Madison Saraen has today announced it has signed young Spanish rider Alex Marin Trillo.

The second-year Elite rider makes the move from Giant Factory Racing where he enjoyed junior success and a strong first year in Elites that included a 16th in Lenzerheide and a career best 13th at Fort William. He finished the year ranked 32nd in the Elites.

This is only the second time Madison Saracen have signed a non-British rider in its six year history (the other being current Asian champion Kazuki Shimizu). As Manon Carpenter moves on to Radon, the team looks to have a strong replacement in this Spanish pinner.

Marin-Trillo has already been testing the new Saracen Myst Carbon on his home trails. He said: “Coming into the 2017 season, I feel like I have more to give at the races. The last three years on the World Cup circuit went well. I had some good results as well, but I could be more consistent.

“Madison Saracen was the team that I felt I could fit in with, being a team close to where I live and with great people around; people that make me feel like I can give my 100 per cent with no doubt.

“I have to say that the bike is the best I’ve ever tried, a stable bike that makes me feel I can go faster under control.”

Will Longden, the Madison Saracen team manager praised Marin Trillo’s enthusiasm, passion and natural style. He said: “He had some really strong results as a junior and a first year elite rider and we want to help him hone those skills and work with our great set up to find consistency and enjoy his racing.

“His personality really fits in well with the rest of our team of Matt Simmonds, Marc Beaumont and Matt Walker and I think it’s going to be a great year for the Madison Saracen Factory Team.”