Forward Racing-Norco ready to start sophomore year in South Africa

Forward Racing-Norco is back for a second season in 2018, with a new roster, new sponsors, and a new Fantasy XC MTB league. Just a week before the opening round of World Cup racing in Stellenbosch, South Africa, the new team on the Canadian XC scene has announced its roster for the upcoming season. Andrew L’Esperance and Sean Fincham will be looking to build on Forward Racing-Norco’s breakout first year, with L’Esperance starting the team’s season off this coming weekend at the Stellenbosch World Cup.

Forward Racing-Norco finished off its impressive debut year with L’Esperance and Fincham both representing Canada at mountain bike world championships in Cairns, Australia. 2017 also saw Fincham claim the U23 title at Canadian national championships in Canmore, Alta., and an elite Canada Cup podium. L’Esperance also had a strong year, winning the Trek Store Canada Cup round at Hardwood Hills, landing a US Cup podium, and steadily moving up the the ranks in World Cup racing.

Evan McNeely, who founded Forward Racing-Norco with L’Esperance, will step back from racing in 2018. McNeely, who also owns and runs Sneaky Socks, will stay involved with the team in a management roll. One part of McNeely’s responsibilities will be launching and running the Forward Racing Fantasy XC Mountain Bike league, with help from Fantasy Ski Classics. Forward Racing-Norco will also be launching a new blend of coffee this year, with team sponsor Java Blend Coffee.
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The team will be racing the Revolver FS and Revolver HT from Norco Bicycles, outfitted with SRAm components, Rock Shox suspension, DT Swiss wheels, and Kenda tires. Adding to the team’s support for the 2018 season is Jakroo, with custom cycling kit for the team. Forward Racing-Norco kit by Jakroo will be available for supporters to purchase throughout the season.