Devinci Global Racing reveals ‘dangerous’ 2016 roster

Devinci Global Racing is hitting the trails in 2016 with a world-class roster, as Canadian powerhouse talent once again leads the downhill charge this season. In announcing the who’s-who of the season, the team called the roster, consisting of both new and familiar talent, “dangerous.”

Officials also called this year’s lineup the strongest and fastest in Devinci Global Racing history,

Leading that lineup once again is Steve Smith from Cassidy, B.C., the downhill World Cup season champion for 2013. With the last couple of seasons being marked by injury, many of which have kept him sidelined, the British Columbia downhill specialist has been on a “mission” this year, he said. After earning the UCI’s top downhill honour, Smith has had repeating that performance driving him through the offseason.

“I’ve had an awesome offseason,” Smith said, “with tons of racing, training, physio and doing everything I can to better myself—both physically and mentally. The mental game is essential to racing and there’s a huge difference between wanting to win and knowing you can.”

“I’m more excited to be back racing than I’ve ever been,” he added.

Mark Wallace is another Canadian returning to Devinci’s downhill ranks, returning for 2016 after a searing breakout season that earned the Duncan, B.C.-based rider 6th at Mont-Sainte-Anne and a spectacular second place finish at Crankworx. In addition to the two Canadian athletes, rookie Norwegian rider Brage Vestavik also hits the trails with Devinci in 2016, bringing a powerful style that’s earned the 17-year-old downhiller one podium after another in his native country.

On the enduro side, Damien Oton of France—who took second overall at the 2014 Enduro World Series—and compatriot Theo Galy will also compete in the team’s colours, riding a special events calendar that will take them to several events worldwide. Three development riders have also been announced as part of the Devinci Global Racing roster, competing themselves in select events this season. Magnus Manson will race downhill, Stu Dickson enduro, and Luke Dimarzo will bring his talent to his placement in two classifications, enduro and cross-country.

The squad has its first test of the season this March in Valdivia, Chile, before the team’s downhill specialists head to Lourdes, France in April.