GIANT AND PEARL IZUMI POWER UP FOR 2003 RACING SEASON

(Newbury Park, CA) - - Giant Bicycles, the leading global producer of performance bicycles, and Pearl Izumi, with over 50 years of setting the standard in performance apparel, have teamed up to create the Giant/Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Team.This years downhill phenom, Dustin Adams, 25, of Canada, returns to the 2003 racing program after finishing third overall in last year s NORBA Series and repeating as Canadian National Champion. "I'm pumped to be back on Giant Bikes for '03," states Adams, "and am looking forward to working with the awesome new talent that is being brought to the team." Dustin was awarded the "Comeback Of The Year" by VeloNews for his top finishes at the NORBA, World Cup and World Championship races in the 2002 season.

Joining Adams are two of the sport s most dynamic descenders. Rising star Jared Rando, 21, of Australia, who finished fourth in the NORBA Series, will give the Giant/Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Team a one-two punch on the men s circuit of the NORBA and North American World Cup Downhill and MountainCross events. They are also expected to represent their home countries at the 2003 World Championships in Switzerland.

Joining the team on the women s North American MountainCross and Downhill circuit will be 2002 Dual Slalom national champion Tara Llanes. Tara is a top finisher in NORBA, X-Games and World Cup competition, and has built a huge fan base due to her charming personality and mainstream media exposure. She was a commentator for the last Winter Olympics on ATTWireless.com, has been a featured actor in Subaru commercials with Martina Navratilova, and was profiled in an issue of Maxim magazine last year.

Rounding out the Giant/Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Team will be Cross-Country and Cyclocross star Adam Craig. Rising from the ranks of the Devo development squad, Craig is the current and two-time U-23 (Under 23) National Cross-Country Champion. He is also the U-23 Cyclocross Champion and will be defending his title on December 15th at the Domain Chandon Winery in Napa, California aboard a Giant TCX Cyclocross frame.

Frank Trotter will return as Team Manager, and Matt Duniho will return as Lead Mechanic for the Giant/Pearl Izumi Racing Team.

Team co-sponsors include Pearl Izumi Race and Casual Clothing and Shoes, Manitou Suspension, Race Face Components, Hayes Brakes, Mavic, Balance Bar, DT Swiss, Giro Helmets, 661 Protective Gear, Michelin Tires, Titec Components, WTB, Park Tools, Innovations, Finish Line Lubes, and Cycleops.