SPECIALIZED ANNOUNCES ITS TEAM

Specialized announced its team and competition schedule for the 2002 season. As expected, the Morgan HIll based bike brand will be downscaling its World Cup Pro team and hitting the dirt top reach more rank-and-file mountain bikers.
   
Staying on for '02 WC series is defending UCI champ and the top-ranked xc woman in the world, Barbara Blatter. The majority of Blatter's racing will take place in Europe, with her ultimate goal being a gold medal at the '02 Worlds.
   
Specialized has opted to shift much of its emphasis to local and regional "Grassroots" programs. In conjunction with Specialized Dealers, hopes are to expand the reach of MTB racing, cultivate greater enthusiasm, and develop young talent. Membership in Specialized "Factory Teams" is up over 30% as compared to 2001.

In addition to support of grassroots racing and events, Specialized now sponsors freeride talent, Brett Tippie, the embodiment of the successful Specialized BigHit and Enduro bike models.

"We looked at a number of options: Racing in Europe and a high-profile program inthe States," Sinyard explained. "For '02, we've opted for a more grassroots approach to MTB racing, support of events like the Sea Otter, and have already begun planning for 2003."

Ned Overend will stay on as a racer/product development/coach guy, and will also focus on "Real People events: "I'm excited to tackle a variety of events in '02. The X-Terra has been a great success, and I'm looking forward to regional classics like the Fruta Festival, as well as the Muddy Buddy series," says the mountain bike legend.

2002 Race Schedules