Joe Smith and Henry Fitzgerald Join Sam Blenkinsop on Norco Factory Racing
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Norco Bicycles is proud to announce its continued support of Norco Factory Racing, which has added Joe Smith and Henry Fitzgerald to its 2017 roster along with returning rider Sam Blenkinsop.
The team will compete internationally with a full race schedule that includes the UCI World Cup downhill circuit, Crankworx series, and select Enduro World Series events. As part of the Norco Race Development program, Norco Factory Racing athletes also play an important role in the design and testing of Norco Bicycles.
JOE SMITH
Joe Smith joins Norco Factory Racing from CRC Paypal, his team since 2011. With a résumé that includes top-10 World Cup and EWS finishes in 2016, the 2015 British Downhill Series overall title, and 2nd at the 2015 Redbull Hardline, Joe is a proven performer well known for his talent and style.
Joe Smith joins Norco Factory Racing from CRC Paypal, his team since 2011. With a résumé that includes top-10 World Cup and EWS finishes in 2016, the 2015 British Downhill Series overall title, and 2nd at the 2015 Redbull Hardline, Joe is a proven performer well known for his talent and style.
 | I'm excited for a fresh start in 2017 with Norco Factory Racing. It's going to be fun working with such an iconic brand as Norco. I'm also excited about working with many new brands and continuing with the likes of SRAM and Schwalbe, which I feel are the best out there. I've looked up to Blenki since I started racing, and can't wait to join him on the team. With Todd's reputation as a trainer and manager, I think it's going to be a good year! - Joe Smith |
SAM BLENKINSOP
Entering his third year with Norco Factory Racing, four-time New Zealand National Champion Sam Blenkinsop is looking to add to his impressive career results, which also include podium finishes at nine World Cups, two World Championships, 11 Crankworx events, and 3 Enduro World Series events.
Entering his third year with Norco Factory Racing, four-time New Zealand National Champion Sam Blenkinsop is looking to add to his impressive career results, which also include podium finishes at nine World Cups, two World Championships, 11 Crankworx events, and 3 Enduro World Series events.
| I'm looking forward to working with Norco Factory Racing again for the 2017 - 2018 season, and building on our past 2 years together. With new teammates and some new and exciting challenges for the team... I'm stoked! - Sam Blenkinsop |
HENRY FITZGERALD
West Vancouver's Henry Fitzgerald joins Norco Factory Racing as he enters his first year in the Elite field. Henry enjoyed a successful 2016 season as a Junior, including 7th at the Mont Sainte-Anne World Cup, 8th at the Vallnord World Cup, and 3rd in the Crankworx Whistler Canadian Open DH.
West Vancouver's Henry Fitzgerald joins Norco Factory Racing as he enters his first year in the Elite field. Henry enjoyed a successful 2016 season as a Junior, including 7th at the Mont Sainte-Anne World Cup, 8th at the Vallnord World Cup, and 3rd in the Crankworx Whistler Canadian Open DH.
| Joining the Norco factory team is an unreal opportunity for me. The team is the full package with an exciting bike, outstanding support, and an awesome crew. I can't wait to get stuck into my first year of Elite with such a great team to learn from. - Henry Fitzgerald |
| This past fall I had a chance to shred some laps with Henry (Fitzgerald) in Whistler... and not only was his speed good... the guy just loves to ride! He reminded me of myself when I was his age! I think we'll help each other this year. - Sam Blenkinsop |
MENTIONS: @norcobicycles
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42 Comments
- 133 1
adrennan
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 14:29)
good lord that mustache.....
- 10 0
goytay
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:31)
LOL yea eh!!
- 36 0
murfio
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:33)
How much money would it take for you to lick it?
- 18 1
conv3rt
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:34)
....is dirty and awesome
- 4 0
adrennan
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 14:52)
@murfio: a lot
- 1 0
hairy-g
(Jan 13, 2017 at 15:23)
You mean Joe smith's right?
- 6 0
theedon
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 15:43)
Ya Henry!!!! So rad
- 8 0
groundhog
(Jan 13, 2017 at 16:08)
It'll grow in fine eventually.
