April 12, 2008 (Montréal, Que.) – The Specialized MTB cross-country race team is proud to announce that Francis Morin and Karine Travaillaud will join the team this year. Morin, winner of three Canada cups last year as a junior, represented Canada at the 2007 MTB World Championship in Scotland and in New Zealand the year before. During his first season as an Espoir he’s looking for a strong and successful learning process on the national scene.

Karine Travaillaud, Provincial champion in 2007, is hoping to put her mark on the provincial circuit and to pursue her development at the national level.

Back for another season, veteran Benoit Simard will help the team progress with his experience and knowledge, (already some grey hair, but no beard in sight). He’ll be a podium contender at the provincial level and is a sure bet for a top placings at Eastern Canada Cup events.

Francis Milaire, the experienced mechanic with the extended reach and Sébastien Tremblay (who will race on a local basis) will share the management tasks for the team.

Francis Morin – Espoir men
As a junior in 2007
– 1st Canada Cup, Bromont, Qc
– 1st Canada Cup, Mont-Tremblant, Qc
– 1st Quebec Cup, Mont-Ste-Anne, Qc
– 2nd Canada Cup, Hardwood Hills, On
– 2nd Canadian Championship, Mount Washington, BC
– Twice cumulative winner of the Canada Cup

Karine Travaillaud – Senior Elite women
– 1st 2007 XC Provincial championship
– 1st Quebec Cup Time Trial, Chantecler
– 2nd Quebec Cup, Hull
– Two top ten in the Canada Cup in 2007

Benoit Simard Senior – Elite men
– 1st Marathon Bras-du-Nord, St-Raymond, Qc
– 1st Quebec Cup XC, Chantecler, Qc
– 2nd Quebec Cup Time Trial, Chantecler, Qc
– 3rd Canada Cup, Baie-St-Paul, Qc
– 4th Provincial time trial, St-Georges-de-Beauce, Qc
– 6th Canada Cup, Mont-Tremblant, Qc
– 6th Centennial Park UCI CX race, Toronto, On
– 10th Canada Cup, Hardwood Hills, On
– 5 times provincial CX Champion
– 2005 XC Provincial Champion

Visibility in sight!
With the venue of two World Cup events, three Canada Cups and two National Championships in Quebec this summer, you can bet you’ll see and hear of Specialized team athletes more than once this season. Please contact us if you wish to become partner and take advantage of this visibility within an active community. Please contact Benoit Simard (bsimard@specialized.ca ) for more information.

Team Specialized works with selected athletes, identified by the Fédération Québécoise des Sports Cyclistes. It’s goal is to support the efforts of athletes actively involved in their community, promoting healthy living through the practice of their sport at the highest level.