Willow Rockwell Retires From Mountain Bike Racing
Monday, April 9, 2012 at 6:30AM Trek World Racing's Willow Rockwell (USA) has announced that despite her best efforts to return to the sport of mountain biking after taking time out to have her daughter, the reality of the situation is nothing like she had imagined. In this past week Willow has decided definitively that it's time to stop racing for good and focus on her new family.
Recent experiences at the opening round of the World Cup and in training back home have acted as wake up calls for Willow who's found herself needing to be honest about being able to push herself so hard whilst also being the mother of a new-born baby.
The 34 year old has had an illustrious career in the sport which has included 2 bronze medals at the World Championships, as well as numerous Continental and National Titles, and was ranked as high as No.2 in the world on the UCI rankings in 2011. As ambassador for Trek and Gary Fisher bicycles, there are very few athletes who have given so much, since her first days with the Subaru-Gary Fisher program, which she joined in 2005, through to joining Trek World Racing at the beginning of last year. Willow has always been a top professional for all of her sponsors.
Willow released a statement which in part says: "After much soul searching, and many tears, I have decided to end my mountain bike racing career. I committed to racing for 2012 before having my child. There was no way I could have predicted the changes that have occurred within me. Thank you for your support during this time of intense decision and transformation. I especially thank my Team Manager Martin White ley and my team, Trek World Racing, for understanding that sometimes life has other plans. Enjoy every moment on the bicycle, for every moment adds up to create your life!"
Team owner Martin Whiteley says: "It's true that we are sad not to see Willow racing in our team colors again, but it is equally true that we are fully supportive of her decision, and we are grateful for every day we had Willow with us on the team. Eternally positive and a great spirit, she will be missed not only from our family, but from mountain bike racing in general."
Willow's retirement is effective immediately and she will not appear at this weekend's World Cup event in Houffalize or the Sea Otter Classic as previously planned. Trek World Racing has no plans to replace Willow for season 2012. Willow's husband Myles continues with the team in his highly valued role as Downhill Rider Liaison.
Bicycle, Mountain Bike, Trek Bikes |
Magura TS Fork Announced
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 8:53AM ;)
The new MAGURA TS suspension fork series
MAGURA has completely revised its suspension fork range. Now featuring new design and new internals. The new forks answer to the name of MAGURA TS (Team Suspension). Whether it's a 26", 29" or 650B/27.5" for the latest trend – this season MAGURA offers a matching model for every wheel diameter and a wide range of applications.
Mountain bikes with large diameter wheels are in – they promise a smooth ride at high speed. But to make the most out of their potential you need to have a matching fork. That is why the component specialist MAGURA has expanded its product range for 2012 to cater for the new 29" and 650B/27.5" trends in mountain biking. The product range also includes new models for 26" wheels with 80 to 150 millimetres of travel for cross country, marathon and all mountain.
No compromise: MAGURA 29" suspension fork with M15 thru-axle
The new 29" forks are available with a travel of 80 up to 120 millimetres. Their design is engineered without compromise for high stiffness. The ultra-stable DAD arch (Double Arch Design) and the new MAGURA M15 thru-axles make a major contribution here. The steer tube options offered by MAGURA are the standard 1 1/8" and a tapered version. The tapered steer tubes can fit very short head tubes on small 29" frames.
MAGURA suspension forks for 650B/27.5"
MAGURA also has suspension forks to match the new trend in 650B/27.5" wheels with a travel of 120 to 150 millimetres. They are compatible with almost all 650B/27.5" tyres currently available on the market. The fork-design is weight-optimised. DAD (Double Arch Design) and QR15 thru-axles ensure high stiffness.
The MAGURA suspension fork series
All TS forks have been developed based on the SLE concept (Stiffer, Lighter, Easier). This means optimum stiffness at the lowest possible weight, extremely low maintenance, and a easy set up. With the Fork Master Concept (FMC) it is possible to manufacture forks with a sensitive response where special bushings, seals and surfaces work together with the Fork Master Grease (FMG) to deliver an exceptional ride. The forks feature progressive suspension characteristics that prevent over-response even in steep terrain. The TS8 R 150 is offered as a fixed travel version or with the LS (Lift Select) system.
M15 thru-axles with integrated tool
The new MAGURA M15 thru-axles have been especially developed for MAGURA 29" suspension forks. A special feature is the self-retaining thread that makes additional locking of the thru-axle unnecessary. Simply tighten the axle and the wheel is safely secured. The MAGURA Tool for Torx T25 bolts is concealed inside the thru-axle, so you have always got the tool for tightening the axle with you. At the same time it protects the thread against contamination. The tool can also be used on the most bolts of MAGURA MT hydraulic disc brakes and HS rim brakes. You can use them for changing brake pads or adjusting the lever settings, for example. This system of axle and integrated tool weighs only 58 grams.
Perfect fit between discs and 29" or 650B/27.5" wheels
29" and 650B/27.5" suspension forks are supplied exclusively with the PM7 disc brake mount for discs with a diameter of 180 millimetres and upwards. Large wheels also need large discs to ensure performance and durability.
