Martin Söderström has moved from NS Bikes to Specialized for 2011, marking an astonishing rise for the young Swedish slopestyle star and giving the Californian company arguably the strongest freeride team in the business.
Specialized will provide Söderström with frames – their P.3 hardtail, SX Trail full-suspension bike and Demo 8 downhill rig – and saddles for the next two years. Along with team-mates Darren Berrecloth and Matt Hunter, he'll help with product development as well as representing the company at contests and in videos.
Since breaking onto the international scene two years ago, Söderström has won 11 events, including both Big In Bavaria comps. He also ended up fifth overall in the inaugural Freeride Mountain Bike (FMB) World Tour. “I couldn´t be any happier to sign with Specialized," he said. "It's always been a dream to ride for a big brand, and now to sign with THE brand of the big brands is just amazing... Together we want to create some new amazing gear, not only for me but also for all of you out there."
Deacon James, director of Specialized's P.series line of dirt/park/street bikes, said: “We couldn’t be more excited. We have the utmost respect for Martin. We're big fans of his riding and style and have a deep appreciation for his professionalism. The timing couldn’t be better as we're dedicating more resources to P.series to fully realize Martin’s goals and ours by utilizing his direct feedback in the development of our current and future projects."
