Canyon Topeak Factory Racing Team Revealed
World Champ Alban Lakata (in rainbow jersey) will lead this XC/marathon focused team.
Canyon is expanding its commitment to working alongside the world’s best riders in 2018 with the establishment of Canyon Topeak Factory Racing. The XC/marathon specialists will be led by reigning World Marathon Champ Alban Lakata (Austria), Kristian Hynek (Czech Republic), Jeremiah Bishop (USA), and Erik Kleinhans (South Africa). Riders will have a choice between the lightweight Exceed CF SLX hardtail and Lux CF full suspension models to race on depending on the terrain.
The lightweight Exceed CF SLX hardtail is one of two bikes the riders can choose from.
Canyon Topeak Factory Racing takes over from the successful pro arm of the Topeak-Ergon Racing Team, whose U.S. contingent will continue to compete throughout North America. Kleinhans will put his many years’ experience on the scene to good use in a new double role as both rider and team manager.
Kristian Hynek (Czech Republic).
For Canyon founder and CEO Roman Arnold, representation in the professional ranks in any riding discipline goes far beyond brand exposure. “Our history at Canyon is strongly rooted in racing,” explained Arnold. “Personally, I’m very excited that Canyon Topeak Factory Racing will now join our enduro, downhill and freeride teams under one roof. Working with these athletes is about so much more than showcasing our products. The dialogue that exists between Canyon engineers and pro riders flows into every new development to make our bikes the best they can be for riders everywhere. That’s where the Pure Cycling flair that sets Canyon apart comes from.”
Jeremiah Bishop (USA).
Sitting high of the team’s hit list in 2018 will be a top placing at the gruelling Absa Cape Epic in March. They will also target the defense of Lakata’s rainbow jersey at the XCM World Championships.
Erik Kleinhans (South Africa).
Beyond the marathon scene, Canyon will also be represented throughout the XCO World Cup season. CANYON//SRAM Racing’s Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Dutch cyclocross star Mathieu van der Poel of Correndon-Circus are set to challenge the Swiss dominance laid down by Jolanda Neff and Nino Schurter.
Lakata will be looking to defend his world title in 2018.
Both riders put in hugely promising performances on the XCO circuit last season and have backed those up over the winter, with van der Poel dominating the cyclocross World Cup series, and Ferrand-Prévot also making a return to the top step of the podium on her way to winning another French national CX title.
To learn about all of the Canyon-sponsored pro race teams, head over to www.canyon.com.
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