With this line-up, the team should once again deliver top performances in the UCI Downhill World Cup and the Enduro World Series - and have a lot of fun in the process. "We are delighted to welcome George, Noga and Joey to the team," says Team Manager Mark Maurissen. "Together with Wyn and Martin, they are embarking on an exciting adventure and will be hunting for medals all over the world."

George Brannigan, two-time New Zealand downhill champion, brings his untamed downhill style to the team. His high speed has earned him numerous very good placings in recent years, including 1st place at Crankworx Rotorua AirDH 2016 and 2nd place at the UCI Oceania Continental Championship in the same year. Brannigan is looking forward to building on his success at GT and conquering more podiums.

"It's fantastic to get off to a flying start at GT," says Brannigan. "The team has given me a warm welcome and everyone is so passionate about what they do. I'm delighted to be working with such a legendary mountain bike brand. The next few years are guaranteed to be great!"

Noga Korem, former cross-country rider, enriches the GT team with her power and liveliness. In her first EWS year in 2017, she competed as a private rider without a team or support and proved her tenacity and passion for enduro racing more than once. When she claimed her first podium finish at the third race of the 2017 World Series in Madeira and won the Enduro World Series Breakout Performance Award, she was sure to attract the attention of the scene.

"I'm really excited about my first season as a pro with GT Factory Racing," says Korem. "Throughout the 2017 EWS season, I witnessed the great atmosphere that the GT team creates. I really wanted to be part of this team and ride for this brand. I'm grateful to have this opportunity now and I'm looking forward to learning from the team and the staff and having lots of adventures around the world at the World Series races this year."

16-year-old Joey Foresta from Utah has been involved with GT since the age of 6, riding both BMX and mountain bikes. The talented youngster has already made a lasting impression on the mountain bike scene - with several national championship titles and a top performance at the 2016 Sea Otter Dual Slalom. Foresta took 2nd place and was only beaten by his teammate Martin Maes. The 2018 season will be Foresta's first time riding a full Downhill World Cup season as a junior, with Wyn Masters and George Brannigan as mentors.

"I've always been a big fan of GT and the whole team," says Foresta. "I feel very honored that I can now compete together with these great riders and mechanics. It's fantastic that I can start my junior career as a GT Factory rider!"

Martin Maes and Wyn Masters are looking forward to another successful year in 2018 with the GT Factory Racing team. This is Maes' sixth year with GT. "Being able to ride for such a legendary brand means a lot to me," says Maes. "I grew up with GT bikes and can't thank the team enough for their incredible support over the last few years. I'm looking forward to another year competing all over the world in the Enduro World Series and other races."

Masters will be riding both downhill and enduro in the coming season and can't wait to get to the start line. "After two very good years, it wasn't a difficult decision for me," he says. "I'm looking forward to remaining part of this fantastic team!"

A new chapter begins for GT-Factory-Racing and an old one comes to an end, as the team says goodbye to drivers Anneke Beerten, Sam Dale, Jackson Frew and Brook MacDonald. Rachel Strait will continue to compete for GT and bring her enduro experience to the GT Wing Project - together with Ambassadors Hans Rey, Tyler McCaul, Ronnie Renner, Bernardo Cruz and Amir Kabbani.

www.gtbicycles.com