January 3, 2005 – After completing a very successful 2004 race season we have worked hard this fall to recreate our success again for 2005. The first objective was to re-sign all of our 2004 riders for another year, which we have, as well as signing on another up and coming rider who burst into the professional ranks with great success!

As Giant’s Race program director, I am very impressed with the direction the company is moving, with the signing of a number of Canada’s top downhill racers; which will undoubtedly increase brand name awareness, help us test products and improve Giant’s position in the competitive bicycle industry. With many of the other bike companies tightening the sponsorship reigns, Giant has illustrated its continued commitment to developing the sport of cycling.

With the re-signing of Danika Schroeter we have inked a deal to retain one of Canada’s most successful newly emerging athletes. Danika posts some impressive and unprecedented statistics, 9 straight Canadian National series victories, the highest Canadian downhill placing at the World Championships in over a decade – ninth place and she hasn’t even come close to reaching her full potential yet. We look forward to being a part of Danika’s success in 2005.

Also returning to the team for a third year is Eastern rider Eric Goss, who normally splits his time between the East and West coast. What has always impressed me with Eric is his consistency in the Pro men’s field, if I were a betting man I would always put my money on Eric to finish well. Besides being a member of the 2004 Canadian National team Eric also coordinates a kids bike clinic in conjunction with the school board in Eastern Canada.

Long time Giant rider, and newly crowned B.C. Provincial series Champion, Brant Lyon returns to the Giant roster again for 2005. Brant finished the 2004 season with three straight Provincial series wins, which catapulted him ahead in the points race and enabled Brant to claim his second Provincial series Champion title in three years. We are confident Brant can continue his success again in 2005 as he shoots for the National series Championship crown to add to his trophy case.

New to the Giant Factory team is Quebec rider Luke Kitzanuk. Luke rode on our development rider program in 2004, posted some great results at the National level and was signed to our Factory team for the following year. Sometimes it’s just that easy! Luke is a great example for every other up and coming rider out there. work hard, be respectful, focus on your goals and it will pay off in the end, just ask Luke!

To sum it up, these riders all possess the qualities necessary to represent the Giant name while still posting top National results. With the help of Giant Bicycle and our extensive support program we are confident our 2005 team riders will enjoy the same success as they did in 2004, twenty-seven podium finishes to be exact!

For the 2005 year, Giant Canada team riders will be competing in BC Cup Provincial series races, the Canadian National series, selected Norba races as well as North American World Cups.
Yours truly,

Sean Jenkins
Race Program Director