April 18/07 10:48 am - Ricky Federau's Privateer Program

Posted by Editoress on 04/18/07
 

Ricky Federau's Privateer Program

After many successful years with Team Race and Gears Racing Institute, Ricky Federau has decided to follow the privateer route assembling his own sponsorship consortium and race program in order to best contest a spot on the 2008 Canadian Olympic Mountain Bike Team.

" With the program we have come up with there is a lot of freedom, it's really nice to pick and choose the races I want to go well at and the best preparation for those races."

To accomplish this goal Ricky has brought together a sponsorship group consisting of Trek Bikes, Atac Custom Sportswear, Wentings' Cycle and Mountain Shop, Ben Hardy Real Estate Team and Pink Bike.com. Orange Sport Supply has contributed product from their Magura and Enduro Bearing lines to keep Ricky in control.

Mike Hietpas of Trek Bikes was eager to get involved. "When our BC rep Scott Lawrence told me a rider of Ricky's caliber with the potential of an Olympic spot needed a bike, we realized the opportunity to see him on our bike was too good to pass up." Scott Lawrence recalls meeting Ricky on a store visit and being impressed by his enthusiasm. "Ricky really shows his love of the sport. He is a great spokesman and will showcase Trek at the peak of the sport in Canada."

Ricky commented "I am really grateful to Trek for the confidence they have shown me. The new bikes are the best I've ridden, way fast and crazy light!"

Derek Robbins of Atac Custom Sportswear has designed a custom jersey for Ricky featuring the latest in fabrics and showcasing the sponsors to best advantage. "ATAC Sportswear is excited to announce our sponsorship of Ricky Federau, one of Canada's young stars in the Mountain Bike World. He has prepared an aggressive race schedule including UCI Level races in Poland prior to World and Canada Cup and Norba events. In the time that we have been associated with Ricky he has proven to be a very enthusiastic, ambitious and personable athlete and we look forward to supporting him in the years to come."

Ricky will receive financial support from Pink Bike.com and Ben Hardy Real Estate Team. Tyler Maine of Pink Bike related "Pink Bike.com is super excited to be helping out one of Canada's top XC riders with his 2007 pursuits. Ricky has been a long time elite racer and just wants to ride his bike, so we are helping him do that." Ben Hardy, an Abbotsford Real Estate Agent and long time friend stated, " I think it is really important to stand behind our local athletes in any way we can! Ricky is an incredibly gifted athlete and a great guy at that - I am honoured to play a part in his team."

Wentings' Cycle and Mountain Shop coordinated the sponsorship, pulling in partners from throughout the industry. "Our shop has long supported up and coming riders but putting this together for Ricky is at a whole new level for us" commented Bruce Wenting. "A rider of Ricky's Caliber and Personality deserves our help. We look forward to sharing in Ricky's success in this and following seasons."

Ricky departs for Poland on April 24th for a series of Polish Cup races. "I think Poland will be the ideal preparation for the races I am focusing on this year. The intensity there should bring me to a higher level just in time for the Quebec World Cups."

When asked to access his chances for the coming season, Ricky stated, " I have a great set of Sponsors and the freedom to plan my own season. I have never felt better prepared to achieve top results. It is going to be a great year!"


Ricky's Rides

Primary race bike - Trek Top Fuel 98 dual suspension
Muddy and Short Track Bike - Trek Elite 98 hard tail

Both Bikes Equipped with:
Frame - Trek OCLV 110 Carbon
Fork - Rock Shox SID World Cup
Drive Train - Sram X.0
Wheels - Bonrtager RaceLite Tubeless
Tires - Schwalbe or Tioga Small Block with Stans Sealant
Bar and Stem - Eason EC90 flat bar 110 mm stem 25.4 clamp
Grips - Bontrager Race lite foam