GT Bicycles and Atherton Racing Join Forces

Jan 10, 2012
by Julian Coffey  
GT Bicycles is proud to announce its partnership with Atherton Racing. Beginning in 2012, the mountain bike race team of Dan, Gee, and Rachel Atherton, will join non-family GT rider Marc Beaumont and form the new team GT Factory Racing.

photo

bigquotesAtherton Racing is one of the most progressive teams in the history of mountain biking, and is known for taking the sport to the next level. We're excited about the partnership because it both continues GT's legacy as the brand that helps progressive riders push their limits, and because of the opportunities it presents to develop new products. - Mark Peterman, Global General Manager GT Bicycles

photo

photo

photo

Over the past five years, Atherton Racing has seen over 50 professional victories and multiple World titles. For the first time, the Atherton team will also include a non-family member with GT rider Marc Beaumont. As a consistent World Cup downhill rider with podiums in some of the world’s greatest Enduro races, Beaumont will complement Gee on the UCI DH circuit, and Dan on the Euduro circuit, as his focus has shifted towards Enduro-style events. The team will be riding the GT Fury, Sanction, and Force Carbon and Alloy.

In addition to racing, the team will provide important product testing feedback and work hand-in-hand with GT on future product advancements and the next evolution of GT mountain bikes.

bigquotesThe new relationship that's formed between Atherton Racing and GT has opened up so many opportunities for everyone involved, I'm stoked to be going into the next few years of racing being bolstered by a company with such a passion for the sport, and with a company that's drive for the top step of the podium, matches that of my own. - Gee Atherton

For more information on the GT Bicycles (@GTBicycles) and Atherton Racing (@AthertonRacing) partnership, please visit gtbikes.com and athertonracing.co.uk and follow them on Facebook.



Posted In:
Press Releases


Author Info:
JulianCoffey avatar

Member since Aug 9, 2010
158 articles

234 Comments
  • 151 10
 Lol what is Marc Beaumont doing there?
  • 140 4
 Beaumont has got to be pumped!!! Nothing like being the odd man out on your own team.
  • 62 1
 Marc is still on contract with GT, he'll compliment Dan nicely in some of the enduro events, it will be good for both of them not having to go at enduros alone.
  • 96 3
 I also had a wee giggle at this, so used to seeing The Athertons being "The Athertons" that the addition of Marc Beaumont is slightly strange yet at the same time makes sense since he was already on GT... It's mainly the pictures, in the solo portrait he looks like the sad adopted child being introduced to the world with his new family. Cheer up Marc, you got some new team mates!
  • 35 1
 I bet traveling all year with 3 siblings is going to be awesome. This could be the MTB version of Road Rules. Can't wait to see Marc's confession booth monologues.
  • 17 1
 he should change his name by deed poll so he doesn't feel left out............
  • 7 1
 C'm on - "Sluggers siblings" sounds fantastic
  • 7 67
flag dave6797 (Jan 10, 2012 at 5:20) (Below Threshold)
 mark wants to be dan, even though he's wearing a similar shirt, dan just does it better ..... i imagine mark will start killing it this year though, cant wait to see the team on the WC circuit
  • 6 2
 soo stoked about this......2 favorite teams in 2011 were athertons because its everyones favorite riding team, and team GT purely because of marcbeamonts great personality. cant wait to see some videos of the team in action! Salute
  • 5 1
 interview video here:
dirt.mpora.com/news/athertons-marc-beaumont-sign-gt-bicycles.html