Protection Caps
An intuitive feature are the Protection Caps at the lower end of the forks. They prevent damage to the drop outs and rebound dial while the wheel is removed. These are fitted to all MAGURA forks with thru-axles.
Specifications
• SLE design (Stiffer, Lighter, Easier)
• Travel of 80 to 150 millimetres
• 29" suspension fork with PM7 brake disc mount for brake disc
diameter 180 millimetres and above
• 29" suspension fork with M15 thru-axle
• 650B/27.5" suspension fork with QR15 thru-axle
• 26" suspension fork with 9 millimetre quick-release axle or QR15 thru-axle
• Colours: black and white
• Available in retail from May 2012
Bicycle, Downhill Mountain Bike, Mountain Bike |
Volkswagon Of America Joins 2012 Sea Otter As Title Sponsor
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 9:47AM MONTEREY, Calif. - February 22, 2012 - North America's largest cycling festival has a new partner for 2012, as automaker Volkswagen of America, Inc. joins the Sea Otter Classic as the title sponsor.
The event, which takes place April 19-22 at Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey, Calif., is now the Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM.
"It's an incredible opportunity for Sea Otter to welcome one of the most recognizable brands in the world to the event," said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO, Sea Otter Classic. "This partnership speaks volumes about Volkswagen's commitment to our sport and the culture of cycling. And as a corporate leader in promoting safe cycling, Volkswagen is the perfect partner for Sea Otter racers, riders, and fans."
A new title sponsor is the latest in a series of updates for the iconic festival. These include the introduction of cyclocross racing, an expanded kids riding area, an invitational downhill skateboarding exhibition, and enhanced outreach for female cyclists.
"Sea Otter provides us with the perfect partnership to expand on our commitment to environmental sustainability that goes beyond fuel-efficient vehicles," said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "We're proud to support this world-class event that spreads the passion for cycling from children to adults."
Volkswagen has also recently partnered with the national cycling advocacy group Bikes Belong to support development of bike-friendly communities and create a cleaner environment. Volkswagen's support of cycling is part of the Think Blue.® initiative, which encompasses all of the company's efforts to promote eco-friendly mobility and encourage environmentally conscious behavior.
For more information regarding the Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM, visit www.seaotterclassic.com.
About Sea Otter Classic
A four-day "Celebration of Cycling," Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans. The 22nd Annual Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM will be held April 19-22, 2012 at Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California. For more information, visit www.seaotterclassic.com or call (800) 218-8411.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.
2012 Sea Otter, Bicycle, Mountain Bike, Sea Otter Classic |
2012 VP Components Dirt Club Enduro Announced
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 9:51PM
;)
SANTA BARBARA, CA., (February 17, 2012) – The VP Components Dirt Club Enduro will be an awesome and exciting test of speed, skill and endurance for mountain bike enthusiasts of all levels. This two day event promises to be an exhilarating and rewarding adventure for all.
The VP Components Dirt Club Enduro format will be based loosely on WRC Auto Rally and European MTB Enduros. Our event will feature predominantly downhill timed special stages linked together by non-timed liaison stages. Each rider will complete the courses on the same bike without shuttles or lifts, riding along through check-points to the start of each timed special stage.
This is an event that is all about having fun and riding your bike fast. The top athlete in each category will be the fastest and most skillful bike handler for sure. There will be a mix of pure Downhill type tracks, Super D tracks, and XC descents. And because the riders will have to ride the liaison to the start of each timed stage, there will also be a strong fitness element to this race. There will be cash payout in the Open/Expert Men and Women categories and high value prizes at least 10 deep in every category.
The DIRT CLUB near Los Olivos, CA is a private location for mountain biking enthusiasts to enjoy their sport in a safe location completely removed from other trail users, this is a 100% conflict free riding area. With downhill trails, super d trails, a dual slalom course, a 12 mile cross country course, an ever expanding pump track, a new DJ line, and miles of dirt double track ranching roads, countless opportunities are provided for riders of all abilities to explore and have fun. This venue has hosted various MTB races the past 12 years, including the Santa Ynez Valley Classic leg of the US TRIPLE CROWN SERIES.
The Stages:
SESSION 1 features two laps of a 10 mile loop with 4 special stages per lap for a total of 20 miles and 8 timed special stages. The special stages will all be short in duration, ranging from high-speed less technical trails, to short downhill and super d tracks with berms, jumps, and drops. We expect this to be a 2-2.5 hour day.
SESSION 2 (Night racing) will require each competitor to have a light and will cover a 6 mile loop with 2 timed special stages. The special stages will be held on tight and fast descending cross-country single track that we expect to run around 3 minutes in duration each.
SESSION 3 will be the big day that likely decides the winners over a 10 mile course with two timed special stages. This will be essentially a two run Super D on the Dirt Club’s new Super D Flow Trail. The Super D Flow Trail features two short climbs, berms, pump features, jumps, drops, and even a big sender for 15-20 minutes per run.
*All courses can be ridden by riders of all ability levels and there are slower beginner options for challenging features.
For additional information on the event, see the event website; www.vp-usa.com/enduro
Bicycle, Dirt Club, Mountain Bike |
