February 04, 2013 (Morgan Hill, Calif.) – 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 (2010–2012 U.S. National Champion), Lea Davison (5-time U.S. National Champion), and newcomer Tereza Hurikova.

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.”

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 I’ll 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.”

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!

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.”

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.

2013 Enduro Racing Team

Specialized is proud to announce its new Enduro team for the 2013 season. The Specialized Racing Enduro Team is comprised of the North American Enduro Tour Champion Curtis Keene, and current 4X World Champion and native of the Netherlands Anneke Beerten. The team will compete in the Enduro World Series, Big Mountain Enduro events (BME), as well as the North American Enduro Tour.

“I’m really excited to be part of the Specialized Global Enduro Program for 2013 and beyond,” Says Keene. “Specialized has put an amazing program together along with SRAM and Troy Lee Designs to give me the best equipment and support possible. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to racing. The season can’t get here fast enough – let’s do this!”

Defending 4X World Champion Anneke Beerten is also excited about the 2013 Enduro season stating “After a couple of successful seasons in 4-cross and winning the World Championships back-to-back I’m looking forward to defending my rainbow jersey and to change my focus to enduro racing. I am really excited to join the Specialized Racing Factory Enduro team, a team and brand that share the same passion as I do for racing and riding bikes. With Specialized on my side, and the best bikes to ride, I am convinced that it is going to be a great new season!”

Sports Marketing Manager Geoff Rogers stated “Curtis and Anneke have a very diverse skillset which makes them super fun to watch. We feel very lucky to have such great athletes on the team and are really pumped to see so much growth and awareness around the enduro racing scene!”

For 2013, Curtis and Anneke will be racing on S-Works Enduro, and S-Works Stumpjumper FSR bicycles. Both riders will also be outfitted with the Specialized Command Post BlackLite, S-Works MTB  shoes, saddles and tires as well as Roval wheels,

For more information please visit www.iamspecialized.com