You know, in addition to gifts, parties also bring extra pounds, pounds that lead to an increase in volume or in the case of Specialized an increase in pilots. With an Olympic silver medal and an XCC world title, Specialized Factory Racing successfully closes the 2021 season and prepares for 2022 by adding two exciting riders to the roster by enlarging the team structure.
Source: press release
Christopher Blevins, the 2021 XCC World Champion and winner of the XCO World Cup Final in Snowshoe, joins SFR inking a multi-year deal that will allow him to compete in multiple disciplines.
“I am thrilled to be joining the SFR. It is a fantastic environment that makes me feel at home. Everyone on the team has heart and there is also a good mood, so when things get tough, everyone stays together. In 2022, between the nine stages of the XCO World Cup and some short track races, there are many events to bet on. I'm targeting the Cape Epic in the spring. It's a race I've wanted for a long time, and now that I'm old enough to handle it, I'm going to go there to win. Short track is also inspiring and I would love to fight for a podium place there. Being on the same team as Jordan Sarrou and Gerhard Kerschbaumer is exciting and I can't wait to learn from them "- Christopher Blevins
Blevins isn't the only new addition to the SFR team; Countryman Haley Batten joined the team with a multi-year contract.
“Being part of the Specialized Factory Racing team for 2022 is extremely motivating for me. The program is built with passion and great goals, which makes me excited. Having progressed as an athlete in 2021, I believe this team and the people involved will help me improve and prepare for the season to come. With 2022 being my second season in the elite World Cup, I would like to show more consistency and make my mark in big events like the World Championships. I know there are many aspects of my training that I can continue to improve on, so I'm going to show that I can be one of the best riders in the world "- Haley Batten
Benno Willeit, Specialized Factory Racing team manager, explains the reasoning behind the expansion into an already successful team.
“Adding two more elite drivers to the team is very exciting, especially young and talented drivers like Haley and Chris, in order not to make mistakes, we have to give our all by allowing each driver to achieve their goals throughout the season. Adding pilots to an existing facility means adding staff to handle the additional mechanical, physical and logistical challenges. We are confident that our world-class team works hard and passionately so that no one feels left out. With six elite runners, split equally between males and females, we, the team, can be present at the most important races of the year, performing at the highest level while ensuring that runners receive the rest and training they need to excel. in the most important moments. A new era to structure an elite team, and with Paris 2024 at the door, this is just the right time to start "- Benno Willeit
At just 25, Sina Frei (XCC 2021 World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist) is the oldest rider on the team and has great ambitions for next season.
“After a year with the SFR team, I feel very comfortable and look forward to more successes in 2022. My main focus will be the overall podium of the XCO World Cup and the World Championships in Les Gets, France. "- Sina Frei
The talented young Austrian Laura Stigger completes the female roster for SFR and is eager to leverage the experience gained in her elite first year.
“Everyone on the team gets along very well and we have a great understanding. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge among the pilots and staff, and I am thrilled to learn even more in the next year "- Laura Stigger
Jordan Sarrou and Gerhard Kerschbaumer remain the pillars of the team, focusing on individual podiums and no doubt with a roster of young riders the two will also play the role of mentor.
“The team supports us very well. We play an important role, the staff trusts you and vice versa. The team is very experienced, they know where to go and they make life very easy. I am still very motivated to improve my past performance and love to win. This is my job and I love what I do ”- Jordan Sarrou
Kerschbaumer is excited to show his true potential in 2022 and believes he has all the tools he needs to reach his goals next season.
"My dream is still to become world champion, and this inspires me to keep racing, and SFR fully supports me in every step to be successful" - Gerhard Kerschbaumer
The Specialized Factory Racing team remains focused on the UCI MTB World Cup, Sea Otter Classic, Cape Epic and National Championships season.
The team is proud to be supported by SRAM, Rockshox, Wahoo, Cliff, HT Components, Retül, Roval, Motrex, Evoc and Supacaz.
