His dad Galen was an East Coast mountain bike pioneer and many say that he was born into the 26 inch lifestyle. Chris Van Dine has been racing mountain bikes since 1988 and concentrating on downhill since 2000. And, having grown up in Cannondale Country, it seems as though CVD's career is coming full circle.
"I've either been riding or chasing a Cannondale since day one," says Van Dine. "Many fads have come and gone since then, but Cannondale is a true innovator. They also don't cut corners. I was completely blown away by the technology and magnitude of the factory's E.S.A.L. testing facility. It's the largest of any bike manufacturer, and the result is a hand made U.S. frame I know will perform. From a racer's standpoint, it's refreshing to see a company that puts back into our sport by sending a team out to battle on the World Cup. That is true R&D."
Van Dine, perhaps best known for being the first rider to stick a barrel roll, also placed 2nd in the U.S. National Downhill Championships last year and was the top North American at the 2004 World Downhill Championships. Starting in 2006 he will be joining a new team of Cannondale riders that appears to be stocking talent on a weekly basis: Mick Hannah, Carlo Dieckmann, Wayne Goss and long-time Cannondale veteran Aaron Chase.
Don Hampton of DH productions, who also helps manage Cannondale's freeride team says: "CVD is one of those rare guys that is both a jack and master of all trades when it comes to the sport."
When asked what influences his riding style the most? "I get a lot of influence from my snowboard brethren and a little from Bruce Lee," says Van Dine with a grin.
Van Dine can add a Cannondale Judge to his 26 inch martial arts quiver. With 8.7 inches of plush, staged travel, Thru-12 swingarm and bombproof construction, the Cannondale Judge has already been tuned to his spec.
Van Dine is also sponsored by Fox Suspension, G3, Bolle, Troy Lee Designs, Ogio, FSA, Lake Shoes, e.13, AtomLab, Crank Brothers, 661, SportLegs, Cytomax, Maxxis, Sram and Mavic.
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