Trek World Racing Adds Three New Riders to Team Roster

Jan 21, 2013 at 0:05

Jan 21, 2013

by Matt Wragg

Trek World Racing is excited to announce its much anticipated line-up for the 2013 race season, a roster which sees a mixture of race winners, World Cup podium riders as well as up-and-coming talent. All the riders selected for the program have the same philosophy and clearly have youth, talent and massive potential as key ingredients.

Headlining the team line-up is the Kiwi duo of Brook MacDonald (pictured above right) and George Brannigan (pictured above left). Brook MacDonald is the 2009 Junior World Champion and has recently scored his first World Cup win at 2012s Round 6 in Val d'Isere, France, bringing his World Cup podium tally to 4 so far. George had his first taste of the World Cup podium when he finished 2nd at Round 7 last year in Hafjell, Norway, just missing the win by 0.4sec. His current UCI world ranking of #9 is a testament to his 2012 season of consistent results.

These two riders join American Neko Mulally (pictured below right) who enters his 4th year with the program, and his 2nd as an Elite rider. Last year was his most successful to date seeing him break into the World Cup top 15 and knocking on the door of the top 10. Even though Neko is still the youngest rider on the program, turning 20 next month, he carries a wealth of experience for his age as he enters the new season.

Making his debut onto a pro-team ride is Scottish talent Greg Williamson (pictured below left) who has impressed a number people with his recent results, most notably a number of top 20 World Cup placings despite very little support. His 15th in Hafjell after qualifying 19th, and a 17th in Fort William, shows he has strength on different styles of tracks and can earn points for his team.

Brook MacDonald says: "Being on Trek World Racing represents a fresh start for me and Im looking forward to all the new things Ill experience. Im really excited to be joining this team for the next 3 seasons and working with my new team mates and new bikes. The combination of the Session 9.9 with Fox Shox and Shimano has been pretty lethal the last 2 seasons!"

The morning didn t go perfectly for many who succumbed to the mud. George Brannigan went down in the very first corner he wasn t along on this and had to struggle through muddy gloves muddy goggles and twisted levers the rest of this run. All this after having to make his own backplate up top after it was forgotten. Hopefully tomorrow goes better for Clifford.

George Brannigan at Leogang last year.

George says: "I'm so excited to be a part of Trek World Racing. This feels like the opportunity I need to improve my results and still be consistent. I know any team run by 23 Degrees has produced real talent and I want to make the most of this opportunity to get where I want to be. The group of team mates will be great and Im sure the support will be top notch. I cant wait for this season!"

Greg says: "For me, joining Trek World Racing is a dream come true. Ive been working hard for a long time to get onto a professional team like this. The roster this year is awesome, theyre all hard workers and dont do anything half-heartedly, so Im really looking forward to learning a few things and stoked to get back racing."

The four full time downhill riders will be joining Justin Leov (NZL) who we recently announced as our Enduro rider. Justin will be doing selected downhill events as well as acting as a mentor to the team. At 28 years of age, 10 years on the World Cup circuit and entering his 5th year with our program, Justin is the perfect role model for the other 4 riders.

Brook Macdonald went down hard again today in qualies. Yesterday he rolled around the pits with people asking what was all over his arm.. oh that It s just blood. The Bulldog is a tough kid.

Brook Macdonald at Leogang 2012

The team is proud to confirm the following sponsors who have committed to the program and the new line-up. Shimano (Brakes and Drive Train), Fox Racing Shox (Suspension), JBL by Harman (Sound Systems), Bontrager (Tires and Wheels), Royal Racing (Competition and Casual Clothing), Seven (Body Protection), FUNN (Handlebars/Stems), MRP (Chain Guides), DT Swiss (Hubs), SDG Components (Seats and Seat Posts), SRM (Power Measurement), Motorex (Lubricants and Cleaning Products), Ryno Power (Sports Nutrition), ODI (Grips), Cane Creek (Headsets) and Alpinestars (Team Baggage).

The team was recently informed by the UCI that it had successfully completed the registration process for 2013, and will be informed on February 7 whether it has been awarded one of the 15 Elite Team spots, something we are quite confident of achieving with our current roster.

