GT Factory Racing Welcomes Johannes von Klebelsberg and Ethan Craik
GT Bicycles and GT Factory Racing (GTFR) today announced exciting changes the 2020 team roster. New riders Johannes von Klebelsberg (IT) and Ethan Craik (UK) will join seasoned vets Wyn Masters, Martin Maes, and #2 ranked Noga Korem.
“I’m stoked to have Johannes and Ethan join the crew for some fast racing and good times,” said Maurissen, GTFR Team Manager. “When you add Martin, Noga and Wyn into the mix, you know we’re in for another spectacular season. Fans can expect some more crossover between EWS and DH too. We’ll see you soon at the races!”
No stranger to the UCI Downhill World Cup series, Johannes raced for MS Mondraker during the 2018 season, then as a privateer in 2019. Working in his family’s restaurant in Munich, Germany funded Johannes’s race season. He even raced with a phone in his pocket in case of a work emergency. Johannes is excited to shed his privateer status because “being part of GTFR means that I’ll have bigger opportunities and more time to work on technical aspects of the sport.” He added, “I will have more free time at race weekends next season, and I will use that time to work on skills that could make me a faster racer.”
Aside from being one of the fastest privateers on the circuit, Johannes quickly became a fan favorite last season for his unconventional use of denim jeans as racing pants, earning him the nickname “Denim Destroyer.” Johannes has no plans of hanging up the jeans any time soon, “I’ll keep my denims, and Alpinestars can help me finally get some good-looking ones!”
2020 will be Ethan Craik’s first year racing in the Downhill World Cup. His BMX racing background has given him some serious bike handling skills which he’s excited to unleash on the steep tracks of the World Cup. “I’ve always wanted to race at the top level in my sport, and I’m so thankful for GT giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Ethan. “To ride and have fun with a selection of the sport’s greatest like Martin, Wyn and Noga is truly amazing.” Since breaking onto the scene, Ethan has been running the mixed wheel set up that has paid dividends for Martin, and he’s excited to keep dialing it in with the GTFR team.
As GTFR welcomes new additions to the team, the brand will say goodbye to others. After an eventful two years, George Brannigan will be moving on. Joey Foresta will continue on as GT’s North American gravity assassin with a focus on marquee gravity events in US and Canada including the Pro GRT, Sea Otter, Crankworx and more.
To learn more about GT, its pro riders and the bikes they ride, visit www.gtbicycles.com. Check out GT Bicycles on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, and follow GT Factory Racing on Instagram.
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B) isn't Mr. Cathro's the creator of the "Denim Destroyer" nickname? Should be given some credit
I just assumed that since he'll be on a proper team he'll have a kit sponsor, who'll likely not be too happy about one of their athletes riding in jeans. They can just denim print whatever race pants they have and keep the fans happy
They do chafe a bit after an entire day riding though - liners are a must. Only DH too, can't imagine the chaffage trying to ride trail in jeans....
Cool.
When I show up to the bike park I'm usually in jeans, full face helmet with sunglasses and a pair of old Etnies skate shoes on my feet, cell phone in one pocket and a squashed granola bar in the other, riding a franken-bike I built myself from 2012 - getting odd stares from freakin adults! Not children, but adults! Yet noone says a word because they know theyd lose a couple teeth.
Grow up you Marys, stop being so passive aggressive and realize that not everyone subscribes to your over-priced Power Ranger kit nonsense. God forbid anyone has a sense of individuality in this sport.
Am I missing something here?
I have shorts, but the mesh pulls right up your bag crease and with the liners getting pulled in you get nut jammed. Don't get that with the jeans -that's what I was trying to get across.
have you ever thought that there might be objective benefits to "over-priced Power Ranger kit"?
and if you use your brain, you can get most items on sale, often for quite a bit less than your average levis 501s.
on the other side that might make Amaury even faster down the hill, just to be first in the line...
The knödel trio is a regular feature on the menus near my house, you feel each one thump into the bottom of your belly and it sitting there for hours afterwards.
I think if you go to the UK and ask for dumplings you will cry.
I think you can simply go for Knödel, like italian pasta, you can't constantly searching for the matching english word when it simply doesn't exist.
“Ah you think denim is your ally? You merely adopted the jeans. I was born in them, molded by them. I didn't see matchy racing kits until I was already a man, by then they were nothing to me but blinding!"
GTFR welcomes new title sponsor: Levis Jeans
Those prices are crazy but people will pay more than they should. Diesel Jeans company was on the verge of bankruptcy until they they raised their prices to a then-unheard of $300 a pair and enjoyed a decade of decadence. They were the marquee UCI DH sponsor in1999.
I only where made in usa White oak Luckies.
I have a DH racing number plate from back in the day that screams DIESEL - FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING at me from my office wall daily. My first DH race in 1999.. 2nd in Beginner class. I thought I was the shit. Turned out I wasn't.
I dont like really long or large pockets and i hate silver stiching or any kind of branding on them.
When i see a guy in Rock revivals i just feel embarrassed for them.
He was on it last year so with the support of GT it be sick to see what he can do
Technical jeans always looked and performed poorly on snowboard, but are a staple for climbing.
I would like to use them during the day as well.
Kids these days and their "originality" - geez
Cost a bit more than legit MX pants????
Go get f”#*~d