Diamondback Downhill Team

Diamondback returns to downhill racing with sponsorship of 44Racing Rockstar Team

Diamondback UK is proud to announce its return to downhill mountain biking through the sponsorship of the 44Racing Rockstar team, the official Rockstar Energy Drink UK MTB team.

Headed up by Team Manager, Christian ‘Hatch’ Hatcher, the 5-man squad will ride Diamondback’s new DH8 downhill beast, which was officially launched by Diamondback in January 2013. Diamondback Product Manager Jason Boness was instrumental in setting up the sponsorship deal and he’s keen to prove why Diamondback deserves to regain its place at the top of the podium.

“Diamondback’s name has always been associated with racing so I’m thrilled that we’ll be putting these new bikes through their paces in one of the most structurally demanding disciplines of bike racing.”

“We’ll be working closely with the team, getting feedback so we can learn, refine and push forwards the technology required to compete at the pinnacle of off-road racing.”

With a squad of five riders, the team’s approach will be to develop UK talent and compete in World, European and National levels.

Although he takes a managerial role with in the team, Hatch is no stranger to the race scene, having been involved in racing since 1993.

“I’m really excited to have the team on Diamondback bikes for 2013 as it is a brand that has had a great race pedigree and one that I have grown up with. We have been heavily testing the new Diamondback DH8 during the off season with great feedback from all of the team riders. I am looking forward to working closely with Diamondback to get the team on the top step of podiums across the UK and Europe”

The team will be pre-season testing in northern Italy during March. The first race for 44Racing Rockstar on their new Diamondback DH8 bikes takes place on 13th/14th April 2013 at BDS Rnd1 Combe Sydenham, Somerset, followed by a host of races across the UK and Europe.

Keep a look out for 44Racing Rockstar in 2013.

The Team:

Christian “Hatch” Hatcher – Team Manager/Rockstar Energy DH Team Rider – Master Category
• 33 years old – Has raced mountain bikes at all levels for the past 20 years in XC, DH, Enduro DH and 4X, at present is out following ACL reconstructive knee surgery, but will be back racing at European and National levels in the later part of the season. 2010 British Cycling ranked number 1 Master 4X rider. Official Rockstar Energy Drink athlete.

Chris Sinden – Rockstar Energy DH Team Rider – Elite Category
• 27 years old – Has raced mountain bikes for the past 14 years at every level in DH and Enduro DH. At present is competing at World, European, National and Regional levels. Is a regular sight on the European and UK National podium and won the UK Midland Series in 2012. Is racing in Elite for 2013. Official Rockstar Energy Drink athlete.

Nick Geoghegan – Rockstar Energy DH Team Rider – Expert Category
• 24 years old – Has raced mountain bikes for the past 9 years at every level in DH and 4X. At present is competing at European, National and Regional levels. Is a regular sight on the Expert podium in both Europe and the UK. Is racing in Expert for 2013. Official Rockstar Energy Drink athlete.

Sam Johnson – Rockstar Energy DH Team Rider – Expert Category
• 26 years old – Has raced mountain bikes, road bikes, cyclocross, BMX, XC, trials since the age of 5. Has been racing UK National DH for the past 2 years. Has been a regular sight on the Senior podium in the UK during 2012. Is racing in Expert for 2013. Official Rockstar Energy Drink athlete.

Joe Mallinson – Rockstar Energy DH Team Rider – Senior Category
• 18 years old – Has only raced mountain bikes for 2 years, but has already competed at every level in 4X and has competed at National and Regional level at DH. Was 2nd Junior in the 2012 English DH Championships, was 2nd overall in the 2012 British 4X Series, was Silver medalist in the 2012 British Cycling 4X Championships and in his first year of racing was the youngest qualifier for the 2011 UCI World Cup 4X in Val d’Sol, Italy. Is racing in Senior in DH and Elite 4X for 2013.

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