Today, two of mountain biking’s top young downhill speedsters (and former MBA “Young Rippers”) Steve Smith and Mitch Ropelato, have announced their plans for the 2011 downhill race season.
STEVE SMITH
Smith, a 21-year-old Canadian, is fresh off his amazing second place finish in at the 2010 UCI Downhill World Championships at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec, and will join of Devinci Global Racing team.
Steve says, “I’m stoked to have a strong Canadian bike company like Devinci backing me with the bikes I need to win. I know Devinci will be able to offer what I need to achieve all of my goals I have set.” Smith will be racing the Devinci Wilson downhill bike, from their newly launched Split Pivot series.
For 2011, Devinci Global Racing will target the complete World Cup Series, the US Open, Crankworx and other select Canadian, North American, and European events.
MITCH ROPELATO
If it has handlebars, Mitch Ropelato can ride the heck out of it.
For 2011, Mitch will join forces with the newly formed Steve Peat Syndicate North American program. Although a 4-Cross and slalom shredder, Ropelato has grown into an elite-level downhill competitor as well.
Mitch Ropelato’s results include a 2009 2nd place at the Bromont World Cup 4-Cross, and dual 2009 National Championship titles for Junior Ex Downhill and Pro 4-Cross.
For the 2011 season, Mitch will be riding a Santa Cruz V10 Carbon, with a full SRAM and RockShox Spec.
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