i can't wait to see how this goes!
  • 12 1
 oh and just in case no one has noticed Dan is wearing a ONE industries hat in replacement of animal.
  • 59 1
 Marc Atherton
  • 4 2
 yeah i noticed that Duncanp, they must be raking it in now
  • 4 2
 are they gunna do an atherton edition fury?
  • 4 2
 check the video on the dirt mag site, it shows the bike they have at the moment, whether or not its the final paintjob for racing we don't know though!
  • 3 3
 sweet, long time arrival... i have that fox jacket too Big Grin
  • 5 2
 now its an all brit team.
  • 24 3
 He could always start dating rachel...
  • 7 2
 isn't she supposed to take his name if they marry?
at least it would be even then, the beaumonts and the athertons.
  • 21 3
 Imagine how awkward it would be though, also Dan and Gee would beat him up
  • 5 5
 Not sure if I'm happy to be honest. Personally commencal and the athertons have always gone well, but it sounds good to me but I'm not to sure what there relationship will be like with mark.
  • 2 10
flag mckenzie-dh (Jan 10, 2012 at 10:20) (Below Threshold)
 any one thing dan looks black in his single portrait ?
  • 22 2
 gee atherton stoked on being stoked, he needs a new word in his vocab
  • 12 4
 should get danny on the team then it would be the ultimate british racing team, they would dominate aha
  • 2 5
 yea amenseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! so stoaked
  • 2 1
 so is marc going to be on rock shox and alot of other different components whilst athertons are on fox and again have pretty much all different components? going to be confusing in the pits haha
  • 39 1
 Marc Beaumont has won more elite DH World Cups than Dan.....or Brendawg or Brosnan. Why does everyone treat him like leftovers?
  • 2 2
 ^^ I think that may be the reason why he looks so down!
  • 9 0
 @NoahColorado, because in the interview with the Athertons & Marc, Rachel says they look forward to finally putting GT back on the map and also one of them (can't remember who) says they have "inherited" Marc with GT bicycles which I would also say isn't very fair on Marc and kind of treating him as leftovers.
  • 7 1
 I think that is what everyone is saying. Why are the Athertons treating Beaumont like some kid they are taking under their wings (no pun intended) to help up through the ranks? They just come off as a**h***s.

Beaumont is a World Cup winning , elite level racer who the Atherton's feel they've "inheireted". If I was them, I would be damn excited to be on his team. A team of all Brit's, racing on an iconic American brand...good stuff.

Obviously having team Atherton on GT's is great for the brand, but Slugger is exactly a schlub.
  • 2 5
 Oh damn no... I mean, it's good but I don't like GT... Whatever who cares? It's their choice
  • 6 1
 GT is a brand that has been around for ages. The Athertons are cool riders. I like Beaumont aswell... This cannot possibly be bad!
  • 7 3
 Four British riders in one team. All they need now is a British bike... Hello Orange.
  • 2 1
 ^^^^^ yyyyyyeeeeeeeessssssss^^^^^^ brilliant bikes. I've got a 2011 five pro and it's mint. Rides amazingly.
  • 3 1
 I love the Athertons...but GT bikes?...ehhh not so much. But maybe they will change that.
  • 6 1
 Where's Mick Hannah going?
  • 3 1