The team website currently has the profiles of all 5 riders in the Downhill section of the site. In the coming weeks well be updating the site with a new Enduro section.

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100 Comments

Score Time Who Faved

+ 127

artbarn (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:38)

Three for the price of one...!

+ 20

Icculus19425 (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:00)

glad to see Fox and Shimano stay on with Trek. This makes me think Gwin will have SRAM support this year

Angryham (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:05)

Yay well done George, hopefully you can make up for Gwin's disappearance Wink

+ 34

EllioMoose (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:11)

Gwin has confirmed he will be riding with Shimano components.

+ 19

shrockie (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:02)

I've used SRAM for years, until getting a new bike with 2012/13 Shimano XT two months ago. I'm really impressed with a number of things, the "double click" , Push or Pull to downshift is rad... Shifting two gears at a time is really nice and gets through gears fast. Which is good, because there's a lot of them these days.. And, you can Up-Shift 4 gears in one pass.. Toss on silent running 'shadow plus' (one way directional clutch) on the rear mech and it's a really sweet set up.. fast, clean, crisp, silent..

The ICE tec brakes are more powerful with smaller rotors too.. Well done Shimano. I've seen the light.
( I prefer the way the avid brake levers feel on my fingers though, but I think I'll adjust.. )

- 29

nissmo127 (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:34) (Below Threshold) show comment

shrockie..thanks for the Shimano advertisement...Just because they have the biggest ad budget does not necessarily mean the are the best. Someone drank the koolaid

randybadger (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:47)

I personally prefer the reasuring "my first shifter" feel of an x9 impulse, i find the clicks on the shimano a bit weak and my big fat thumbs find it too easy to crash through the gears too quick

Gweggy (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:57)

Troy has been posting about his Sram stuff a lot on twitter lately, I don't think he'll change sponsors, and as he an Gwin will be on the same team, I guess Gwin will be riding Sram. I've heard about team mates having different clothing sponsors, etc. but not about having different components!

scriz (Jan 21, 2013 at 13:41)

Ya, AG said he's basically put his own program together w/ all California based companies...Shimano America, TLD, Fox suspension, and Red Bull are in southern cal as well, so I'd bet on that combo.

StuLax18 (Jan 21, 2013 at 15:31)

Fox clothing is in SoCal, suspension is in NorCal. Good to see Fox sticking around, good people there.

z05m (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:41)

This is a very serious team to watch out for. TWR really went all out here and they could be the GT of last year by winning the most podiums. As I said before, this year is going to be full of surprises. I can't wait.

rattpoison (Jan 21, 2013 at 18:27)

I'm a SRAM fan that has gone Shimano, as well! The double upshift is a godsend.. I hate clicking the trigger like a mad man when starting from a starting gate into a downhill. There is no denying that Shimano brakes feel better than Elixirs(even after you bleed 'em from the factory).

nissmo127 (Jan 21, 2013 at 18:47)

I am a Shimano fan who just does not drink the koolaid. Sure they have some good products but they are not all some try to hype them up to be! I run both SRAM and Shimano but for brakes there is no denying the Fact that Formula Brakes feel better then them all! Also add that there new generation brakes do not have the reliability of there old ones we have a stack of Shimano warranty brakes right now that is reminiscent of our old Avid warranty return pile. Alright go ahead and negative prop me all you want.

p3borick (Jan 21, 2013 at 19:43)

@nissmo127 formula brakes are way too over priced though.

nissmo127 (Jan 21, 2013 at 21:04)

@ p3borick
Saints or XTR's aren't???
Because of margin differences I can say there is approx $12.00 dollars difference between the cost T1 and a Saint M820 and $29 more for the RO yes the Formulas do cost a little more.
However If you run Ice Tech rotors plan on $20 to $60 (each) more then a standard rotor and when it comes time to change your pads plan to pay at least $20 (each) more for the Shimano Ice tech pads.
On the brake Dyno nothing measured better then the RO and my butt dyno confirms this have yet to see a data on the new saints but my butt dyno still thinks the RO's feel stronger.
I have the R1/RX hybrid, T1 and RO on my personal bikes I could get the Shimano's for way less but I choose to buy Formula

EllioMoose (Jan 21, 2013 at 21:54)

There is definitely some truth in there ^

As a genuine question, how do Magura brakes compare in terms of reliability, power, and feel?

