Words: Lars Sternberg, Transition Factory Racing GM
Introducing Transition Factory Racing World Cup Downhill Race and Development Program
We are beyond stoked to announce the Transition Factory Racing UCI DHI team. Transition Bikes, SRAM / Rockshox, One Up Components, ION, SMITH, Crankbrothers, Maxxis, Mutt Society, Mountain Creek Bike Park, SDG, Unior Tools, and Cushcore have teamed up to create the perfect collection of riders, partners, and equipment to tackle the pinnacle of downhill racing.
Jorge Gomes
A Northeastern racing team manager and staple on the US circuit as owner of ProBuilds Racing. Jorge is as passionate as it gets, always ready to help a racer in need, and as determined as they come. Jorge fulfilled mechanic and management roles for Valentina in 2022, and is looking forward to taking the team to bigger things in the future.
Rachel Baxter
The logistics specialist. Rachel is the yang to Jorge’s ying. Mirroring Jorges passion, Rachel keeps things on track, organized and operating smoothly. While Jorge is out wrangling the riders, Rachel keeps the team pits calm, cool and collected. She is critical to the daily team operations.
Race ready TR11
This program has been in the works for over a year and a half. The concept really started to take shape as Valentina progressed through her 2022 season when she, Jorge, and Rachel attacked her first year in the Jr category as a small but effective program. After achieving national Colombian elite DH and Enduro titles, a 5th in Snowshoe, a 4th at Mont Sainte Anne, and a 3rd at World Championships, we knew it was time to take things to the next level. The Transition Factory Racing team is a development and elite level platform for racers to grow and flourish in a fun encouraging environment.
In parallel, Transition has had 3 immensely talented younger riders in our local periphery. Taylor, Matilda, and Aletha have had aspirations of racing World Cup DH for years. Having honed their craft for the past few seasons successfully growing up racing North American DH and Enduro seasons, the thought of including them in the journey only stoked the fire.
Last but certainly not least, Tristan came into our world at the perfect time. Having spent the past few seasons learning from one of the most elite teams on the circuit, and showing signs of tremendous talent and leadership, we knew he was the perfect choice to step into a leadership elite rider position.
Transition has a heritage of developing young riders and talent, and Transition Factory Racing is the next step in the evolution of this ethos. The main goal of the program is to provide a pathway for young aspiring athletes to achieve their dreams, and to not lose sight of why we all ride mountain bikes in the first place; because it is a lot of fun!
We hope you will join us on this journey, it's going to be an incredible ride.
A massive thanks to all of our amazing partners - Transition Bikes, SRAM / Rockshox, One Up Components, ION, SMITH, Crankbrothers, Maxxis, Mutt Society, Mountain Creek Bike Park, SDG, Unior Tools and Cushcore. We wouldn’t be here without you.
We're excited to see what TFR accomplishes this year. To stay up to date with what the team gets into this season, checkout their Instagram page
here!
Photographers Jack Rice, Steve LaBonte along with Chris Gilbert from Eastern States Cup suggested I get in touch with you. I didn't know anything about you, but I reached out and told me a little bit of your story I knew I had to get an interview. I am so happy I did, because now I have another team to root for this season!!! I can't wait to see the well earned results.
If anyone wants to see my interview with Jorge please go check it out youtu.be/pupQx0iZWd4
All the best, BostonDonMTB
Another long name
But the chances he's getting in this is just absolutely AMAZING !!!! Katy and all the sponsors are just fantastic and with teams like this one above, the Madison Saracen team etc.. it's just fantastic that companies are developing and helping talented kids.
What you don't see is what goes on behind the scenes in terms of coaching, media training, personal development, these kids/teams don't just get given bikes, they're given chances to grow as humans as well... It's honestly a fabulous thing to be involved in.
Where is this North American Circuit they speak of?
I’m quite disappointed that OG didn’t get an official title or spot in this announcement too though. C’mon Transition-he’s quite the MVP too.
They are simple but perform well.