After a lot of speculation Nathan Rennie and Mitch Delfs will ride Morewood bikes in 2009.

Gravity Group is pleased to announce their partnership with Morewood Bikes as bicycle supplier and co-title sponsor along with Kenda Tires for their World Cup Team.

TEAM KENDA MOREWOOD will be represented by two of the most famous names in downhill racing: Nathan Rennie (AUS) and Mitchell Delfs (AUS).

27 year old Nathan Rennie (AUS), a former overall UCI Elite World Cup Downhill Champion and Junior World Champion, is a regular World Cup podium visitor, multi-time high-class events winner and is a pleasure to watch on the bike. After several World Cup podiums in 2008, with his highlight being 2nd place on his home turf at World Cup number 7 in Canberra, Nathan Rennie is a definitive contender for podiums in both the 2009 World Cup series and the 2009 World Championships in Canbera, Australia.

Nathan Rennie

Nathan Rennie, KENDA MOREWOOD Team Rider:

“I am super happy to be where I am in 2009. Not to mention that 9 is my favorite number, I am especially happy to be working with new people and working with people I already know. I am impressed with everything so far and how fast the ball has got rolling. I’m stuck in training already and my knee feels good. It wont be long before it will be 100%. I feel like the change for me is for the better for all parties and just want to get racing again. See you at the races.”

Nathan’s compatriot, 19 year old Mitchell Delfs (AUS) is still one of the young guns on the World Cup circuit. After a good performance during the 2007 World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada and a 4th place at 2007 Junior World Championships, Mitch was given the opportunity to participate in his first full World Cup season in 2008. Mitch has progressed from race to race and after 2 top 10 finishes in the second part of the season he has become a contender for consistent top 10 results in the 2009 season.

Mitch Delfs

Mitchell Delfs, KENDA MOREWOOD Team Rider:

“I am super stoked to be working with Gravity Group again for the 2009 season. It’s going to be an exciting year, with a great bike and good factory support to race on. I’m sure there will be a few World Cups with my name on it. With a new team mate as fast as Nathan Rennie I know my riding will improve, which will make TEAM KENDA MOREWOOD the new power house team on the World Cup circuit.”

The Morewood Makulu will be the downhill weapon of choice for TEAM KENDA MOREWOOD in the coming season. Nathan and Mitch will also use the Mbuzi, Shova and Ndiza for off season training and selected events.

Richard Carter, MOREWOOD BIKES Marketing Director/Co-Owner

Racing has always been a core value of the Morewood brand, so for us, the formation of a professional race team is a natural progression. It also further demonstrates Morewood’s commitment to Downhill, and our commitment to further developing our products at the highest level of the sport.

Gravity Group has a reputation for running one of the most professional teams on the circuit, so the opportunity of forming a partnership with them was something we just couldn’t pass up on, despite current economic sentiment.

I believe we have one of the most competitive packages on the circuit. Good bikes however are nothing without great riders, and we feel privileged to work with riders of Nathan and Mitch’s caliber.

Filling the shoes of a team as successful and respected as Syndicate is a big task for anyone, but I believe Peter Siulczynski and the Gravity Group are up to the challenge. With the right support and infrastructure I know Nathan will be right at home in no time and ready to retake his place on the podium where he belongs.

As Mitch is already familiar with the team, we hope to build on and maintain the momentum he gained last season.

With the level of commitment and determination already demonstrated by Riders, Gravity Group and Sponsors alike, anything is possible.

Further Team News including Team Co-Sponsors and Team Schedule will be announced shortly.

Rennie and Delfs to ride for Morewood in the 2009 downhill mountain biking world cup