- 1 0
conv3rt
(Jan 13, 2017 at 16:22)
...an open petition to PB users - please make this photoshop request a reality
- 13 0
bentown
(Jan 13, 2017 at 16:58)
He has joined the elite ranks. His tash will join in 4-7 years time.
- 1 0
ermoldaker
(Jan 14, 2017 at 2:12)
@hairy-g: right about what?
- 3 0
hairy-g
(Jan 14, 2017 at 2:38)
@ermoldaker: The apostrophe was meant to indicate possession.
- 1 0
leopaul
FL (Jan 14, 2017 at 11:07)
My exact first thought. It's gonna grow to be majestic one day
- 2 0
murfio
(Jan 14, 2017 at 11:40)
@leopaul: That's what she said
- 19 0
preach
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:45)
BLENKI !!
- 8 0
trueeast
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 17:39)
Smith is going to get Blenki stoked again to really shred it. Both are really capable and IMHO I think this is what Blenki needs to get back on that podium with Smith who is just a downright nasty man!
- 8 0
jaame
(Jan 13, 2017 at 15:29)
What is happening to CRC Nukeproof I wonder. I hope Mike Jones has a ride next year.
- 1 3
yamaha41
(Jan 14, 2017 at 2:15)
Check out our instagram this afternoon and you will have an answer. Wheelersmtbhols
- 3 0
rockin-itis
(Jan 13, 2017 at 20:10)
Great news. They say a change is as good as a rest. Looking forward to some really solid results from the Norco squad. Come on Joe, bring on the results we know you are capable of.
Exciting news for Henry. His face reminds me a bit of Mitch Delfs.
- 6 0
peterguns
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:38)
Yeah Henry! Congrats!!
- 5 0
a-m-c
(Jan 13, 2017 at 18:33)
Blenki has the best attitude on the circuit.
- 4 0
russthedog
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 20:13)
And maybe the best style
- 2 0
ridesohrdmthrfckrsgonfineme
(Jan 14, 2017 at 5:48)
@russthedog: i think he's he's part of the reason a lot of kiwis go glovesless.
- 5 1
allan-mde69
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:30)
Solid team.....
- 3 0
Lookinforit
FL (Jan 13, 2017 at 19:03)
I wanna see the prototype!!!!!!!!!!
- 1 0
RussellTinka
(Jan 14, 2017 at 16:37)
Prototype? Did I miss something?
- 1 0
RussellTinka
(Jan 14, 2017 at 16:38)
Wait, did I have to read? I just looked at the pictures.
- 1 0
Lookinforit
FL (Jan 14, 2017 at 20:50)
@RussellTinka: last summer Blenkinsop (I think) rode a bike nobody has ever seen before in Whistler. Looked like a cross between an Evil Undead and a Commencal DH v4. You might be able to find it on the pinkbike search
- 1 0
RussellTinka
(Jan 23, 2017 at 16:39)
@Lookinforit: thanks man. I'm on it.
- 2 0
longlivechainsaw69
(Jan 14, 2017 at 8:26)
photo credits denied :-( #thatsux
- 1 0
filippo13
(Jan 14, 2017 at 4:23)
I am very curious to see the new bike
- 1 0
razorback0725
(Jan 14, 2017 at 4:56)
Is ed sheeran goin bikin?
- 3 4
alejandrolz1250
(Jan 13, 2017 at 21:32)
I want to see Sam Hill ride for Trek!!!
- 6 9
RedBurn
(Jan 13, 2017 at 14:36)
Yeah smith on a sick bike again (last one was his operator imo) !!
- 12 1
SourisLewis12
(Jan 13, 2017 at 16:56)
nukeproof was a perfectly good bike?
- 1 3
RedBurn
(Jan 14, 2017 at 15:04)
@SourisLewis12: no ugly AF
- 3 0
SourisLewis12
(Jan 14, 2017 at 18:14)
@RedBurn: "well you know thats just like uh your opinion man" - Big Lebowski 1998
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