LA GRAVE DE PEILLE, France (Subaru Mondraker) -- Fabien BAREL double world champion (2004, 2005) and vice world champion 2007, arrived at a crossroads in his career and decided to establish his own downhill team. Fabien wanted to have the freedom to continue his career on his own terms and select the people he needed to help him perform at his best.
The idea to create his own team had been brewing since 2001, however putting it all together was not going to be easy. The end of 2007 delivered the opportunity he needed by his partnership with Subaru France. This leading automotive brand was seduced by the ideas of the project to develop the sport through helping young French riders excel, they decided to commit to a 3-year contract. Next came the product partner negations and leading this was the Spanish MTB brand Mondraker, followed by the following component partners: Formula, Mavic, Kenny, Marzocchi, OnOff, Brake authority, Urge Helmets, Shimano and E-Thirteen.
The departmental council joined the project in order to develop the image of MTB. Fabien Barel will work with Auron resort to develop biking activities whilst Florent Payet and Damien Spagnolo will be technical advisers to Roubion resort.
“A private team give me the opportunity for more flexibility and reactivity” Fabien BAREL.
Fabien’s talents are not limited to riding bikes, he has carefully selected his team to promote an image of human values and bring credibility to the team and it’s partners.
The team structure outlines efficiency and performance, the staff and riders have strong common goals and values:
Paul WALTON has been working with Fabien for 4 years as mechanic/engineer. He is the team manager and will be coordinating team travel and organisation whilst continuing to develop and optimise the mechanics of the bikes. He will be supported by Christian TABART, Christian is very well known in the French downhill discipline for his great mechanical skills and generosity, he will bring experience and maturity to this young team.
RIDERS
Fabien decided he wanted to bring a new dimension to his career and return to the sport all the intense moments he has experienced by setting up a stepping-stone for young, talented riders into the mountainbike world. He wants to be able to share his experience with his teammates and promote the sport by helping to bring these riders to the podium. He chose his teammates carefully, motivation and potential were 2 of the main criteria. He wants to be able to add to the rider’s natural talent by showing them how to become top downhill racers through preparation and determination.
Florent PAYET
8th at the 2007 World Championship Florent, native to the Reunion Island, is now living and studying on the French mainland (Montpellier). He is only 22 years old and already boasts some very good results. 2004 European Junior Champion and 8th at the 2007 world championships.
His background in Motorcycle trials gives him his smooth talented style. His main goals will be to develop his physical condition and work on his preparation.
Damien SPAGNOLO
19th 2007 world champs Damien lives in Saint de Maurienne (Savoie). He is 23 years old, finished 3rd in the French National champs 2007. He shares the same work ethic and family values as Fabien, however he needs to work on his confidence and enjoyment when on the bike. His main goal will be to control the pressure and develop his race mindset
Fabien BAREL
Double World Champion (2004 - 2005), vice world champion 2007, European Champion (2005), National Champion (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007) and team Director stated that this.
For 2008 there will be no pressure on the young riders to perform, but for sure they have the talent to finish in the top 10 at world cup level. Fabien will focus on regaining the rainbow jersey and having a consistent, injury free world cup season.
The synergy of the riders will help to push each other to perform at the highest level.
PRESENTATION
The Culmination of all this planning and negation arrived on 29 and 30 March with the official team presentation. It was held in the French ski resort of Roubion and was well attended by journalist from all over Europe. The goal of the weekend was to create an exclusive atmosphere where the various journalists could interact with the team and its partners, test products, take photos and discuss the new venture. The presentation was not a typical conference in a hotel lobby but instead an opportunity to ride, there were 4 downhill tracks available with ski-lift access for the 2 days.
The emphasis of the event was to create awareness for the team and introduce the partners to the media.
The team’s objectives are to build a strong force on the international downhill scene by regaining the rainbow jersey and promoting the team colours from the podium. To do this Fabien will be passing on his experience to Damien and Florent and in return he will be able to push himself with the help of his new training partners.
PARTNERS
SUBARU France has a clear reason for their involvement in the team, they want to be part of the evolution of the sport and in particular help France to develop new talent for the future. This can also be seen by their involvement in the French National series.
MONDRAKER Bicycles joined fairly late in the negotiations and this was due to the high demand Fabien had for a reactive manufacturer who was willing to invest technically and Financially in the team. Fabien and Paul discussed with various manufactures, but only Mondraker had everything that was required to be the team frame supplier.
