Press Release

EXPANDED GIANT FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM SET TO KICK OFF ITS 2017 SEASON 5

A balanced mix of veteran stars and young talent to compete at major Downhill, Enduro and XC races around the world

Giant Bicycles

3/24/2017 2:49pm

The full 2017 squad (left to right): Eliot Jackson, Jacob Dickson, Marcelo Gutierrez, Rae Morrison, Mckay Vezina, Mike Day, Josh Carlson, Carl Decker, Stephan Davoust and Tofor Lewis. The 2017 Giant Factory Off-Road Team gathered in Southern California earlier this month for a pre-season training camp before the start of the upcoming race season. The new-look squad includes a global lineup of returning stars and new faces from around the world. With varying ambitions ranging from UCI World Cup Downhill races to Enduro World Series events and major XC races in North America, team riders spent time in California getting to know each other and dialing in their new bikes and gear before kicking off the race season March 25 at the Crankworx Rotorua event in New Zealand.

This year’s roster includes ten riders representing six different nations. One of the most notable changes includes the addition of Rae Morrison, an enduro racer in the elite women’s category who will represent Giant’s sister brand Liv. The team is also expanding its XC presence at the developmental level with young American riders Stephan Davoust and Tofor Lewis joining.

Other new faces this year include Jacob Dickson, a four-time junior national DH champion from Ireland; Eliot Jackson, a former motocross racer from the U.S. who scored top-10 results at two Crankworx DH events last year; and Mike Day, a former BMX star and Olympic medalist who has transitioned into mountain biking. Day will represent the team at select enduro events this year.

Returning riders include six-time Colombian DH national champion Marcelo Gutierrez; enduro specialists Josh Carlson of Australia and Canadian Mckay Vezina; plus veteran U.S. XC racer Carl Decker.

Here’s a look at the 2017 roster, along with photos of the riders with their new bikes, gear and apparel from official team sponsors.

2017 Giant Factory Off-Road Team

Josh Carlson (Australia), Enduro
Stephan Davoust (USA), XC
Mike Day (USA), Enduro
Carl Decker (USA), XC, Enduro, Cyclocross
Jacob Dickson (Ireland), DH
Marcelo Gutierrez (Colombia), DH
Eliot Jackson (USA), DH
Tofor Lewis (USA), XC
Rae Morrison (New Zealand), Liv Women’s Enduro
Mckay Vezina (Canada), Enduro

2017 Team Sponsors Giant Bikes

Team riders have a full fleet of Giant off-road bikes to choose from this year. Cross-country riders have the XtC Advanced 29er hardtail for fast, smooth courses or the Anthem Advanced with Maestro rear suspension for more technical terrain. Enduro riders typically choose the Reign Advanced with 160mm of suspension front and rear, or, for certain courses, the Trance Advanced trail bike featuring a composite frame and 140mm of Maestro rear suspension travel. For the World Cup downhill crew, it’s the legendary Glory Advanced, a proven DH machine that has won world championships and World Cups all around the globe. Bike Gear: Team bikes are built up with the most innovative new parts and components from the following team sponsors:

SRAM components
RockShox suspension
Schwalbe tires
HT Pedals
Giant saddles
Giant WheelSystems
Giant water bottles and cages
MRP chain guide
ODI grips
Stan’s NoTubes sealant
Finish Line lubricant

Rider Gear

From helmets and apparel to travel accessories, the following sponsors help give every team rider a competitive edge in training and racing all year long:

100% DH and enduro kits, and full-face helmets and goggles/sunglasses
Giant helmets for XC and enduro (Rev, Pursuit, and Rail models)
Giant footwear including the Charge for XC racing Jakroo XC racing kits
GoPro cameras
Re-fuel power chargers
Jaybird headphones
Honey Stinger nutrition
Thule travel gear

Rae Morrison will be aboard the Liv Hail Advanced for enduro racing, and will also be equipped with Liv gear including footwear, saddles and helmets.

You can follow the Giant Factory Off-Road Team all season long at facebook.com/giantfactoryteam and Instagram.com/giantfactoryoffroadteam.

Josh Carlson: Josh Carlson will captain the team’s enduro squad in 2017. The Australian had a strong 2016 season that included a podium at the Whistler, B.C. round of the Enduro World Series. Josh is pictured here training on his Reign Advanced team bike with SRAM drivetrain components, RockShox suspension and fork, and Schwalbe tires.

Jacob Dickson: New to the team this year, young DH rider Jacob Dickson is a four-time junior national champion from Ireland. Dickson is pictured here riding his Glory Advanced team bike and wearing a helmet and kit (jersey, pants, goggles, gloves) from team sponsor 100%.

Marcelo Gutierrez: Marcelo Gutierrez is a six-time DH national champion in his home nation of Colombia. For 2017 he will again focus on major downhill races around the world including the UCI World Cup series.

Eliot Jackson: American Eliot Jackson is a newcomer to the team this year. The 27-year-old former motocross racer, who scored several top pro DH results last year, is pictured here riding his local trails in Southern California on his Giant Glory Advanced team bike.

This year Rae Morrison, New Zealand’s top-ranked women’s enduro racer, joins the team to represent Liv, Giant’s sister brand for women. Morrison, who scored two top-5 finishes in the 2015 Enduro World Series, will race on the Liv Hail Advanced, the first women’s-specific 160mm travel trail bike.

Mckay Vezina makes the step up this year from the Giant Co-Factory Team. This past season, the young Canadian emerged as a strong contender in the Enduro World Series during his rookie year. He’s picture here riding his Reign Advanced team bike and wearing the Giant Rail helmet.

Enduro racers including Australian Josh Carlson will have a quiver of Maestro-equipped bikes to choose, including the Reign Advanced.

Marcelo Gutierrez and his DH teammates will race the Glory Advanced DH bike featuring RockShox suspension forks and rear shocks.

XC Group: Three riders are representing the Giant Factory Off-Road Team’s XC unit this year. With an aim to develop young riders, veteran Carl Decker (middle) is joined by promising talents Tofor Lewis (right) and Stephen Davoust (left), both from the U.S. The XC riders are wearing kits from team sponsor Jakroo along with Giant helmets and Giant Charge XC shoes.

About Giant: Giant is the world’s leading brand of high quality bicycles and cycling gear. Since 1972, Giant has combined craftsmanship, technology and innovative design to create the ultimate cycling experience for all riders, casual to competitive. Through its products, people and retail partners, Giant inspires passion for cycling all around the world. For more information, go to giant-bicycles.com.

About Liv: Liv is the first cycling brand completely dedicated to women. We offer the only comprehensive product collection designed specifically for female cyclists, ranging from beautiful apparel to premium bicycles. No matter the rider’s level or style, Liv provides the best products to help women discover new possibilities through cycling. For more information, go to www.liv-cycling.com

Giant