[Reply]

+ 45

Patrick9-32 (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:41)

This looks like it could be a blessing in disguise for Trek. This looks to be a strong team line-up not and all your eggos in one toaster situation.

+ 13

mnorris122 (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:00)

LOL, that was a good analogy....

+ 11

shrockie (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:04)

Mmmmm. waffles.

dirtshifter (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:35)

Yeah, why have one eggo when you can have Fish & Chips & Beer!

hypermoto (Jan 21, 2013 at 13:57)

LEGGO!

[Reply]

+ 33

jamie-meaden (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:55)

im gay

+ 43

stevocxt (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:02)

Go an tell your mum, not us! Smile

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+ 16

flowiwi (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:47)

Glad to see Greg joining such a professional team, he's an incredible talent. Does anyone know about Seven protection ?

dusse123 Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:24)

Ive never heard of it

betsie Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:44)

Yeh, big well done to Greg, the boy has so much talent, fastest speed trap at the last round was no fluke, he is pinned.

jason745 (Feb 21, 2013 at 16:22)

Royal Racing's new line of protection.

www.7protection.com

[Reply]

+ 16

conorjm10 (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:41)

Looking forward to seeing the bulldog on a big team like TWR ...

[Reply]

+ 12

flowiwi (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:12)

PLEASE SOMEONE SIGNS BERNARD KERR!!!

[Reply]

+ 11

FreeriderEvzz (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:44)

Haha brooks bike on the bottom picture looks so small

+ 11

JDFF (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:13)

It just lookks small compared to all the 27.5 and 29" reviews/photos that we have been seeing lately.

deeeight Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:44)

Well he should be looking forward to the Session 650B then.

WAKIdesigns (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:44) (Below Threshold) show comment

deeeight - buahaah, is there anyone here who you haven't stuffed with 650B info yet? And if your latest red contraption is the base for all your praise for that wheel size, then you need to either grow up or get more money for something that can 1.be actualy compared to current bikes 2.impress an average internet warrior. You might want to get some pics of yourself doing it to back up your skills gained during lifetime experience as MTBer - no one to ride with?

Unfortunately being mountain biker is not being a wine bottle - you don't get better just by being one as the time passes.

+ 11

deeeight Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:48)

Must be nice to live in this fantasy world where you get to be the one telling others how terrible they are, when you're the one racing around the site being a whiny baby the most. Really... if your goal was to make protour seem reasonable and somewhat balanced in the head... you've succeeded.

zorba73 (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:24)

Waki & deeeight up a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G

groghunter (Jan 21, 2013 at 20:13)

"Really... if your goal was to make protour seem reasonable and somewhat balanced in the head... you've succeeded."

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.

[Reply]

+ 10

MotherHucker1 (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:55)

Yessss Greg!!

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+ 10

renevw24 Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:13)

Yeah NZ!!

[Reply]

bretttippie (Jan 21, 2013 at 23:06)

Bulldog Brook FTW!!! Love that guy!!! Watched his winning WC run last year with Wade and a bunch of mechanics on the computer in the Blue Mountain, Ont. bike shop all screaming at the screen together and high fivin' as he shredded his way to the bottom. He's gonna rock it with solid support.

Number29 (Jan 22, 2013 at 12:54)

Fully, now hes on a English speaking team with fun people, he will be well on form

[Reply]

steve-815 (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:18)

I hope the JBL by Harman sound sponsors will attach a boom box to the bikes such as this: www.geekologie.com/2008/08/18/bike-system-4.jpg

[Reply]

spannersandhammers (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:41)

What has Gwin left Trek when did this happen ?

deeeight Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:49) (Below Threshold) show comment

Were you on internetless vacation? It was all over the bike media ten days ago.

spannersandhammers (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:59)

sorry mate i was being sarcastic ,got out of bed the wrong side this morning

groghunter (Jan 21, 2013 at 20:14)

If you're being sarcastic, you have to do it like: WHHAAAAATTT?!