 Word... MB is a great rider. Treating him like an orphan they "have to deal with" is really silly and pompous of them. Hopefully that's not what they meant/how they really feel cause I have a far better impression of the Athertons then that (they're ENGLISH remember so their humor might be lost on inexperienced N.Americans Wink )..
  • 1 1
 I thought Mick & his sister were on GT too . . . where are they?
  • 5 3
 i feel bad for all the people who bought the 2012 commencal atherton lol
  • 1 1
 at least now you can have a gt 'furry'-atherton all to your self :L
  • 2 4
 they left commencal for gt.
pffffffffftt ahahahahahahahahahahhaha
april fools?
no?
  • 5 2
 why is everyone complaining about GT, i've ridden a fury and it felt like it could plow through anything. Plus they said it themselves that they liked the feel of the bikes from their first ride on them.
  • 4 0
 That's what I don't get. Is it a euro versus american brand thing maybe? Because the floating bottom bracket of the GT I-drive design platform is a lot better than the single-pivot linkage that commencal uses. They pedal worlds better and DH and Enduro races aren't merely won by coasting down a hill in a tuck like races were twenty years ago.
  • 1 0
 mark doesnt like hats like the athertons
  • 1 0
 deeeight ... i think its more to do with gt were a wall mart company not long ago making bmx's that weigh half a house and the chucker which isnt the worst bike but everyone hated :s lol
not sure if its different in america and that but here if your riding an older gt 99% of the time you will be in chavlarr nike Wink and think this is the best bike on the planet lol
  • 1 0
 I know my first comment will be neg proped anyway but I just wanted to make some precision: I rode one... Those bike work! This is sure, but it's just the style Big Grin that was my life...
  • 3 0
 I thought it was polish pete not marc Beaumont at first lol
  • 1 3
 Polish Pete is stealin & shaggin English women at the moment... just as his fellow countrymen did in 1940s during breaks between shooting to German bombers Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I don't think they necessarily meant inheriting Marc was a bad thing, maybe it came across that way. I would be well chuffed if I inherited Marc as part of a team, he's hardly a back of the pack rider. He's accomplished and experienced, and listening to him last year he's also definitely still hungry for it. I think this new arrangement will benefit all parties, the Athertons will learn just as much from Marc as he will from them.
  • 1 0
 I hope they'll have a good relation with GT..
  • 86 1
 One Legacy. One tradition. One Mission. One brand. One family. Oh, and Marc.
  • 2 1
 hahaha
  • 16 1
 Where's Mick gone?
  • 3 1
 gone along with 4X?
  • 2 0
 u plprt van e'sosyxctoy gr van blanc gt
  • 3 0
 Dirt-Racer, I read what you typed nearly 50 times, trying to pronounce the "words" loud out. Now that I have been looking like a fool in front of my computer, and a fool here for not understanding what you shared, what is it that you said?
  • 3 0
 I couldn't understand it either mate, and I'm English......
  • 31 2
 MAAANNN Rach is such a hottie!!
  • 13 1
 Didn't realize how "mini" Marc is. He is shorter than Rachel. Not quite as cute either... ha ha. Hope he steps it up again this year with the addition of some strong teammates. Go team GT!!!
  • 4 1
 Rachel's not as tiny as she seems in pictures. It's just that Gee and Dan are huge. Rachel is about 5'8". I didn't realize until I stood next to her in a picture Smile

