Monster Energy/Specialized’s Stars to Ride SRAM

After much anticipation, the dynamic duo of Sam Hill and Brendan Fairclough recently announced their new ride with Specialized. While this will be a new frame partner, the two time World Cup DH Champion Sam Hill chose to remain on SRAM. Both Hill and Fairclough will compete on SRAM drivetrain, RockShox suspension forks and rear shocks and Avid brakes. New starting in 2009, the team will also ride Truvativ cranksets. The agreement is for the next three years.

Hill has been part of the SRAM racing family for the past six years. Since 2003, he’s been a part of the elite BlackBox® program. Once BlackBox riders become part of SRAM’s racing development program, they provide feedback that is imperative to industry leading product development. Recently, Hill was instrumental in testing the newest RockShox BoXXer®, which will start shipping early 2009. Sam says, “I’m really excited to be back on SRAM, RockShox and Avid for the next 3 years. It’s important for me to have confidence in the products I use. I’ve won World Championships with these components on my bike in the past and feel that they are the best. It’s going to be great using Truvativ cranks. They make a great product and seem to keep coming up with cool new ideas, so I look forward to working with them.”

BlackBox Racing program manager, Jon Cancellier works hand-in-hand with the athletes. Cancellier said, “Working with Sam is extremely valuable. Sam knows what he needs to win, and I enjoy delivering what he needs to be fast.” Jon went on to say, “Sam is able to provide thorough feedback that our product teams can apply. He can articulate details that in the end, improve the performance of products the consumers can ride.”

Brendon Fairclough knows how to go fast, and has posted excellent results, too. Not only has Fairclough achieved the British National Championship top spot, he’s done it five times! Fairclough has also earned the Junior World Cup DH Champion title. Fairclough said, “I’m really happy to be back on SRAM again. They’ve been good to me from a young age and its great to have people around you that you can trust. I feel good knowing I have the best product on my bike. It’s been good working with RockShox this year, helping me out with all the fine little things that we change throughout the year and getting everything 100% sorted. I’m looking forward to 2009, and to get dialed in as well!”

Team Monster Energy Manager, Sean Heimdal, said, “I’m very pleased to continue working with SRAM. As a team, we enjoy the support that’s come from the long term relationship. Moving forward and growing the relationship with SRAM allows us to focus on racing and in turn, winning.” Heimdal also said, “The choice of the Monster Energy team to ride Truvativ cranks is an exciting one. With a variety of light and stiff cranksets, the team looks forward to the new addition.”