Madison Saracen Factory Race Team Camp 2015 by SaracenBikes

Madison Saracen Factory Race Team 2015 - Winter Training

March saw the Madison Saracen Factory Race Team head out to Ponte Lima, Portugal for some winter sun and training ahead of the first British Downhill Series race at Ae Forest in just a few weeks time. With plenty of fine tuning of the equipment along with the opportunity to let loose on some dry, dusty trails, the team are confident heading into the new season and looking forward to getting stuck into racing once again.

Last year, Sam had three back-to-back top-10 finishes at World Cups and an 11th place at the World Champs. After a solid winter of training, Sam is set to get his teeth stuck into what will be his third season with Madison Saracen.

“I'm well ready for a bike race! I've had a great winter of training and testing. My new bike just loves going flat out; we have worked closely with our team sponsors to carry on improving all aspects of the set up and it really shows. I'm buzzing just thinking about the first outing. The time we spent in Spain and Portugal was great; living as a team helps push us all on and means we were on the doorstep to some of the best riding in Europe and good weather to enjoy it.” Sam Dale

Matt Simmonds finished the World Cup season with a second place in France, giving him a coveted top-10 overall finish with an impressive seventh place at the final standings. He’ll be looking to continue his great form into the new season.

“After working hard with our new coach Phil Dixon all winter, I'm hoping to build on the momentum I gained last year. I'm really excited to be part of Madison Saracen Factory Team for a second year and close collaboration with the Fox suspension guys and Continental means we've got the Myst feeling fast and ready to go.” Matt Simmonds

World Cup Champion, British Downhill Champion and World Champion; 2014 was a special year for Manon with more wins and titles than ever before. Rest assured Manon will be looking to repeat her success in 2015.

“Every year the team gets stronger and we all seem to be in a good place again, ready for the season. Bikes are great, kit looks great and I'm looking forward to seeing how fast these stripes can go!” Manon Carpenter

Team Manager - Will Longden

“Last year saw the team really step up and take on the best in the world. We set ourselves high expectations and went for it. I'm proud to say the riders carried that momentum into their winter training and everything is looking good. It's going to be another exciting year. Keeping the same key riders has meant we have all continued to improve as a unit and I'm delighted at the progress we have made bringing performance coach Phil Dixon into the team.

“Portugal training camp was a first outing on the new Saracen Myst team bikes. It was a great opportunity to carry on testing suspension and tyres and all-round set up after a winter of collaborating with all our sponsors who are an integral part of our success and improvement so far, along with everyone involved at Madison. The plan is to build on that once again as we go into 2015.”