<p>After a highly successful 2012 season, Specialized Racing is well positioned to continue its successes on the Elite UCI World Cup Cross-Country race circuit. The 2013 team roster includes current Olympic Champion Jaroslav Kulhavy, Kohei Yamamoto (2008-2012 Japanese national champion), Todd Wells (20102012 U.S. National Champion), Lea Davison (5-time U.S. National Champion), and newcomer Tereza Hurikova.</p><p>
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Defending Cape Epic champion, and 2011 Marathon World Champion Christoph Sauser is transitioning to a full Marathon World Cup schedule for 2013. When asked about the switch, Christoph stated It was time for a change! Cross Country racing only got shorter, and I got older... it's not a good combo! In the past I always enjoyed racing Marathons and now I am ready for the complete switch. Not having the winning results in Cross Country lately also helped me to change my goals. Waiting for days in hotel rooms just for a 1.5k circuit race started to pull on my nerves. Now I am so excited to go for the big laps where I will find more adventure and new places. My focus will be on the ABSA Cape-Epic and World Championships, but also Transalp, 4Peaks and the classics towards the end of the season.</p><p>
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New to the team is former Junior World Champion and Czech native Tereza Hurikova. "Entering into this great team is a dream come true, says Hurikova. I look forward to focusing on the races and am excited to know Ill have the best bikes and support available on the circuit. This is a step in the right direction, and I believe I can achieve great results with Specialized.</p><p>
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David Hyam, Sports Marketing Director for Specialized, had these words to say about the new team "After another highly successful 2012 race season capped off by winning the coveted title of 'World Cup MTB Team of The Year', expectations are high for another stellar season!</p><p>
With the recent tragic loss of one of the sports true Icons as well as a rider who played such an integral part of our Specialized Racing Team, the determination and enthusiasm within our riders burns brighter and stronger than ever before. Emotions are high and I know that each and every team rider will have Burry's memory foremost in their minds as the season begins in earnest."</p><p>
</p><p>
For the 2013 season, the men will be racing aboard S-Works Epic 29ers, and the women aboard S-Works Fate 29ers. The team will also be supported with Specialized Prevail helmets, S-Works MTB shoes, saddles, gloves, and apparel as well as Roval wheels.</p>
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</p><p>
Defending Cape Epic champion, and 2011 Marathon World Champion Christoph Sauser is transitioning to a full Marathon World Cup schedule for 2013. When asked about the switch, Christoph stated It was time for a change! Cross Country racing only got shorter, and I got older... it's not a good combo! In the past I always enjoyed racing Marathons and now I am ready for the complete switch. Not having the winning results in Cross Country lately also helped me to change my goals. Waiting for days in hotel rooms just for a 1.5k circuit race started to pull on my nerves. Now I am so excited to go for the big laps where I will find more adventure and new places. My focus will be on the ABSA Cape-Epic and World Championships, but also Transalp, 4Peaks and the classics towards the end of the season.</p><p>
</p><p>
New to the team is former Junior World Champion and Czech native Tereza Hurikova. "Entering into this great team is a dream come true, says Hurikova. I look forward to focusing on the races and am excited to know Ill have the best bikes and support available on the circuit. This is a step in the right direction, and I believe I can achieve great results with Specialized.</p><p>
</p><p>
David Hyam, Sports Marketing Director for Specialized, had these words to say about the new team "After another highly successful 2012 race season capped off by winning the coveted title of 'World Cup MTB Team of The Year', expectations are high for another stellar season!</p><p>
With the recent tragic loss of one of the sports true Icons as well as a rider who played such an integral part of our Specialized Racing Team, the determination and enthusiasm within our riders burns brighter and stronger than ever before. Emotions are high and I know that each and every team rider will have Burry's memory foremost in their minds as the season begins in earnest."</p><p>
</p><p>
For the 2013 season, the men will be racing aboard S-Works Epic 29ers, and the women aboard S-Works Fate 29ers. The team will also be supported with Specialized Prevail helmets, S-Works MTB shoes, saddles, gloves, and apparel as well as Roval wheels.</p>
More...