Adam Craig and Oli Beckingsale renew Giant contract

Olympians Adam Craig and Oli Beckingsale have signed up for another year with Giant’s Global mountain biking team.

Veteran Australian downhill racer Jared Rando is also joining Giant for the 2009 season.

Last year, 27-year-old American Craig held onto his title as US cross-country champion, as well as collecting his sixth consecutive US Super D title and competing in the Beijing Olympics.

“Giant is behind me and I’m behind them,” said Craig. “Any team that’s supported me through a six-year Super D national championship streak must be doing something right and I’m looking forward to keeping the fun rolling in 2009.”

This year Craig will focus on the international World Cup series plus a handful of North American events such as the Downieville Classic in California.

British rider Beckingsale, a three-time Olympian, has won the British National Mountain Biking Championships five times and is considered one of the most consistent cross-country racers of the past decade.

“It’s shaping up to be a great year and the bikes are better than ever,” said 32-year-old Beckingsale. “It’s a top team in terms of support and also team spirit. I’m looking forward to hitting the World Cup 100 percent and also having a crack at the marathon world championships in Austria.”

Beyond the three-man Giant Global team, Giant will continue to support its North American squad, consisting of cross-country riders Kelli Emmett and Carl Decker, as well as Canadian freerider Kurt Sorge.

Giant Global Mountain Bike Team

• Oli Beckingsale (Great Britain), XC, Short Track
• Adam Craig (USA), XC, Short Track, Super D
• Jared Rando (Australia), 4X, DH, DS

Giant North American Mountain Bike Team

• Carl Decker (USA), XC, Short Track, Super D
• Kelli Emmett (USA), XC, Short Track, Super D

Giant North American Freeride Team

• Kurt Sorge (Canada), Freeride
• Jeff Lenosky (USA), Freeride, Trials