23 Degrees Sports Management today announced that three Cross Country riders will be competing for the Trek Bicycles World Cup team. They are Lukas Flueckiger, Matthias Flueckiger and Liam Killeen (GBr). They will be bringing both youth and experience to the team and building on their outstanding collective results.
Liam Killeen, 26 years old, is the senior rider in the program. He is already a two time Olympian, two-time Under 23 World Cup Champion, and the reigning Commonwealth Games Champion. After his fourth place at 2008 World Championships and an incredible ride at Beijing Olympics, Liam is enjoying a remarkable return to form. He was able to climb from dead last following a crash at the start to take 7th, with lap times that would have earned him an Olympic medal.
Liam said: I am really excited to be a part of this well-supported program, as I begin my long-term preparations for the London Olympics 2012. I am impressed by the new bike and believe that combined with the support from the team, my results will continue to improve. I am also thrilled to have the Flueckiger brothers on my team. They make a great team.
Lukas Flueckiger, 24 years old, has enjoyed a stellar 2008 season. He won 3 World Cup podiums including 2nd in Bromont at Round 7 and 4th in Schladming at World Cup finals. Lukas was unable to finish higher in the World Cup overall than 9th due to an injury. Lukas’ goals for 2009 are to finish in the top five in World Cup XC racing. Long term, he hopes to win World Cup races starting in 2010, and to receive a medal at 2012 Olympics.
Lukas states: Trek is for me the future of mountain biking sport, and I’m really glad to have the opportunity to be part of it. The 23 Degrees team has helped me to focus more on the races, and I am able to reach my full potential. It is an honor to be a part of this team. I look forward to racing on cross-country Trek bikes and making it to the top.
Many consider Matthias, Matthias’ younger brother, to be the future’s superstar. Tomorrow marks 20 years since 2006 Junior World Champion. He already holds a medal at the Under 23 World Championships. Matthias will be a future medalist and title holder, as he has 2 more years of experience in this category. He hopes to win the World Cup Under 23 title, like his teammate Liam Killeen did, and continue finishing in the top 15 of the World Cup. He is a shining example of his potential and abilities. Matthias would like to be with his brother Liam at the 2012 Olympics.
Matthias states: Matthias believes that the climb to the top is steeper. It is becoming more important to focus on the details of training, preparation and racing. Trek has sponsored a new team that I can optimize coaching and material down to the very last detail. I am excited to begin next year’s World Cup season on the best full-suspension bicycle available. With this bike, I can make it to the top of the cross-country world.
Trek Bicycles ensures that every rider has the best possible experience by providing a Top Fuel 9.9 SSL frame. The 2009 OCLV carbon frame is brand new and features the patent-pending ABP technology as well as Full Floater, EVO Link, and Full Floater. The frame has a 10 cm travel and a no-cut seatmast that ensures the best performance.
Martin Whiteley, founder and CEO of 23 Degrees, commented on the rider announcements. These three incredible athletes are an inspiration to us. I am confident that we will challenge the established teams next year for the title as the number one men’s XC team. We also expect to see podium performances. These three riders will be a great team.
Stay tuned for 23Degrees’ announcement about the downhill riders and title sponsors, as well as race schedule.
