Orange Monkey-Cannondale confirm 2012 rider lineup

They've been keeping us guessing for the past two weeks, but today the UCI licensed Orange Monkey - Cannondale Mtb team have announced that Great Britain Olympic hopeful, David Fletcher has signed a two year contract with them for the start of the 2012 Mountain Bike season. 

Fletcher has been coached through the famous British Cycling academy, which bought him success from a young age, taking the bronze medal at the Junior World Championships in 2007. In more recent times, David has had top ten results in the Elite Under-23 category at World level and now moves up to the Senior ranks for the first time in arguably the best form of his life. 

British Cycling Head MTB Coach, Phil Dixon commented "this is an excellent move for Dave at the right time.  Dave has moved into the podium program at British Cycling now he has turned Senior and we will have all the very best equipment and support at Orange Monkey - Cannondale MTB team.  The philosophy of Team is a perfect base for Dave to progress in 2012 and challenge for a spot in London." 

Orange Monkey-Cannondale manager, Will Cooper said of the signing "David Fletcher is a proven talent, and the team is extremely excited at his addition to the roster for the next two seasons. David will bring a fresh highly motivated approach to racing within Orange Monkey-Cannondale, plus a wealth of experience gained from riding within the Great Britain squad for a number of seasons. We look forward to a long & fruitful relationship working with David." 

Orange Monkey-Cannondale are delighted to welcome him into the team and are excited to help him develop into one of the best Mountain Bikers in the world.  The team have progressed every one of their seven years in existence and this signing again shows that the team are serious about building for the future and have a strong lineup of riders for 2012.  Alongside Fletcher, Orange Monkey-Cannondale have great pleasure in announcing that the team have secured the services of Rourke Croeser on a two year deal that will take him to the end of his under 23 campaign in 2013. 

Both Rourke and the team are clear on the vision for the future and by Rourke gaining valuable experience in Europe they hope to watch him develop into the very best in South Africa.  Rourke spent some time with the team in 2010 before signing a one year deal last season. In his first year with the team Rourke made history by winning the team its first National Championship.  He also won a UCI Category 2 race, placed 13th at a World Cup and gave the team its first National Elite podium in Britain.

The team are excited to announce that Ben Roff has signed a new two year deal with the team keeping him on until 2013.  Ben's progression has been outstanding with his focus and commitment shining throughout the 2011 season.  Ben was consistent throughout 2011 with some outstanding results in his first year Under 23.  He now looks to build on his first UCI points picked up in Poland back in October to give him the springboard he needs to work his way up the World Cup grid and that with this continued focus Ben will become one of the best riders in the UK. 

Junior rider Alex Baker has also renewed his contract with Orange Monkey-Cannondale for a further two seasons, this will see him race for the team in his final year as a Junior & first year as an under 23 Elite competitor.  Alex had a fantastic season in 2011, which saw him compete in his first World Cup at Dalby Forest, UK.  Baker's season highlight was his second place result in the British National Championships, which made him the highest placed first year Junior.  Rounding out the team, Paul Beales has also signed a short term 1 year deal with the team. Paul brings his vast experience to the younger riders on the team.  He had several great results in the 2011 season, claiming his best result in the British National Championships. 

To add to their already impressive sponsor lineup (including Mavic, Magura, Schwalbe and Zipvit) Orange Monkey - Cannondale can also add Prologo saddles and Primal Wear cycling apparel for 2012.  We wish the team all the best for this year and look forward to reading about their exploits with their regular blogs here on XCracer.com.

 

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