April 10, 2014 (Burlington, ON) – The Scott 3-Rox Racing team celebrated its season launch on April 8 at Eatalia Restaurant in Burlington, with the squad’s six elite XCO racers in attendance, led by Olympian and multiple Canadian Champion Geoff Kabush.

Defending elite men’s xc champion Derek Zandstra, 2014 Pan Am Championships silver medalist Mikaela “Fudge” Kofman, Cameron Jette, Amanda Sin, and Marc-Antoine Nadon each had their turn at the mic, revealing motivations, season plans, and goals to the crowd.

Team owner and former racer Kyle Douglas gave a background of his team that has a long history in Ontario. In 2008, however, the focus of the squad changed to include some lofty goals, stepping up the program to the national level, then signing high-profile rider Kabush in 2012. Douglas and his crew continue to aim high, with aspirations to increase the team’s representation from one (Kabush at London 2012) to two or three at the next Olympics in Rio in 2016.

“We really appreciate everyone coming out and supporting the team,” said Douglas. “We excited about the upcoming season and our long range goal to have three Olympians on the team.”

Jeff Douglas of CBC’s “As It Happens” hosted the event that saw more than 50 guests treated to an inside scoop on Canada’s only UCI XCO squad. Douglas is a weekend warrior himself and had fun with each team member even trying to get Kabush to dance on stage – check out the interviews below.

Attendees’ taste buds were delighted by great food by Eatalia. The restaurant’s owner, Sean Baird, is a former competitive cyclist and has returned to recreational riding after some time away from the bike.

“We’re excited to be a part the Scott 3-Rox team launch,” commented Baird. “I love cycling and it’s great to back riding and involved with such a talented and high level group of people. We wish them all the best this season.”

The Scott 3-Rox team kicked off the 2014 season last month at the first of the US Cup Series. Kabush is leading the Pro Men’s rankings after three events with only one left – the final race takes place in Colorado Springs, CO on June 28.

“I’m stoked to be a part of such a great team,” said Kabush. “It’s great to see other team members improving each year and landing on the podium. Racing continues to be fun for me and that’s what also keeps me motivated each season.”

Kofman has also enjoyed early-season success with a recent silver medal captured at the Pan Am Championships in Brazil.

The day after the launch, Jette made the long journey to South Africa for round one of the UCI World Cup series, which takes place in Pietermaritzburg, April 12-13. The rest of the crew headed to California for this weekend’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey.

A silent auction to raise money for team featured jewelry from Jeff Morrison,  a custom team painting from Jesse Morrisart, wheels, Geoff Kabush’s bike, signed team uniforms and signed jersey from the Beijing Olympics.

Check out the photos and interviews with the riders and get the inside scoop on the members of the 2014 Scott 3-Rox Racing Team. You’ll even discover things like how Kofman got the name “Fudge.” – lots more photos below