February 4/14 13:01 pm - Trek Factory Racing Announces 2014 Enduro Squad

Posted by Editoress on 02/4/14
 

Defending Enduro World Series champion Trek Factory Racing's privateering global team of riders will unite under the Trek Factory Racing banner to take on the world's biggest enduro racing in 2014. Headlined by 2013 series champion, Tracy Moseley (GBR), the team's European-based roster consists of Moseley, Rene Wildhaber (SUI), and Justin Leov (NZL). Ross Schnell and American mountain bike über-couple Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (USA) and Heather Irmiger (USA) will compete in select EWS events as well as hold down the North American scene racing throughout the continent in 2014 including the Big Mountain Enduro series.

After dominating the women's division of the inaugural Enduro World Series in 2013, Tracy Moseley returns looking to repeat her commanding performance. The former UCI World Cup Downhill champion will focus her efforts exclusively on the Series. "I love the new Factory Team structure," said Moseley. "I'm really happy to continue my relationship with them and looking forward to defending my World Series title in 2014. The unique thing about riding for a team owned by a company with the product and race knowledge of Trek is that I have the choice of riding multiple bikes and wheel sizes. It's a huge asset to be able to ride a race-ready 29er or 650b depending on the course."

Ever-present podium threat, Rene Wildhaber will look to improve on a solid 2013 season as well as take time for a few extra curricular activities."I will devote all my energy for our team to defend the Enduro World Series title," said Rene. "Personally I will ride all the EWS races and one week-long enduro race as well as take on a few personal video projects. One thing I'm excited to work on is the construction of a big pump track close to my home that is going to support young mountain bikers and hopefully grow the sport."

After taking a year away from competition, Justin Leov will ride with Moseley and Wildhaber and focus his efforts on helping the team repeat its 2013 World Enduro Series win. "Just dabbling in enduro last year was all it took to hook me," said Leov. "Having the opportunity to go full time training and racing with Trek Factory Racing is a privilege. It's going to be an exciting year and I'm going to push myself to the limit."

Former All-Mountain World Champion Ross Schnell will compete in North America as well as across the Atlantic, focusing on select Enduro World Series stops. "It's motivating being surrounded by such an amazing cast of athletes and team infrastructure. I think 2014 is going to hold great things for the Trek Factory enduro program," said Schnell.

After dominating the fast-emerging North American enduro scene in 2013, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Heather Irmiger, who have a combined eighteen years of racing with Trek, will focus primarily on repeating their strong 2013 performances at the North American Enduro Tour and Big Mountain Enduro Series. Irmiger coming off of a season in which she took the overall at the North American Enduro Tour, foresees another big year as her sport continues to grow; "Enduro is an ever evolving and blossoming discipline and I am so energized to continue to build on my skills and results from last year! I have grown into the athlete I am today with Trek by my side for eight spectacular years. Our equipment is top rate, the race series are fun and exciting, and I am thrilled to be back with such a supportive program in 2014."

2014 Trek Factory Racing Enduro Team roster:

Tracy Moseley (GBR)
Rene Wildhaber (SUI)
Justin Leov (NZL)
Ross Schnell (USA)
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (USA)
Heather Irmiger (USA)