Specialized is proud to announce the addition of two of mountain bike racing's most prominent riders to its factory racing program, Burry Stander and Todd Wells. The riders join one of the longest running and most successful racing teams in the sport's history, with a roster that includes reigning Cross-Country World Champion, Christoph Sauser and Norway's Lene Byberg. Team leadership comes from the legendary Ned Overend.

The men's squad will compete on the Epic full-suspension bikes. Lene will race on the Era women's-specific full-suspension bike.

Twenty-one-year-old Burry Stander won the World Cup Series in the U23 category and placed 5th overall in 2008. The resident of Port Shepstone, South Africa, placed 2nd in the Andorra round and took a silver medal in the U23 World Championships. He was also a member of South Africa's Olympic team

Stander was visibly excited by the prospect of racing with Specialized. "As a young rider, I am still aiming to achieve my full potential, and I feel Specialized has the team and the bikes that will get me there."

Todd Wells is a familiar figure in cross-country racing. The 32-year old now lives in Durango, CO, and is coming off his best year of competition. Todd finished 10th overall in the World Cup series with a 5th place podium finish at Canberra, Australia, and had consistently strong finishes throughout the 2008 season. He is a two-time member of the United States Olympic team, most recently competing in Beijing.

"I am very excited about joining the Specialized Team," says Wells. "I started my career with Specialized, and it's great to come back home. In addition to riding with my current teammate, Burry Stander, I'm really pumped to ride alongside the current World Champion, Christoph Sauser, and once again work with my great friend Ned Overend."

Team manager Bobby Behan is eager to work with the new squad. "Burry and Todd will fit in perfectly," says Behan. "Todd is a proven mountain bike talent. Burry has already raced with Christoph as teammates in the 2008 Cape Epic, and at only 21, he has already pushed the world champ to improve. We had to have him!"

The new World Cup season kicks off on April 11 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.