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> Hi Mick! How was the off-season? How do you stay occupied?
Mick Hannah: I have had a great off-season! My wife Kim and I were blessed with the arrival of
our daughter Miya on October 25. Family time has been the focus of this off-season.
> Congratulations! You’ve must have been quite busy then. Speaking about training, 2017
was focused on the Worlds. How did you change your preparation for this upcoming
season?
Mick: Every year my preparation changes and grows. This year I have been given the
opportunity to work with the James Cook University sports science department from Cairns,
Australia which is really exciting!
> What are your goals for 2018?
Mick: My goals for this year are to be consistent throughout the season and focus again on World
Championships in Switzerland.
> A favorite race / event this year?
Mick: I’m looking forward to the Crankworx events a lot this year! Especially with the addition of
Dual Slalom.
> It’s fair to say you’re one of the most experienced riders on the circuit. How do you keep
your motivation high year in, year out?
Mick: I just love to ride my bike as fast as I can and share that with the fans all around the world.
It’s an amazing job!
> Few DH racers are defined by their style and particular tricks on the bike. Your
nickname Sik Mik doesn’t come from nowhere. Do you put it down to your famous
suicides?
Mick: I was given the nickname Sik Mik by a close group of friends when I was maybe 12 years
old. We all rode together a lot and it just developed from the fast and difficult features we built
and rode.
> After all those years, what are you looking for when it comes time to choose a new
personal sponsor?
Mick: For me the important thing is the people behind the product. A good quality product can
be produced if you have the right people with the right motivation.
> One last word?
Mick: I’m always excited about beginning a new relationship and it’s no different with Bluegrass.
I believe we have common goals and we both work hard to achieve those goals so the future will
be bright!
> Thanks Mick for your time!
Sort of old, but Brendan fairclough is using a seam drivetrain rather than a shimano he was using earlier.
I agree it's Magura.
Looking at the fork again, especially the arch shape and the mudguard, it could be also Suntour. First, they have also been known for making electrical lockouts for their forks. Second, the mudguard looks like it's integrated and remind me the 2017 durolux one!
That being said, it's probably not that, just Sherlock Holmes intuitions. Anyway I am still more convinced about Magura than Suntour
EDIT: Also I have seen on Facebook that Cedric GRACIA will ride for TRP in 2018. TRP has a pretty nice squad now!
https://www.trpcycling.com/2018/02/06/trp-announce-new-riders/
I'm kidding.
https://www.redbull.tv/video/AP-1UWHZGM8S1W11/andrew-and-nino-hit-the-t…
PRESS RELEASE
The Specialized enduro, gravity and XC racing teams will be on Magura brakes for the upcoming 2018 season. This partnership is a logical follow up to the great combined work with the cross country team with Annika Langvad and Jaroslav Kulhavy which showed great successes. Results are already being seen in the pre-season.
The partnership between Specialized and Magura creates an even stronger bond between the two companies after teaming up and testing with the teams. Additionally, the Specialized Gravity Team featuring Loic Bruni, will also compete with brakes from Magura. The renowned German brake producer has been very pleased with the R&D results so far and valuable input from these World Cup athletes.
The first tests with the Specialized Teams began right after the World Cup season 2017. The partnership is more than a sponsorship.
“The test rides with the Magura products were absolutely positive,” said Team Manager Benno Willeit, “we are very happy to have such a strong brake partner on our side.”
Magura will provide the teams with Magura MT7 Raceline and MT8 Raceline brakes. For Magura, this is more than just a sponsorship deal. Jochen Coconcelli, head of Magura development, is looking forward to the personalized cooperation with the pro riders and appreciates the great knowledge and experience they can offer.
Götz Braun, head of Magura marketing said: “The partnership with the Specialized Racing Teams and its athletes is a great plus for us. All the riders are world elite stars and role models, be it in enduro, downhill or cross country. Having the team work with our technicians means that we can continue to improve our products and benefit from the positive effects.”
The first benefits of the partnership were realized before the new World Cup season began. Following the 2017 season, Magura began development of new ergonomic designs and improving products for the Specialized team riders. Magura brake levers are made to improve performance and braking control. To help attain these features, Magura created fully working prototype levers for the team, made from aluminium combined with plastic lever outers, and gathered their feedback.
If only split seconds lay between winning and second place there is no room for compromises.
Magura is looking forward to working with Specialized athletes in 2018.
Magura - Exclusive Mountain Bike Disc Brake Supplier of the Specialized Teams.
Read/see more: https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/blog/orbea-enduro-team-camp-part-two
Post a reply to: 2018 Racing Rumors