www.pinkbike.com/photo/6873632
  • 13 2
 how old is Rachel these days she looking pretty hot in these pics .. sorry must calm down!!! ... oh and pretty dam excited about the new forces !!
  • 12 1
 big step up for GT, huge news
  • 1 0
 Yeah, they must have something big coming up to bring on board the Atherton's!
  • 11 1
 I'd really like to see Marc go faster than Gee.
  • 16 2
 seen that already. Val Di Sol World Cup 2010
  • 2 0
 Beat me to it...
  • 10 1
 Looks like the 2nd worst-kept secret in DH MTB is finally out... Thanks teamrumors!
  • 2 1
 what's the first..?
  • 2 1
 Brendog on Scott...
  • 1 1
 ahh yes... good call...
  • 1 2
 ...or Sam Hill...On the Pop...!
  • 8 1
 Hopefully GT will redesign some of their bikes with help from the Athertons...
  • 2 0
 Until you ride a GT Fury you and all the GT haters will never understand how good the bike is.
  • 2 0
 yeaa! i demoed one at sandy ridge and it was soo rad. the bike plowed, was solid and had amazing traction
  • 7 1
 Marc looks sick of his life in every picture
  • 9 1
 Hell...they all look very happy to be there for that matter... Redbull gives wings but not smiles apparently...
  • 2 0
 I think it's piss poor that the Atherton's are making Marc out to be like an orphan that they've just adopted, we've "inherited" him, sounds to me like they think he's "leftovers" as someone else previously posted, seriously Atherton's have some decency for the poor bloke, he's a hell of a good rider and very consistant with his racing, i'd love to see him let all hell break lose this year and win a few races to show them up a bit, and sorry but Brown you are a tosser!! (personal opinion)
  • 3 1
 gotta get it while the gettings good - commencal=$$ but GT and ONE = $$$$$$$$$$$$$ the only reason they are riding for GT and one is the amount of cashola they have recieved. Hope Marc destroy's it this season. the hannah's will be on some morewood's. peace
  • 2 1
 I wish them the best with this set up, allthough I'm sceptical if it'll work out. They're all such determind individuals and want to progress as atheletes and, obviously win. I just hope the Athertons don't steel Mark Beaumonts thunder. He was on GT first. But why would they I suppose, he's a great rider and can stand out on his own. I will miss the GT team banter, I don't think they'll be that anymore.
  • 5 0
 What a huge money making scheme. Gee-T
  • 6 1
 Never saw that coming....
  • 1 0
 Im quite excited this season for them. I think this change will be good , will bring more excitement to what will happen this season. And I definitley want to see the Kits and paint job on their bikes will be like because they have always been so cool looking. But , I really wish they got their own section in GT and didnt have to join up with beaumont to keep that trio feel going. Im sure it will work out though.
  • 5 0
 Mark Beaumont is an awesome rider, often overlooked. Good luck mark.
  • 2 1
 Wow... This is big news aye. Kinda crazy seeing as they've been with Comencal for so long and their bikes are so dam sweet. GT has just scooped up a HUGE media outlet for their bikes aye. It'll be interesting to see how much the difference in bikes will make for them. Personaly I like Comencal's bikes alot more, but I'm sure the move made sense for them.
  • 5 1
 Yes ! Good choice ! What will be one of Mik Hannah though ?
  • 3 1
 likelihood is tracey hannah and mick hannah are on the same team... or at least rumours suggest as much.
  • 6 1
 Hannah Racing....overtaking Atherton Racing.
  • 2 1
 Ah ok that makes lots of sense then
  • 4 1
 Rumors...http://morewoodbikes.blogspot.com/2011/12/hutchinson-unitedride-team-rumors.html
  • 7 3
 silly Athertons. The GT are disgusting bikes.
  • 1 0
 www.bikerumor.com/2011/06/24/2012-gt-bicycles-zaskar-100-and-29er-hardtail-fury-alloy-dh-and-26-bmx-throwbacks

