The newest recruits to Lapierre's international race team, Sam Blenkinsop and Sam Flockhart, may be known primarily as downhillers but they've helped the company develop a new bike to suit the rigours of dirt jump training and four-cross racing.
The pair already have pre-production models of the 7005 series alloy Rapt 2.2 rig, and production models are set to follow in the summer.
Flockhart raced his prototype in the dual slalom at last month's Sea Otter Classic, but from here on, both riders will focus on downhill racing, with the World Cup series set to kick off in Maribor, Slovenia on May 15-16.
Highlights of the Rapt 2.2 include adjustable dropouts that give the chainstays a range from 405mm to 420mm, ICG05 mounts and the choice between a 135x10mm through-axle rear dropout with derailleur hanger or 135x12mm through-axle singlespeed dropout.
The Rapt 2.2 features an inventive cam-style seatpost clamp
The frame features hydroformed tubes and an integrated 1-1/8in head tube. The slickest feature, though, is its compression cam seatpost binder, which is integrated into the top tube. Four Rapt models will be launched in June. Pricing and complete specifications will not be released until then.