Gwin is becoming known for stirring things up both on and off the dirt, breaking chains and contracts promises alike. Drama unfolded just a few years ago when he posted a video of him wearing a shirt with the big “S” on it while still with Trek, then announcing just days before Trek was required to send the team roster to the UCI that he was leaving. Allegations of him breaking a contract were met with a quick response saying that he never signed the contract and the situation ended with egg on everyone’s face. Around that same time he moved to Troy Lee Designs right before his signature Bell Full-9 full face helmet was to be released.
Today, in an unexpected twist, Specialized announced Aaron Gwin is parting ways with them. Though unlike the turmoil that took place when Gwin bailed at the last minute on Trek, Specialized seems to be taking the higher road in wishing him well. So where do you think he’s going now? Did he repair the burned bridge with Trek or is someone once again giving him and his agent a deal they can’t refuse? Is the other big dog, Giant, sinking their teeth in? Or what about Canyon, who has beefed up their presence recently in the gravity scene… not to mention campaigning their way on to US soil.
Breach the break to read Specialized’ response and watch the video highlighting Gwin and the Specialized team’s 2015 season as well as a word from Gwin……
From Specialized:
Morgan Hill, Calif., December 28, 2015—Aaron joined Specialized for the 2013 season, and although it was a rough year in terms of race results, in many ways it was still a near perfect match-up; Aaron, being multi-time USA DH National Champion and the fastest American downhill racer to come along in at least a decade, and Specialized, a US-based brand dedicated to the pursuit of creating the fastest race bikes and equipment. After the first year, growing pains were overcome and things picked up dramatically. 2014 would see Gwin take two World Cup victories, one 2nd place result, and a total of five appearances on the podium. For 2015, the momentum continued to build with Aaron bringing home an astonishing five wins (one of which with a broken chain!) and the UCI World Cup Downhill series
overall. “Aaron is a rider unlike any other. His commitment to success is unrivaled, and I have never known another athlete who works as hard and is as focused as Aaron. This past season with him was unforgettable and one for the history books. He will be greatly missed.”—Benno Williet, Specialized Factory Racing MTB Team manager
Specialized would like to thank Aaron for a truly unforgettable ride that will be forever written into the history of our brand
and not forgotten any time soon. We wish Aaron the absolute best in his next chapter and look forward to watching him
continue to push the boundaries of speed on a downhill bike.Chapeau, Aaron!
Aaron himself had this to say:
“It’s been a great three years for me at Specialized. I’m very thankful for their kindness, hard
work, and continuous support in helping me further my racing career at the highest level. I leave the team satisfied with the results we achieved and will remember the great times we had for a very long time. It’s been an awesome ride and I wish them all the best in the future.”
