Pioneer Scott Syncros - Team Introduction

It’s fair to say that ‘Enduro’ in all its forms has well and truly arrived in the UK. This new form of all-mountain, stage racing has gone from conception to having multiple, fully-formed race series’ almost overnight. Make what you want of the ‘Enduro’ tag but it’s quickly becoming the perfect evolution of mountain bike racing in a country that has an endless supply of trails and riders but lack of outright altitude.

It’s testament to the rapidly growing popularity of the sport that a company like Scott have decided to put their weight behind a dedicated team of up and coming Enduro riders. With factory support, heavy-duty sponsors, a sick bike and some serious skills they are aiming to both legitimise and dominate Enduro racing in the UK.

Scott UK is based in the northeast of England. Famous for little more than its bleak and rugged wilderness we have the kind of trails and conditions that builds resilient riders. It was on one such day in typical northern conditions that the new team met up for the first time at Hamsterley Forest, just a few days after both Helen and Lee won the elite categories on their first outing with new Genius LT.

The new team is officially titled Pioneer-Scott-Syncros and I’d like to introduce them.

LEE KERMODE

This north Yorkshire MX rider started competing in the Gravity Enduro Series in 2013 and it’s fair to say he made a big impression. Winning every round in the Masters’ category with times that would be bothering the Elites, Lee was awarded a trophy for ‘oustanding acheivment’ by Steve Parr the series organiser in recognition of his perfect season.


HELEN GASKELL

Helen has been a permanent fixture in UK mountain biking for well over a decade. This is Helen’s third year riding a Scott and she is no stranger to the top step of the podium. As well as competing anywhere and everywhere Helen runs her own coaching company making her both an experienced competitor and a valuable ambassador.


CAL DEW

2013 was also Cal’s first year of Enduro racing. He describes it as a learning curve with a few highlights. His personal favourite was finishing a very respectable 39th at the Megavalanche. Cal is fast, keen and can’t stop smiling.


THE BIKE- GENIUS LT 700 TUNED

Fully carbon frame. Custom tuned Fox suspension. Three way adjustable traction control. And just look at it! I'm a sucker for anything flat black, but with a frame that weighs 2450g and 27.5 wheels the Genius is as light and fast as it looks.

DAMON MANNING
An honourable mention here for the new team mechanic. Spannering at all Gravity Enduros and keeping everything running sweet.


On a typically damp and grimy weekday at a classic northern trail centre the team was itching to get kitted up and show what they could do. There's something about shiny, new kit that stokes the enthusiasm and the pace was rapid.













By the time you read this the team will be on their way to Ae Forest for round 1 of the Gravity Enduro and from the look of it, you won't be able to miss them. Don't be surprised if they go home with a lot of points. You can follow their progress using the tag #scott2luvit

Good luck for the team and all of there competitors in 2014. This year is going to be massive.

-Tom Harrison