidaurre
Gerhard Kerschbaumer will not be reconfirmed, who has decided to quit at the end of the World Cup in Val di Sole last year.
Personally I am very happy with the two new additions that we have been able to sign for the next few years. Martin had already impressed me in 2020 at just 20 years old where, in the mud of Leogang, he had an outstanding drive (he later finished in 6th place). From then on we followed his journey and did everything possible to convince him to join our team in 2023 – Benno Willeit, Team Manager
We exchanged a few messages with Victor during the season as he is also a very talented biker who has the right attitude and shares the team spirit. However, since his contract with B&B Hotels was also valid in 2023, we were ready to have a team of "only" 5 people in 2023. But when the rumor surfaced of the closure of the B&B team and Victor was legally authorized to hold new negotiations, with other teams we stepped forward and together with Bora Hansgrohe we were able to offer him the ideal environment to fulfill his desire to be an MTB champion. This is the most exciting and strongest XCO team I've worked with since I've been at Specialized! – Benno Willeit, Team Manager
