For some strange reason we had a feeling this was coming. We met up with Brendan at the Earthed 5 premiere, he asked us to bring him some magazines because he was going out to America the next day…America in November…why would that be? To sign a deal perhaps? He said nothing, but the grin told part of the story.

So the Santa Cruz Syndicate have Peat, Rennie, Bryceland and now Minnaar (MBUK too?) and Iron Horse has Hill and Fairclough (so far). Here is the official Press Release from 23 Degrees Sports Management.

19-year-old British downhill star Brendan Fairclough announced today that he has just signed a two-year deal with one of the most successful teams on the International Mountain Bike circuit, Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse. The signing of the former Honda Team G-Cross rider will see Brendan lining up alongside four time World Champion and defending World Cup Series Champion, Australian Sam Hill.

The team will have Brendan competing in all the World Cup races, as well as key major events such as Sea Otter Classic, US Open, Crankworx, and selected British NPS events. Brendan will be racing the dw-link equipped Iron Horse Sunday for all of his downhill competitions.

Brendan flew to the US over the Thanksgiving holiday to meet with the team and had this to say:

“Joining Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse is a major deal for me. I’m excited to be racing on a team that has a great image in the sport and is known for supporting its riders. I’ve been lucky to have had excellent team mates like Steve Peat, Greg Minnaar, and Matti Lehikoinen throughout my young career, and being part of Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse is a continuation of that.
Next year I have some pretty specific goals, not the least of which is grabbing some crystal at the end of the World Cup season when the series finishes on a track that Sam and I love, Schladming. I can’t wait to get racing next year!”

Iron Horse Marketing Manager Todd Seplavy was equally enthused:

“We’re excited to have Brendan come fly the Monster Energy/Iron Horse colors for us and were really looking forward to having him grow with our program.
We’ve been impressed with Brendan’s riding skills, professionalism, and personality from the first time he blasted onto the World Cup scene. He’ll be a perfect fit onto our program and a valuable asset to all of our sponsors.”

Team Director Sean Heimdal added:

“This was a logical step for us in 2008. I wanted to put together a leading two-man team and when thinking of a rider that could come into our program and compliment Sam, as well as learn and grow, well Brendan was my first choice. Having him here over the past few days has been excellent and we can’t wait to get him on a bike for testing.”

Brendan’s first race with Team Monster Energy/Iron Horse will be the Sea Otter Classic in April of 2008.

FAIRCLOUGH SIGNS WITH IRONHORSE