[Reply]

jitenshakun (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:50)

I sure do hope there aren't any letters of intent with Brook's name on them out there.

[Reply]

mtbniall (Jan 21, 2013 at 12:49)

The New Zealanders are taking over.

iamamodel (Jan 21, 2013 at 18:34)

Hopefully. And I'm talking about depth here... where half the top ten all come from the one country. One country continually standing on the top step but the second compratriate coming fifteenth is not depth. The Americans had their turn, then the French, then the Aussies, then the Brits, and now it's NZ's turn. Looks like a gradual decrimentation of the brashness scale.

Protour (Jan 21, 2013 at 20:32)

The British by far still have the most depth in DH, France is 2nd, NZ & Australia are in a pretty close battle for 3rd. But it's been awhile since a Brit or Frenchman stood on top of amens DH World Cup podium, because of the dom inance of Gwin and Minnar.

finnrambo (Jan 21, 2013 at 20:46)

danny hart 2011 world champ...? idk about french being second, they're easily first in enduro tho

Number29 (Jan 22, 2013 at 12:56)

who gives a f*ck let them sort out who 1st 2nd & 3rd on the race track not some dicky forum rant.. Go Bulldog

[Reply]

matthewmac168 (Jan 21, 2013 at 12:32)

Yesssss Greg, Im being coached by Greg atm and he is a pinner, so motivated and great to see he is finally up there with a big team, he deserves nothing less Smile

All the best to all three of the riders, this season is just getting better and better, cant wait for the world cups to start !!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

betsie Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:47)

Well done to Greg, the boy trains and rides hard and has loads to give. The more he settles in to the WC scene the better he will get, he just keeps getting faster.

[Reply]

tomoostv (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:42)

wow, I was expecting either Brook or George, not both. Trek still a powerhouse at the WC

[Reply]

finnrambo (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:08)

"Trek World Racing is excited to announce its much anticipated line-up for the 2013 race season" oh I bet you are TWR, I bet you are. Still a very solid lineup and I'd rather watch the whole teams ups and downs instead of just gwin dominating everything almost constantly.

[Reply]

tlilly (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:41)

Nice work Trek! Solid trio.

[Reply]

badbadleroybrown (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:05)

Whoa... SRM is listed as a sponsor under power managment? Looks like there's going to be some competition for the SRAM/Quarq power meter cranks we saw from Heart's bike. I wonder if this is a sign we'll be seeing some more power meter equipped cranks coming to the mountain market soon.

finnrambo (Jan 21, 2013 at 19:37)

but why? maybe I'm missing something but dh is about staying on your lines and keeping off the brakes as much as possible, the sprint does count but not enough for power meter training to be needed I don't think...

badbadleroybrown (Jan 21, 2013 at 19:42)

Yeah... I agree. Cool tech but not overly useful IMO.

finnrambo (Jan 21, 2013 at 20:44)

if they have a 4x/bmx team it could be useful... idk maybe justin leov could use it for enduro

[Reply]

freedomridingmonster (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:40)

Hahaha value

[Reply]

sexley (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:28)

They need a lady on the DH team to round things off...

finnrambo (Jan 21, 2013 at 19:39)

agreed, the womens side of the sport can always use more publicity and money, and I'm sure there's a few good riders missing contracts this year

[Reply]

kinglingping (Jan 21, 2013 at 14:36)

Nice Devinci pic on a trek announcement. Go Canada

[Reply]

Donnydirt (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:40)

I see good things ahead here.

rockin-itis (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:41)

agreed.

[Reply]

danhillracer (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:15)

That picture of George is prity steep!

[Reply]

rockin-itis (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:08)

Awesome race year ahead. All of these moves can only mean a much more interesting season. Trek has really gotten hold of some solid talent here I'd say.

