April 27, 2005 – After literally months of rumor and speculation, Specialized Bicycles has signed Olympic Bronze medalist and former UCI World Champion Sabine Spitz of Germany to round out its 2005 World Cup XC squad, the company recently announced. Spitz joins Liam Kileen of England and Kiwi Sid Taberlay on the Specialized Factory Team.

“We are delighted to welcome Sabine to Specialized” announced Mike Sinyard, Founder and President of the Morgan Hill, CA company. “In addition to the proven performance and experience she brings to our World Cup team, Sabine is an outstanding spokesperson for the Specialized brand.” Spitz will race the full Specialized kit, Sinyard said, from S-works Epic bike and Decibel helmet to Body Geometry shoes and Adaptalite optics.

“Specialized really was Sabine’s premier choice, since they are well known for having the best racing bikes, equipment, and team support in the sport of mountain biking”, said Spitz’s manager and partner, Ralf Schaeuble. “We are delighted to have Sabine racing in Specialized red.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, with Sinyard saying only that “it’s a multi-year contract consistent with the high value and proven winning ability Sabine brings to Specialized brand. We are delighted to have her with us.”

Specialized Bicycles, founded in Morgan Hill, CA in 1974 is a company of devout cyclists whose founding principle goal is to create functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit for the cycling enthusiast.