The
Trek Factory Racing team are pleased to welcome an Elite
rider with enormous potential – 19 year old Brit
Charlie Hatton.
Charlie’s 2017
was packed with great performances; two National wins, the overall British
Downhill Series title and three World Cup top 20 results, the highlight 11th place at
the World Cup Finals where he was just tenths of seconds off the top ten.
Team
Director Dan Brown said “ We’ve been keeping a close eye on
Charlie since he was a Youth rider and his performance last year was one of the
breakthroughs of the 2017 season. It’s exciting to be heading into
the season with such a strong roster”.
Charlie
Hatton “I’m stoked to be joining one of the very best teams out there.
Growing up I used to always see the team on films and now it’s crazy to think
I’ll be riding with them, I can’t wait for the season to kick off.”
Charlie
will join Gee, Rachel and Junior Kade Edwards on board
the Trek Sessions as the team sets its sights on regaining the title
of “World’s Fastest Downhill team” which they held for both 2012 and
2013.
Kade
said “I can’t wait to go racing. Last year’s podiums
were Ok, a start, but I want to win… it’s gunna
be a hell of a year with some good people.”
Gee
Atherton said “Having Charlie on board with us is going to
be awesome, we’ve already got to know him pretty well and I think
he’ll be a massive asset to the team. Personally I’m coming in
the strongest I have for some years, not having to rehab this past off season
has allowed me much more bike time which means I’m feeling
super comfortable on the Session”
Eldest
sibling Dan Atherton will continue to hold a pivotal role guiding the
team. Dan will concentrate on progressing mountain-biking in the UK
through his work on Dyfi Bike Park, designing the fifth Red
Bull Hardline and mentoring the Atherton Academy which continues to
support young riders including Mille Johnset and Luke Williamson.
There
are some significant changes to the team’s equipment line up for
2018 with Endura supplying apparel,
Hope Technology moving up to be the key component
supplier and Renthal supplying bars, grips and stems.
Dan
Atherton said “My life is all
about pushing boundaries, whether it's a day on the mountain digging or a day
on the bikes. With Endura on board it's good to know I have a company behind me
that is willing to push as hard as I am. We are all stoked to be working with a
company whose products can stand up to our lifestyle! “
Pamela Barclay, Endura’s Brand
Director said “Dan, Gee and Rachel offer something more and embody
the Endura mantra of Renegade Progress. Sometimes, you have a hunch
that a group of people share your outlook on life, and we’ve always
liked the way that they go racing: with commitment and dedication, but an
unmistakable sense of fun. It already feels like a good fit.”
On
the bike, Barnoldswick based Hope Technologies become
lead component partner, they will supply everything from headsets to hubs
and brakes to seatposts.
Rachel
Atherton “First day on my new bike and it
feels amazing, I’m not renowned for liking change but when I jumped on the bike
yesterday for the first time since breaking my collarbone I felt totally at
home, the s
Head Technician
Joe Krejbich said “We’ve run Hope for many seasons but for
2018 that relationship has deepened so that we are finally representing them in
true fashion! It goes without saying that they have a fantastic reputation of
making great bombproof products.”
Rachael
Walker of Hope Technologies said “Hope have worked with
the Athertons for a long time, since 2012, with the supply of
seat clamps and headsets. Now that partnership will expand
to brakes, drivetrain components, carbon seat posts and hubs.
The Athertons have been at the peak of our sport for so
long, achieving what many other teams and riders can only aspire to. To
build on our relationship with Atherton Racing seems like a natural step.
Having some of the best riders in the world using what we feel are some of the
best components produced can only mean there are some exciting times ahead.”
Renthal will
provide bars, grips and stems, while chain devices will come from MRP and seats
from Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB).
Ian
Collins, Renthal’s Cycle Product Manager said “We’re super
excited to collaborate with Trek Factory Racing DH and
the Athertons. Renthal chooses to work with the very best riders
in the World and Trek Factory Racing DH has two distinct facets
which we can draw from. Gee, Rach and Dan are legends of the
sport, all still at the top of their game. Their depth of knowledge and racing
experience is vital. Added to this, Kade Edwards and Charlie Hatton are young,
exciting, up and coming riders, who are the next talent to push the sport
forwards. This is a great combination for Renthal to continue to
develop cutting edge product with ultimate reliability.”
In
other partnership news, long term supporters Silverline Tools, Red Bull,
Oakley. Fox, Muc-Off and Bell also remain in the mix.
Look
out for further news very shortly.
All Images credit: Moonhead Media and Endura
All Images credit: Moonhead Media and Endura
