New for 2013, the Dirt Norco Race team will be supported by Californian clothing and protection specialist O’Neal as well as Manitou Suspension provided by the Hayes Components group.

Dan Stanbridge (Dirt Norco Race Team):

We are all very excited to announce this news.

The team will be racing in full O’Neal race kit, casual wear, protective clothing and shoes. Personally I have looked up to O’Neal as a company for many years, impressed by their support of athletes and their wide range of products from some of my favourite sports (Cycling and Motocross) so to get the chance for the team to work with O’Neal this year is very exciting.

On the bikes, the team will be running Manitou Suspension front and rear from Hayes Components. The team has been working with the Hayes Components group for the past 3years, racing on SunRingle wheels (one of Hayes Components other brands) and so is very pleased to expand the partnership to include Manitou as well as SunRingle.

Personally I ride and race mountain bikes because, quite simply, I really enjoy it! But at races in particular, an important part of that enjoyment comes form knowing you have a competitive bike that is fun to ride. For this reason as a team I think we are very picky about product to use and changing suspension was not a decision taken lightly. We have been testing the forks and rear shocks sent from Manitou in recent weeks (in fact Ben is in the South of Spain continuing this at the moment), after the results we have seen so far, we are very excited for the year ahead.

The team has already announced expansion plans to include 3 new racers this year (Casey Brown and George Gannicott joining myself and Ben at DH events plus Greg Callaghan flying the flag at the Enduro races this year). The support form O’Neal and Manitou play a big part in making this possible, so on behalf of myself, Ben and the Dirt Norco Race team we would like to extend out thanks to these companies for their valued support. We are looking forward to a great years racing and 2013 is defiantly set to be the most exciting year yet for the team.

Ben Reid (Dirt Norco Race):

“It has always been mine and Dan’s plan to expand the team so we could offer support to other riders. We had some big plans to put in place for this year and we talked with a few companies in the off season who were keen to get on board. After much discussion and testing we felt that both O’Neal and Manitou were the best fit for our team and had the same passion for racing as we do. I am very choosy when it comes to suspension and after my first ride on the newly designed Manitou Dorado fork I was pleasantly surprised and knew this was a ‘goer’ for our team.

I grew up watching my dad race motocross back in the early 90s in his O’Neal MX kit and it was refreshing to see O’Neal make a big push into the Mountain bike world when they signed Greg Minnaar last year. O’Neal along with Greg’s input have done a great job developing this years range of mountain bike gear and I think its fair to say our whole team is delighted to be racing in O’Neal kit for 2013”

Iris Kuckelberg (ONeal Europe):

“We are excited to develop a successful partnership with the Dirt Norco Team. Partnering up as official global clothing and protection sponsor of the DIRT NORCO World Cup Team underlines our deliberate step in strengthening our position in becoming one of the most recognised and respected brands for MTB clothing and protection.

For over 40 years O’Neal has been providing innovation and technology with our non-stop product development. Serving our athletes and building products with passion is more than our company profile, to us it’s a life mission statement. We feel the partnership between the Dirt Norco Team and O’Neal is more than just a business deal, it’s one more step in fullfilling our athlete’s expectations and the increasing demand for the best apparel and protection in the industry.”

Scott Struve, Global Director of Marketing for Hayes

“We’re truly excited to have Manitou added to the Dirt Norco quiver for  2013. While we’re confident that the team will realize improved performance, we have also enjoyed their product feedback. As with all of our top level riders they will play a key role in our development cycle. Additionally, the Dirt Norco team does an amazing job of telling the story of our sport to our audience. We look forward to working with them as the 2013 season unfolds.”

Dirt Norco Race Team 2013 Riders:

Dan Stanbridge: Dirt Norco Race Team DH Racer and Manager.

Casey Brown: Dirt Norco Race Team DH Racer.

George Gannicott – Dirt Norco Race Team Junior DH Racer

 Greg Callaghan – Dirt Norco Enduro Racer.