Sam Blenkinsop to Race 2016 Enduro World Series

Norco Factory Racing is excited to announce that team rider Sam Blenkinsop will compete in five rounds of the 2016 Enduro World Series. The World Cup-winning downhill specialist raced the French and New Zealand EWS events last season, earning two top ten finishes.

“The two EWS events I rode last season were a lot of fun, yet very challenging which is exactly what I’m looking for,” said Sam. “I’m the type of rider who performs better the more I race, so I’m excited to compete in even more events next year.”

A threat to any podium, Blenki’s signature fast and oh-so-loose style will be on full display at EWS stops in Chile, Argentina, Italy, USA and Canada.

Sam will be racing aboard the 2016 Norco Range outfitted with components from Race Face, Novatec/Factor, Fox, Schwalbe, HT, Formula, MRP, and Shimano.

His schedule will also include the full calendar of UCI World Cup DH and Crankworx events. The Kiwi will look to build off a strong 2015 season that saw him win the Crankworx World Tour DH Championship title, finish 5th at the Fort William World Cup, and 7th at the World Championships.

Working with PerformX Training’s Todd Schumlick, who is also the Norco Factory Team owner and manager, Sam has been training hard through the off-season and is looking forward to more success in 2016.

Norco Bicycles Sponsors Sam Blenkinsop, Harry Heath, Jack Iles and Magnus Manson on Norco Factory Racing Team

VANCOUVER, B.C., November 26, 2014 - Norco Bicycles is thrilled to announce the creation of an all-new World Cup downhill race team in partnership with Todd Schumlick/PerformX: Norco Factory Racing. The team consists of Sam Blenkinsop, Harry Heath, Jack Iles, Magnus Manson and Team Owner/Manager Todd Schumlick of PerformX Racing. Norco Factory Racing athletes will compete in the 2015 UCI World Cup downhill circuit and select major events around the world.

"We're committed to designing world class bikes in all categories, and with our Norco Race Development (NRD) downhill program, we are truly excited to work alongside such an elite group of world-class athletes - we welcome them to the Norco Bicycles family," says Norco Marketing Manager Chris Cook. "They are an incredibly talented group of riders that not only bring impressive results on race day and a hunger to go faster, they demonstrate great character with a passion, knowledge and love for the ride that they demonstrate every day.”

New Zealand native Sam Blenkinsop comes off a personal best season in 2014, where he finished 5th overall in UCI world rankings. The UK's Harry Heath had a breakout 2014 season, moving from his national circuit onto the World Cup stage and delivering solid results. Canadian Jack Iles will be moving up to the World Cup's pro classification in 2015, while countryman Magnus Manson will be testing himself against the best juniors on the World Cup circuit. Together, the team offers up a potent blend of experience, passion, drive and blistering speed.

"The guys could not be more excited to be joining the Norco family," says Team Owner/Manager Todd Schumlick. "This partnership is based on the alignment of the riders' needs with the objectives of a local, proudly Canadian brand. Norco makes a DH bike that these guys want to ride because they know it will enable them to compete with the best in the world. We're all excited to have the opportunity to grow and win together."

2013 Dirt/Norco Team Announced

We are very excited to announce that Team Dirt Norco has signed 2 new DH riders as well as an Enduro rider for 2013.

Ben Reid: (Rider/Team Organiser)

I think 2013 is going to be the most exciting year yet for team Dirt Norco, I feel we are working with some of the best companies in the industry (2013 sponsors soon to be released) and for me this makes riding my bike so much more enjoyable. I have made a great start to my training in preparation for the new season as well as working with Stanny on our new plans for the team.

In 2012 we had Duncan Riffle on board the team and we had a great season together and had lots of fun on the way, unfortunately we will not have the pleasure of D Riff on board the team in 2013 and we wish the big guy all the best for his future plans.

It has always been our goal to use the team as a platform to help out new talent and we are pleased to announce our new team mates for 2013. For DH we have young George Gannicott joining us who we are keen to help out going into his last year as a Junior, George was on a roll at the beginning of this season and proved himself a contender before breaking his collar bone weeks before the Worlds in Leogang, we also have Casey Brown who is set to have another great season in the Women’s Elite field, both these riders joining myself and Stanny on the DH circuit. As well as this we have Greg Callaghan who will be taking care of business on the new Enduro World Stage as well as in the UK and Ireland. I have been personally impressed by each of these riders by there skills and achievements on different occasions during the 2012 season and I am delighted we have been able to bring them on board.

Dan Stanbridge: (Rider/Team Organiser)

As Ben mentioned, it has alway been our goal with the Dirt Norco Race Team to support some young new talented riders. We are really excited to be able to do this in 2013 and even more pleased to have found some great riders to represent the team. Casey had an incredible debut world cup season in 2012 finishing on the podium at the finals in Norway, George already has some impressive wins to his name in the very competitive Junior class and Greg has shown his strength in the relatively new Enduro race series so 2013 is looking to be an exciting year for the team.

Casey Brown:

“Super stoked to be on a new team this year, Dirt Norco is well-established and has awesome riders who I’m sure I’ll learn a ton of good things from, right now I’m working hard and getting prepared for the next few months of training. I have some big plans for 2013 and am really excited to be on Norco!”

