This is the first time that Dave Weagles’ new Delta System was raced by a team.
Evil Bikes and MS-Racing have announced the creation of a new UCI Trade Team. This follows weeks of closed-door meetings and dozens of skype calls. The new Evil Bikes/MS-Racing Team brings together the innovative Evil brand and the World Cup-winning success of MS-Racings’ management.
The team roster includes both young and experienced podium riders, who were selected to represent Evil at the company’s entry into the World Cup scene.
Stevie Smith, a 19-year-old Canadian, is the leader. Steve, a 19-year-old Canadian, joined Evil in the New Year. Since then, he has been the envy for every internet bike forum grom by being among the few who have been running on the Revolt downhill frame. The Vancouver Island pinner hopes to build on his 2008 success in the Elite field, and will be aiming to make it onto the podium at the World Cup for Evil Bikes/MS-Racing.
Filip Polc is another new addition to MS-Racings’ roster. Filip Polc, a 26-year-old Slovakian rider, is not a household name in North America. However, he has shown solid results on the World Cup circuit for many years. Filip is a rare find these days as he competes in World Cup Downhill and 4X events, as well as occasional Mega Avalanche events. Filip will be piloting the Evil Faction frames at 4X events and is hoping to get back in the podium mix for 2009.
Matti Lehikoinen, a 24-year-old downhill champion, is returning to the MS-Racing Team in a second season. With two World Cup wins and a 2nd overall ranking in the 2007 World Cup, the Fin has a solid resume. Matti is coming off a difficult 2008 season that saw him suffer broken vertebrae and end with both his wrists broken. He has been working at the Red Bull Training Center, Austria, to prepare for the 2009 campaign. It is pure Evil spirit to get up and come back like this!
No prisoners will be taken in the quest for World supremacy. Expect lots of heartbreak from ladies and a lot of riding. Evil Bikes/MS-Racing kicks off the season in South Africa, for round 1 UCI World Cup Series. This is the first World Cup race for the Evil Revolt downhill and Faction hardtail bikes. The team will compete in the UCI World Cup Series and the World Championships.
Markus Stckl, Team Director, commented that MS-Racing had been building our mountain bike team vision for nearly five years. We have also worked with a few partners in the past. We felt stagnant after we won the 4X overall title and women’s 4X overall title in 2008. Evil Bikes is new, but it has been around for some time. They shared the same passion for mountain biking that I did from our first meeting.
Lukas Haider, Team Manager, echoed these big boss words, adding, « From my side it’s a great chance to work with Evil. Not only to be the first to race Dave Weagles Delta System but also because the people behind Evil are just as passionate as us. » I look forward to working with Evil Bikes’ new riders in 23 cm.
Kevin Walsh, Evil Owner, commented: Markus and I got along from the moment Markus picked me up at the Seattle airport. The Austrian Schnapps were great and the fine chocolate definitely helped! It’s rare to find like-minded, motivated people or organizations who share the same ideals and have fun doing it. We look like a bad 203 cms long mullet haircut with business at the front and fun in the back. We are thrilled to be a partner with MS-Racing, continue to support World Cup mountain biking racing, and help grow the sport worldwide. A Slayer Tour Bus, packed with an amazing team of athletes, ambassadors and friends, as well as personalities, creative thinkers, is a true dream that has come true.
Evil Bikes/MS-Racing competes on Evil Revolt frames in downhill, and Faction hardtail frames in 4X. Gravity, Fox Racing Shox and Formula Brake are also team sponsors and suppliers.
For the latest updates, visit evil-bikes.com and ms-racing.at
