ROSE, Canyon, Trek: Tight competition between factory teams

The three factory teams battling for the crown on the FMB World Tour will be competing for vital points this weekend at 26TRIX in Leogang. After the first FMB Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze events have taken place, it is time to take a look at how the ROSE Rad Squad (2732 points), Trek C3 Project (1766 points) and Canyon Factory Freeride Team (1504 points) are faring in the FMB Factory Team Ranking.

This year’s competition for the FMB Factory Team Title seems to be shaping up to be a close one! A factory team must consist of at least two athletes competing on the FMB World Tour and the six best results during the course of the season count towards the ranking. One rider can however only submit a maximum of three scores; the three other scores must come from their teammates.

After missing the podium last season as “Rose Gravity” the newly founded ROSE Rad Squad has to be taken as a serious title contender this season. Together with the new additions of Antoine Bizet (FRA) and Anthony Messere (CAN), the ROSE Rad Squad, got off to a flying start; Especially thanks to Torquato Testa’s really strong showing at Crankworx Rotorua and Swatch Rocket Air, where he took second place at both contests. With Jakub Vencl (CZE), Lukas Knopf (GER) and Tobi Wrobl (GER) also in their line up, the ROSE team can look to many more opportunities to stock up the points in order to take home all the glory.

Emil Johansson (SWE) had an astonishing start to his season for the Trek C3 Project securing a third place at his first Crankworx contest of his career. The young Swede confirmed his riding level with a great win at FISE Montpellier, which was also his first ever career win. Emil’s points will be vital in future weeks.

Swatch Rocket Air also saw the return of Brett Rheeder (CAN) to the FMB World Tour stage. The Canadian showed glimpses of grandeur and it was great to see him back on the bike competing. Even though he didn’t get the result he probably had hoped for, he and Emil will be a force to be reckoned with this year, even though they post the smallest factory team of the year with only two members.

The Canyon Factory Freeride Team, reigning FMB Factory Team Champion, is in third position at the moment. The team had to take a blow to begin the season, losing Thomas Genon (BEL) at Crankworx Rotorua due to a broken foot. The Belgian is however on the mend and will be back for 26TRIX at Leogang (June 10). His fellow colleagues were able to put on a solid performance at Crankworx Rotorua; Tomas Lemoine (FRA) came in 5th whereas Anton Thelander (SWE) just came in shy of the Top 10. Lemoine and Thelander weren’t quite able to live up to the expectations at Swatch Rocket Air in Thun, but at least Lemoine was able to get a win under his belt at the FMB Bronze Event “Outdoor Mix Festival” in his home country and add some more points to the total.

FMB Wildcard Update
Two FMB Wildcards are up for grabs this weekend at 26TRIX. The two best ranked riders at the upcoming FMB Gold Event in Austria, who have not yet qualified for the FMB Diamond Event at Crankworx Innsbruck (June 25), will be awarded with a spot each for the third Diamond Series Event of the season. Thanks to a great performance at FISE Montpellier, Paul Couderc (FRA) and Reed Boggs (USA) will be heading to the next FMB Diamond Series Event at Crankworx Les Gets (June 18).

Keep your eyes peeled for further information about upcoming live webcasts and calendar updates on www.fmbworldtour.com or stay informed and sign up for the FMB World Tour Newsletter.