Spanish based management agency 23 Degrees Sports has confirmed today that it has added Scandinavian rising downhill star, Dennis Dertell, to their roster of managed athletes for 2010.

The complete roster is:

Greg Minnaar (RSA)
Kyle Strait (USA)
Justin Leov (NZL)
Sam Blenkinsop (NZL)
Neko Mulally (USA)
Bernard Kerr (GBR)
Dennis Dertell (SWE)

The Stockholm based rider who turns 20 today, will be riding under the Team 23 Degrees name in 2010, aboard a Trek Session 88, and kitted out by Alpinestars and adidas eyewear. The young rider has already amassed 15 gold medals at Swedish National Titles in various age categories and disciplines including Road, 4X, Cross Country and Downhill.

In 2008 in Gesunda, he was crowned the National Junior Downhill Champion of Sweden, in a time that was nearly a second faster than elite champion and World Cup perennial Robin Wallner. No Swedish Championship was held in 2009, but Dertell rode for a Swedish based team and competed in a number of World Cups, qualifying at round 1, but unfortunately crashed out in round 2. On his return to fitness and racing in Maribor, he was 23rd at the final split before crashing and breaking his foot in 2 places and ending the season, but not without catching the attention of 23 Degrees owner, Martin Whiteley.

“I’d heard about this kid from the iXS Cups in 2008. He had a lot of success winning junior races and finishing 2nd overall, as well as getting a podium on scratch. Sweden has been a powerhouse nation in the past for Downhill, and there is a fresh new generation coming up through the ranks. His riding in La Bresse and Maribor was impressive but immaturity and over excitement robbed him of some solid placings. We are keen to give him a shot and help him achieve his first World Cup top 20”.

Dennis said today – “I’m so excited for this, it’s like a dream coming true for me. I’ve been working hard for this and I have a feeling that this year going to be a great year. To be racing on the full World Cup tour with support and the knowledge that 23 Degrees can bring will make a huge difference. I’m excited about being on the Trek. It’s my birthday today and I received the bike and have just built it up. I’m about to hit the snow!”

Dennis has his profile here: http://www.23degrees-sports.com/athlete.php?athlete_id=23