[Reply]

DannyJB (Jan 21, 2013 at 13:25)

With it being a press release I'd have thought they'd have done a better job at photoshopping the two riders togther in the first picture haha

[Reply]

bikerdude171 (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:44)

Greg Williamson riding for trek now hopefully he will win a world cup this year

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SHWAGZ (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:24)

Glad to see Bulldog will be running for TWR, hopefully he can keep it upright and lay down some more winning runs!

Number29 (Jan 22, 2013 at 12:57)

TWR will supply top quality dog biscuits for bulldog

[Reply]

drop20 (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:18)

So cool to see that they have a great team! We wish you the best for this year of riding!

[Reply]

Outdoorjunkie (Jan 24, 2013 at 13:02)

Nice one Greg. Totally stoked for you. Great to see a local lad do so well.

[Reply]

alazamanza (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:02)

twr fans just had a massive sigh of relief, they've found some decent riders!!

[Reply]

downhill-dj (Jan 21, 2013 at 19:45)

www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=553302300

Thats way this is for sale.

Number29 (Jan 22, 2013 at 13:00)

deals, i saw someone in Christchurch port hills DH riding Justin Leov's old trek

[Reply]

djcrossmax (Jan 24, 2013 at 20:16)

Go Brook! Please rip Gwin a new one for 2013. The Trek Session is lethal please remind Gwin the Demo ain't his bitch.

[Reply]

GloryRider01 (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:15)

isn´t the pic of brook at hafjel and not leogang?! Wink

Sverker (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:52)

I agree, that looks a lot like the rockgarden in Hafjell Smile

[Reply]

novocaine Plus (Jan 21, 2013 at 8:41)

What a fast move.

[Reply]

madhabits (Jan 21, 2013 at 10:15)

Going to be a sick seeing these guys in fort bill this year.

[Reply]

mtbtacolover (Jan 21, 2013 at 15:48)

looks like a solid team. They should definitely be competitive this year, cant wait to watch the races!

[Reply]

bootlegpegasus (Jan 22, 2013 at 14:00)

Who's gonna be on Mondraker this season then?

[Reply]

x6thgearwideopen (Jan 21, 2013 at 17:45)

Neko has tons of talent! I hope he can work his way into top 10 this year.

[Reply]

gavlaa (Jan 23, 2013 at 2:31)

Where's Gwin? Have I missed something? Ha ha

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timrippeth (Jan 25, 2013 at 20:38)

Strong lineup TWR. Nice work. Should be a solid season.

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ali-chapple (Jan 21, 2013 at 14:47)

Yeah Greg!!!!

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Garrethdavis (Jan 21, 2013 at 15:07)

Sick! This is great news!

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Sidge (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:59)

Is monk still going to be a TWR mechanic I wonder ?

wallheater (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:26)

Does it matter? I know a world cup mech who couldn't even build a wheel a couple of years before getting his gig. Something's broken? Bolt on a new one! Job done.

Sidge (Jan 21, 2013 at 13:20)

I know it's an easy job bolting on new parts as you say, I am waiting for them to announce either monk has left or followed the ginger to the big S, as TWR were pissed the monk didn't change the saint brake that was damaged Pre worlds run, that in there opinion cost them and ginger the rainbow stripes.

[Reply]

Jamessquarestuff (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:09)

what mudguards??

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ElVenezuelan (Jan 21, 2013 at 9:04)

That is a really solid team. Brook its going to be good on that Session 9.9 - Good luck TWR !!!!!!

[Reply]

motoman2100 (Jan 21, 2013 at 11:29)

Ohhh F*** YA!

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enorbz (Jan 21, 2013 at 13:14)

There hurting for people haha

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WAKIdesigns (Jan 21, 2013 at 12:31)

Brook has a great future ahead of him, he is the first man to touch Peaty after he won World Champs

Number29 (Jan 22, 2013 at 13:00)

ya what mate?

timrippeth (Jan 25, 2013 at 20:36)

Huh?

WAKIdesigns (Jan 25, 2013 at 22:49)

Nothing, I just remembered after watching WChamps in Canberra that Brook was the first guy to hug Peaty after Greg crossed the line 0.05 behind. I connected that to a i aginary blessing touch of a God of DH to give him luck to win in the future, and found all of that funny. If not you I would be still laughing!

[Reply]