This week Trek Bicycle announced their sponsorship of a US based gravity development program called ODI-Trek Satellite Racing. The goal: use Aaron Gwin’s talent and accomplishments to inspire and develop the next great American DH racer.
The newly formed ODI-Trek Satellite Racing team plan to use the coaching and mentoring of Trek World Racing’s World Cup champion, Gwin to develop a group of five junior riders. Former racer and athlete representative, Rich Houseman, will manage the team.
US 16-and-under national champion Logan Mulally, younger brother of Trek World Racing’s Neko Mulally, will lead a team that includes Jason Schroeder, Charlie Harrison, Matt Branney, and John Buckell.
Jason Schroeder at the 2nd round of Fontana, CA's winter series
With Gwin’s help, Houseman aims to ensure America’s current World Cup success is converted into continued dominance. “Teaming up with ODI, Trek, and all of our sponsors, has allowed us to create a solid development program for these young shredders,” said Houseman. “Our coach and mentor Aaron Gwin has come up with a blueprint for dominating at the professional level, and we’re looking forward to giving all the necessary tools to our young riders. Our goal is to produce, and develop the next great American champion.”
"As a US-based company it's important for us to continue to grow US presence at the World Cup level,” said Colby Young, ODI’s brand manager. “We are excited that Trek has decided to partner with us to continue to develop these young riders into the next American World Cup champions. We are looking forward to a great season."
The team will be equipped with the World-Cup proven Trek Session 88 as they tackle the domestic DH circuit, including Super-D events. Bontrager will provide wheels and their new line of off-road tires, including the new G4 and G-Mud models. “Trek has realized a new level of success in the DH world through the new Session and working with Aaron this past year,” said Travis Ott, Trek mountain bike brand manager. “We’re excited to work with him and Rich Houseman to keep the US at the top of gravity racing. My hope is that this is nothing short of a development factory for the next batch of World Cup champs.”