Marzocchi suspension will be keeping the riders in control, they were chosen for the high level of components that they produce. The team will use the 888 world cup fork. And Roco world cup rear shock. Marzocchi have a few special developments that the team will be helping with.
Mavic was the obvious choice for the team due to the strong performance philosophy of the company and the excellent race support they offer. The team is already using some prototype components that are far superior to the competition.
Kenny clothing and protection is the choice of the riders, high quality and good looks make the team stand out. The team will also use Kenny bike products, a line of bicycle care cleaners and lubricants.
Formula will be supporting the team with its new “ONE” brake, this has awesome stopping power and coupled with their race support and high level of development in the company they fit perfectly within the team goals.
On Off components will supply all ancillary components for the bikes, with the concept of producing a lightweight downhill race line. The team will use Handlebars, Stem, Headset and Seat post. Currently developing a new handle bar and stem for the team.
The “Conseil général des Alpes Maritimes” has a strong goal to develop cycling in the region and this governmental body decided that the team would be a new and exciting method for them to be in touch with the mountainbike community.
Fabien will be flying the flag of Auron and Damien and Florent will be with Roubion. Both of these ski resorts will invest in mountain biking.
Brake authority, a new and versatile company will be supplying Disc brake pads to the team with a message of conservation by the pollution free pads it produces.
Shimano, a long time partner of Fabien was welcomed to the team because of the high level of performance and reliability of their components. The team will use XTR and XT cranks, chain, cassette, rear derailleur, shifter and cables. Shimano will also be the athlete footwear supplier.
Urge bike products will keep the riders protected by supply of the helmets to the team. This is an important part of downhilling so the riders can feel secure and look good.
E-13 will be supplying the chainguides and chainrings tot he team, they are the market leaders with the LG1 system so were the first choice for the team. Also they have a young small company that is hungry for development ensuring the team will stay on top.
Some recent editions to the team are Crank brothers for pedals and small tools, and Fizik who will be giving the riders a seat.
Fabien and Florent will be supported by Bollé eyewear and Damien will stay with his personal sponsor Adidas Eyewear.
The team would like to thank all those partners for making it possible as they look forward to a great season.
EVENT SCHEDULE 2008
MARCH/MARS
• 01 - 02 MAXIMA BIKE Regional DH St Maxime (FRA)
• 08 - 09 St ANDREU DH Regional DH St Andreu (ESP)
• 22 - 23 CEASAR BIKE DH Regional DH Laudun (FRA)
• 29 - 30 TEAM LAUNCH Presentation Roubion (FRA)
APRIL/AVRIL
• 05 - 06 FRENCH CUP XC 1 National XC St Raph (FRA)
• 11 - 13 SAN ROMOLO TEST Timed Testing DH San Romolo (ITA)
• 19 - 20 PEILLE DH Regional DH Pielle (FRA)
MAY/MAI
• 09 - 11 SLOVENIA WC 1 World cup DH Maribor (SLO)
• 17 - 18 RUBION DH Regional DH Roubion (FRA)
• 30 - 01June VALLNORD WC 2 World cup DH Vallnord (AND)
JUNE/JUIN
• 06 - 08 FORT WILLIAM WC 3 World cup DH Ft William (SCO)
• 14 - 15 FRENCH CUP DH 1 National DH TBC (FRA)
• 21 - 22 VAL DI SOLE WORLDS World champs DH Val Di Sole (ITA)
JULY/JUILLET
• 05 - 06 FRENCH CUP DH 2 National DH Les Orres (FRA)
• 12 - 13 EUROPEAN CHAMPS DH TBC (ITA)
• 19 - 20 FRENCH CHAMPS National Champs Serre Chevailler (FRA)
• 26 - 27 Mt St ANNE WC 4 World cup DH Mt St Anne (CAN)
AUGUST/AOUT
• 02 - 03 BROMONT WC 5 World cup DH Bromont (CAN)
• 09 - 17 CRANKWORX Festival DH Whistler (CAN)
• 16 - 17 FRENCH CUP DH 3 National DH Oz en Oisans (FRA)
• 23 - 24 FRENCH CUP DH 4 National DH Montgenevre (FRA)
• 29 - 31 CANBERRA WC 5 World cup DH Canberra (AUS)
SEPTEMBER/SEPTEMBRE
• 12 - 14 SCHLADMING WC 6 World cup DH Schladming (AUT)
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