Wouldn't mind the 2012 fury myself ...or Rachel to myself come to think of it!
  • 1 1
 the athertons had the choice of mic or marc and they went with marc, for a reason. Mic Hannah is a badass but, he is only good for a couple bangers here and there on whatever team he rides for. last time i could even cosider calling him sic mic was when he was back on haro... he was on point and the fire was in his eyes! He was awsome in practice in south africa but, the crash he had was enough to ruin his game... he just isnt as young as he used to be, it happens to the best of them. slugger wasnt just kept around cuz he rides for GT already... he was kept around cuz he is still getting better and has alot to offer as the seasons go on. Forgive my ramble Wink PS. Rachel is getting more and more hot as time rolls on! move over jill! lol
  • 1 1
 GT will never be back on the map! Maybe Target will carry the life size images of the Atherton family and on top it should say Sell Out's! The Ahtertons are good but not good enough to think they could make true biker's to want a GT bike. GT is and all ways will be a cheesy Big Box bike company with cheesy archaic bikes!
  • 1 0
 The Atherton´s want fast bikes that can and will win them races.
And now they have got a very light, strong and a f... fast bike!
  • 2 1
 Worse kept secret in the sport however it will be a interesting start to the season with all the riders that have swapped teams, let the season commence !
  • 4 2
 The Athertons will always be The Athertons. No matter what Bike Company they're with. And Marc, he's a great guy i think.
  • 2 1
 What about suspension and component sponsors? Wasn't GT a RockShox/Sram team and Atherton Racing has been one of the primary Fox teams.
  • 1 0
 athertons are still on all their usual components. im interested in whether mark will be changing anything considering how he was put on blackbox not too long ago
  • 6 2
 rachel is hot.
  • 3 0
 very hot!
  • 3 2
 Snaggletooth...
  • 2 1
 Damn..realy seldom to see such a beautiful Pic of Rachel! And yeah, stoked for the upcomin´ Season..Someone check the Racetrack in Hafjell..Supreme!
  • 4 1
 Wow , Rach is looking seriously HOT!
  • 1 0
 Thank God we can all breathe now. I couldn't live without knowing what bicycle company the Athertons are racing for. WGAF.com
  • 3 0
 So an upcoming VOD needs to be a GT/Atherton edit...just sayin'
  • 2 1
 I hope Team HANNAH come out and kick GT's ass!!!! I think Tracey Hannah will kick Rachel's this year she is riding awesome on the Aussie tour!!!!
  • 1 0
 Barring a return of Ann Caro, Tracey will dominate the women.
  • 1 0
 It's wierd it was almost like their name was trademarked with Commencal, it will be strange for me to see them on GT's. I'm not a big GT fan to begin with.
  • 1 0
 ayone else notice in the top picture you cant physically see marc lower harf? cant wait to see these all out on the circuit though
  • 1 0
 Rachael said bring tha muphukin gt ruckus. Then gee said ehh bloke bring me a cheereo and crumpets and a 1997 gt lobo carbon mate.
  • 3 1
 Weeeell I guess everyone kinda knew anyway, but awesome!! Can't wait for the 2012 WC season
  • 2 0
 Rad team... interesting rumour of GT selling to sportchek like ironhorse did....
  • 1 0
 Jamis has been for two years now without any problems, Sportschek has basically given up trying to compete with LBS's and doesn't bother carrying bikes over a thousand dollars.
  • 1 0
 Best of luck yo the Athertons, GT needed to do something, after their blunder of axing Brian Lopes, Jill Kitner, and Bryn, her wonder boy, they haven't had that much luck.
  • 3 1
 now what will commencal do
  • 4 1
 Continue to sponsor team Riding Addiction Commencal i guess, they'll still have a WC presence although it won't be as big.
  • 6 1
 They'll be fine, word on the street is they've signed Ant Preston....
  • 2 0
 Marc looks like a lost puppy haha
  • 1 0
 @eastofski.....not heard of him before, is he rapid as f*ck?
  • 1 0
 appaz
  • 2 0
 definetely didnt see this coming..
  • 1 0
 What the F! I love the Athertons, but what about Commencal? I can't imagine them on a GT bike. Good luck Athertons
  • 4 2
 5 dollar says marc taps rachel HAHA
  • 1 0
 Will they still be riding for Fox and shimano? or all thoes other sponsors the GT team ride for now...|?
  • 1 0
 Still fox and shimano only thing that changes is the frame. (and clothing and the fact that beaumont is there Wink )
  • 2 0
 holy shit 2012 is going to be insaneeee!!!
  • 1 0
 nooooooo why go from Commencal to GT why oh why! Good luck the Athertons Smile
  • 3 1
 he has only joined the team to get with rachel haha
  • 2 0
 So does anyone know where sick mick has gone ?