George Gannicott:

“I am really excited about joining Dirt Norco for 2013! It is a great opportunity to be part of the team and be with experienced riders. I’m keen to prove myself in 2013 and signing with the team will help me loads!”

Greg Callaghan:

“After first being introduced to the world of Enduro racing less than a year ago with the Irish Gravity Enduro series things have really gone well for me, it’s been a hell of a year and to go from my first season of racing Enduro to now being on a team as well supported as Dirt Norco for 2013 it is a great boost for me.

Having looked up to Ben as the top Irish rider since I started mountainbiking it’s awesome to now be on the same team as him and is super cool to see him passing on the love to another Irish rider by bringing me on board. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on the Norco bikes and flying the flag next season, hopefully it’ll be a good season for everyone involved. This is definitely my most anticipated race season to date, I can’t wait to get going!

I’d also like to say a massive thanks to the people who have helped me in previous years, especially James and Natalie from OC Suspension who have treated me like a rockstar for the last 4 years.”

Lezyne Partners With Team Norco International

San Luis Obispo, CA – Lezyne is proud to announce a partnership with Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson of the newly formed Team Norco International for the 2012 season. Jill Kintner, an Olympic BMX Bronze Medalist, is one of the most dominant female cyclists in the world, and is ready to take on the 2012 race circuit in DH, 4X, and DS. Bryn Atkinson is a top downhill racer on the World Cup scene who has come up through the ranks along side some of the industry's best. Jill and Bryn are dedicated to toping the podium at every race they attend around the world.

Lezyne has known Jill and Bryn since their days of racing for the Transition Bicycles / Crankbrothers team. Jill contacted Lezyne in November 2012 about her new team with Bryn. "Jill has been a great ambassador for Lezyne and for women's cycling. We are so happy and excited to be working these two star athletes again in 2012", says Patrick Ribera-McKay, Lezyne's Worldwide Marketing Manager.

Team Norco International will be riding with Lezyne pumps, CO2 inflators, multi-tools, bottle cages, tire repair, soft goods and LED lights. Along with representing the brand, Jill and Bryn will provide Lezyne with valuable product feedback gathered from putting Lezyne products through their paces in training and on the international World Cup scene.

Jill Kitner And Bryan Atkinson Join The 2012 Norco World Team

Vancouver, BC – January 4, 2012 – Norco Bicycles Welcomes Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson to Norco World Team

Norco Bicycles has partnered with Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson, as title sponsor, to re-launch the Norco World Team. For 2012 the team will racing the downhill race scene aboard the newly designed AURUM downhill bike. Bryn and Jill are dedicated to reaching podium positions at every race they attend and representing Norco on the world stage.

Jill Kintner is one of the most successful female cyclists to compete on two wheels. With a collection of titles in BMX, 4x, slalom and downhill that spans from an Olympic medal, to world titles in 4x, and multiple national championships in all 4 disciplines she is a dominant figure on the race circuit. She finished 9th place overall for 2011 in her first year of World Cup downhill, and for 2012 is looking to come back with vengeance and best this result. 

“With a new trainer and new bikes, we are now running a program with a fantastic list of sponsors; it feels like everything is clicking into place! The new Norco bikes have an incredible feel; I especially notice with the shorter rear end a difference in my balance point and turning ability thanks to the Aurum’s GRAVITY TUNE. These bikes are really well designed, and I am honored to be a part of the Norco family.” – Jill

Bryn Atkinson has an inspiring presence on a downhill bike. With a highlight reel that includes numerous top 10 World Cup results, 2 US Open championships, a Pro GRT series championship, and many feature video segments, he has the speed, style, and ability to get the job done.

After a great start to 2011 with an 11th place finish at the first round of the World Cup, Bryn broke his femur and elbow, and was forced to sit out the remainder of the season. This injury fueled his motivation to get better on the bike, and come back stronger in 2012.

Healed up and “ready to rip”, Bryn is back in top form for 2012 – “I’m super excited to start fresh with a company like Norco. Their 2012 line of bikes ride smooth and are really capable, I can’t wait to get em’ world cup dirty!”

The team will be hitting premier events such as: all UCI World Cups, Sea Otter Classic, Kokanee Crankworx, select USGP events, etc. Jill and Bryn will also compete in their respective National Championships.

“Norco Bicycles is excited to have both Jill and Bryn join the Norco family. Their experience and expertise will be a great asset to the continued development of the bikes and the engineered technology platforms we are so proud of. Everyone at Norco would like to wish Jill and Bryn the best of luck in the coming season and welcome them to their new home here at Norco.” – Pete Stace-Smith, Norco PR Marketing Manager

Partners of the Norco World Team:

• Norco Bicycles- Frames – Aurum, Sight, Rampage, Custom Slalom
• Crank Brothers- Wheels, pedals, Seat Posts
• Fox Racing Shox- Suspension
• Shimano- Drive train
• Renthal- Bars, Stems, Grips
• Maxxis- Tires and tubes
• Lezyne- Pumps, Tools, Mini tools, Inflation systems, Bottle cages, saddle bags, Led Lights
• 5.10- Footwear
• e*13- Chain guides
• Dakine- Riding apparel
• Oakley- Eyewear
• Fi:z’ik- Seats
• Cane Creek- Head sets
• Alpinestars- protection
• Tld- Helmets.