Specialized: Race teams for all disciplines

Bike pioneer Specialized has been at the forefront for 30 years. It is only logical that the Californians' racing commitment is also running at full speed in the 2004 Olympic year. In addition to the international CC racing team with world champion Filip Meirhaeghe, Barbara Blatter and Paola Pezzo, Specialized also equips a national and an U23 team in the States. There is also the Lunatic team, which focuses on freeride events and filming with its "Demo 9" bikes. This means that the curved "S" will be highly visible on the world's race tracks in 2004.

It has long been known that two-time Olympic champion Paola Pezzo will return to the sport of biking on board an "S-Works Epic" to defend her title in Athens. World champion Filip Meirhaeghe and Barbara Blatter from Bülach should also be able to start on Mount Parnitha if nothing intervenes ? with medal chances intact. After all, Baba Blatter has to defend her silver medal from Sidney.

CC and marathon teams for the home market
Specialized also maintains teams to serve the domestic market: The "Specialized USA Factory Team" is made up of five endurance specialists from Colorado who will compete in NORBA races, 24-hour races and marathons. In addition, four strong U23 riders who are due to start at the World Championships in Les Gets will be provided with equipment. The tireless Methuselah in Specialized colors, Ned Overend, is to supervise the young athletes, ride selected races himself and help with the development of new products.

"Specialized Lunatic Fringe": The team for the rough stuff
The "Specialized Lunatic Fringe" team will be found less on race tracks than at shows, freeride contests such as the "Red Bull Rampage" and film shoots. Names like Brett Tippie, Darren Berrecloth, Jordie Lunn, Matt Hunter, Steve Romanuik or Anneke Beerten are the order of the day ? and promise lots of crazy, breathtaking action. Wherever the action takes place in 2004, the name Specialized will be involved. And unlike in road racing, where Cipollini's team has been relegated to the second division, always in the front row.

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