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to see how they ride on a different bike. Hope the atherton project will still continue...
  • 1 0
 Gee is wearing a ONE INDUSTRIES sweatshirt and dan has the ONE INDUSTRIES hat.
  • 2 0
 Gee has a young Ben Stiller look to him. Odd I know. Rachel's hot!
  • 2 0
 He better leave Rachel alone.
  • 2 1
 i cant see them doing well at all with the low spec rigs on the gt website unless theres something special for them...
  • 2 0
 OMG this team is going to dominate [bar team trek]
  • 2 0
 YES
  • 3 1
 mark beaumont-atherton?
  • 1 0
 rachel atherton-beaumont Wink
  • 3 2
 Why Athertons ... why ? But anyway best of luck to you all Smile
  • 2 1
 Not much of a GT fan actually... shooooo.
  • 2 1
 One industries is the appearal sponsor
  • 2 1
 I can't help but laugh a little at Rachel mean muggin with that hat on
  • 2 1
 Jesus, these guys looks way too serious. Where's my jovial family?
  • 2 1
 Ok,Mark is a Family guy now but Where's Mick?
  • 3 1
 What about sick Mick ?
  • 2 1
 Its still not the same Atherton+Commebcial=3
  • 2 1
 I've never seen Dan with a hat before! 2012 is gonna be rad for GT.
  • 2 0
 what a stupid comment ?
  • 1 0
 Not much more stupid than other ones in here?
  • 1 0
 ALL THE BEST TO ALL HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT 2012 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Good luck this coming season guys and gal.
  • 1 0
 Gee atheton brug for at komme stoaked
  • 1 0
 i kinda figured that the would go with gt .
  • 1 0
 has dan's sponsorship with redbull stopped ?
  • 2 0
 he never had one
  • 1 0
 exactely, he never had one, his recovery was just sponsored by redbull, I guess the athertons have a good link to those swiss guys.
  • 1 0
 what a woman *less than three*
  • 3 1
 rachel is so hot :O
  • 1 0
 Can't call them the Athertons then Frown what's happened to Commencal?
  • 1 0
 thats great for GT & the Athertons
  • 1 0
 Atherton's to be wearing DNA clothing?
Rad
  • 1 0
 raychel atherton is BARE KITTEN
  • 1 0
 Marc is so out of place haha
  • 1 0
 i did say the athertons were gong to GT at the end of last summer.... haha
  • 1 0
 yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 why is this just know hitting pinkbike ive known this for awhile
  • 1 0
 The athertons on a different bike will be really weird
  • 1 0
 nice, but the Atherthons looked better on Commencal, i think
  • 1 0
 Rachel looks really beautiful on these pictures.
  • 1 0
 Below threshold comments from on-topic civilians keep it constructive.
  • 1 0
 Marc "forever alone" Beaumont Razz
  • 2 1
 Feel slightly sorry for Mark :'( apart from that good move!
  • 1 0
 still riding shimano - fox or all sram then?
  • 1 0
 shimano fox.
  • 2 1
 Marc's smile looks so forced in the photo of the 4 of them!
  • 2 0
 Sik Mic?
  • 1 0
 Whats going on with commencal? No more athertons and yannick Granieri...
  • 1 0
 wow so many exciting changes in 2012! Smile
  • 2 1
 Sick
  • 1 1
 Marc looks tiny, rachel is taller than him!
  • 1 1
 look at their feet in the picture, it looks like marc is standing next to a platform that rachel is standing on.
  • 1 1
 Rachel's not that short. She's about 5'8" or so. She just looks tiny next to Gee and Dan.
  • 1 1
 Commencal -> GT, Animal-> O'Neal?
  • 3 1
 There's ONE other option for clothing..
  • 1 1
 well Dan already has a One industries cap on so bit of a give away there!
  • 3 1
 and gee's hoody and t shirt, and rachels t shirt..
  • 1 1
 You are right. I had mistaken logos : P
  • 1 0
 were they riding one industries last year?
  • 1 0
 nah, animal. not as as major a sponsor as they used to but they still ran their kit
  • 2 1
 :/ why?
  • 2 2
 rrrrrrooooooaaaahhhrrrrrr... chunnt das äch guet?
  • 2 1
 rrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrr! youflungdung!
  • 2 2
 athertons could try and look happy in the photos if they liked
  • 2 1
 worst idea.
  • 1 1
 I wished Mark had joined commencal!
  • 1 0
 cool Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Rachel be lookin' FINE!
  • 1 0
 what about sickmick
  • 1 1
 Jeeeez they sure like the word progressive
  • 1 0
 poor athertons.... xD
  • 1 0
 Team GB.. I mean GT!
  • 1 2
 The new flannel dh kits they're sporting are BOMB! Function AND fashion.

jk... sup with the moody photo press release?
  • 1 1
 I always thought GT sucked... sorry just saying.
  • 1 1
 sweet!!
  • 2 2
 no no no oh dear.....
  • 4 5
 time to shop for a new GT Smile
  • 1 2
 GT śmierdzi ... DT he is stinking..... ;P
  • 1 1
 cheer up mark
  • 2 2
 Strong team !
  • 1 3
 Aww i kinda hoped that they would go for specialized.
  • 1 2
 Man face.
  • 1 0
 man arms
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.050711
Mobile Version of Website