Geoff Kabush, Mathieu
Toulouse, Melissa Thomas and Adam McGrath (U23) of Team Maxxis
will be the flaming orange streaks you see burning up 'cross
courses all over North America this cyclocross season. The distinguishing
color of Maxxis Tires will become twice as bold now that the
team will be riding Van Dessel's Gin and Trombones 'cross frames
painted to match the team colors.
"We're quite excited
for the season," said Chris Warrick, Maxxis' bicycle sponsorship
coordinator. "We've established an all-star team and we're psyched
to be working with Van Dessel."
Kabush earns distinction
as the most noted rider on the team thanks to his many top five
results in mountain bike racing. Toulouse, a 'cross veteran,
has been patiently waiting for his turn to strike it big. Thomas
is new to the Maxxis family but given her results from the previous
season: 4th at U.S. Cyclocross Nationals and 5th overall in the
U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross, she will be a force to be reckoned
with. McGrath takes a break from being the team mechanic to race
U23s and will hopefully earn another spot on the U.S. National
Cyclocross team.
Team Maxxis will be
waging a complete North American campaign this season with all
four riders competing in the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of
Cyclocross. Kabush and Toulouse will compete for the Maple Leaf
jersey at the Canadian Nationals in Nanaimo, BC in November,
while Thomas and McGrath will go for the Stars-and-Stripes at
the U.S. Nationals in Providence, RI in December. The full racing
schedule will test not only the riders, but their equipment as
well.
"The conditions at
a 'cross race can be challenging and you need a bike that is
going to be ready for those challenges," explained Kabush. "You
can tell that a 'cross bike like Van Dessel's Gin & Trombones
has been designed by racers. It has the great mud clearance for
nasty days, strength where you need it for stability and abuse,
and a beautiful carbon rear end that allows you to keep it smooth
on those dry, fast and bumpy days. All I need to do is show up
at the race with my Van Dessel, put on some clothes, and check
my tire pressure for the conditions."
The Van Dessel Gin
and Trombones is a race-inspired 'cross frame designed with input
from American 'cross expert, Adam Myerson. With an aluminum main
triangle and carbon seat stays, the G&T features Euro-styled
geometries and massive amounts of mud clearance. New for this
season, the team replica orange finish simply cannot be missed
on 'cross courses, country roads, or city streets. Prices are
$799 for frame/fork/headset; $1,999 for a Shimano 105 Pro Build;
$2,299 for a Shimano Ultegra Pro Build; $2,999 for a Shimano
Dura-Ace Build; and $4,499 for Geoff Kabush's Team Maxxis Replica.
Paired with Maxxis'
new Raze all-condition 'cross tire, the Gin and Trombones should
provide Team Maxxis with the perfect platform to launch a pursuit
of victory in any condition that Mother Nature flings their way.
Ride inspired since
2000, Van Dessel Cycles is dedicated to maximizing performance,
function, and dependability in every Van Dessel bike. Van Dessel's
2007 line of bikes debuts at www.vandesselsports.com and features
the carbon Solstice road bike, the ultra-light aerodynamic TT/Tri
Project WR, the brand new Jersey Devil mountain bikes and the
single-speed Country Road Bob. Determined to build up the sport
from its grassroots, Van Dessel believes in promoting cycling
through talented, results-oriented athletes. Look for Van Dessel
Cycles beneath teams like Maxxis, Louis Garneau, Colavita New
England, UC Davis and the Iraq Junior National Team. To see Van
Dessel bikes up close, visit Van Dessel at Interbike,
booth #604 or find a dealer at www.vandesselsports.com.
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