Following his recent move to Specialized, Aaron Gwin has signed up for “this season and beyond” with TLD.

We asked a couple of questions to the man behind the deal, Troy Lee Design’s Global Bike Athlete/Team Manager, Craig “Stikman” Glaspell.

Hey Craig, How long have you known about this deal? And what was your part in the negotiations?
I won’t comment on time, but it all happened very fast. I handled the whole thing with Aaron, its my job man! I luckily had 100% support from my bosses though, Bill Keefe and Troy Lee believed in this deal and addition to the team, so I am a lucky guy to have dudes like that, that believe in racing and product development..

How long have TLD had an eye on Gwin?
I have wanted Gwin in TLD since before I worked for TLD, baddest American dude belongs in an American brand.

You’ve kept Sam Hill on TLD and now you have Gwin, should be an awesome year for you guys?
Yeah I am so happy for ole Sam, he is rejuvenated with his new deal, adding Gwin will just make both crazy hungry, Sam wants to beat the guy that’s riding his old bike and Gwin wants to show Specialized that Sam Hill is not the end all, be all for MTB racing iconic status.

Do you think TWR could have done more to hold on to Gwin?
I don’t know, I think some requests were not being met perhaps, and he had to be as happy as can be ya know? I work with Brandon Semenuk who is a Trek rider, but I deal direct with Trek guys on his stuff and its all good, I know the TWR thing is not really Trek, so who knows…at the end of the day, its all business, no one died, so lets go racing and some people need to stop bitchin and moanin.

Anything else you can tell us?
Gwin is a perfect compliment to our team, our current bad ass dudes in MTB and BMX. When I came here a year and a half ago, I had a five year plan with the race department and things are cruising along better than expected. Big thanks to all of our racers who make my job the most fun in the industry and thanks to everyone at Troy Lee Designs, we are a little family here, doing great things in the sport and couldn’t do it without everyone in Corona and Laguna!

Aaron Gwin and Troy Lee.

Here’s the full PR bit:

Troy Lee Designs is pleased to announce the addition of Mountain Bike Champion, Aaron Gwin, to the TLD Bike Team.

The most decorated American gravity racer in the history of the World Cup will compete this season and beyond in the full line of Troy Lee Designs Helmets, Racewear, Premium Protection, Sportswear and Accessories. Aaron joins an unprecedented list of TLD teammates, with the likes of Sam Hill, Brendan Fairclough, Troy Brosnan, Steve Peat, Brandon Semenuk and Cam Zink, just to name a few.

Gwin was very excited about the new sponsorship and the upcoming season.

“Like a lot of racers, I have always looked up to Troy Lee,” said Gwin.

“There’s no doubt that Troy is an innovator for his style and his quality of product. The designs that come out of his shop are second to none and I couldn’t be happier with joining the team! It’s not often in life you meet someone as talented or focused as Troy Lee. The input and development opportunities he’s given me are something I could have never imagined. This is a dream sponsor of mine and the beginning of what I know will be a fun relationship!”

Owner and operator of TLD, Troy Lee, was quick to comment on the signing of Aaron Gwin and the endless possibilities of such an opportunity.

“Ah man, this is a dream come true! Having Aaron join our team is really exciting; I was getting goosebumps signing the contract with him! We have always had a strong field of champion bike guys, legends, and just good people that you wanna hang out with, so having Aaron join us adds to that legacy. I have been following his racing like everyone, and the fact this all came together is too cool. He has some moto roots, is a local SoCal boy, likes fast cars, so I can’t wait to go downhilling with him and do some moto! It’s going to be fun working with Aaron and developing new product with someone who is so talented and close to our shop. Super stoked man!”

TLD’s Global Bike Athlete / Team Manager, Craig “Stikman” Glaspell, who was the driving force behind this new relationship, was elated to see his efforts come together.

“Adding Gwin to our team is a tremendous feather in our cap. I am beyond happy about this recent development and look forward to many years of race wins and creating even more race proven product. I am a SoCal race scene guy, and have watched Gwin’s path from the local Fontana series to his two World Cup Championships. I have always hoped to someday work with Gwinny and I’m so amped that Troy backed this deal and gave me the tools to make it happen,” commented Stik.

“Gwin also brings a lot of other valuable things to the table besides ‘fast racer guy’. He is really passionate about developing new talent, helping gravity racing grow in the USA, is really keen on what products are needed in the marketplace and I know we are lucky to have him be a part of our bad ass race program. It will drive everyone on our team to elevate in every aspect.”

Troy Lee Designs is looking forward to another successful season with all of our Bicycle Athletes.

For more information on Aaron Gwin and the factory Troy Lee Designs bike team, go to www.troyleedesigns.com.