Santa Cruz Bikes

Syndicate Welcomes New Partners

Santa Cruz, CA

The crowning of Steve Peat as 2009 World Champion put an exclamation point on the Santa Cruz Syndicate's domination of the downhill arena for the past few years. Peat's 2009 season put him in the history books - 17 career World Cup downhill wins, 50 World Cup career downhill podiums and finally the elusive championship - and he alongside teammate Greg Minnaar pushed the Syndicate to the pinnacle of success. Minnaar won three World Cup downhills in his first season aboard the Santa Cruz V-10 and captured the UCI World Cup overall in 2008. He continued his charge in 2009, winning three more World Cup races, thus scoring 6 of his 11-career World Cup wins during his two-year stint with the Syndicate. Young gun Josh Bryceland's contributions to the squad with his Junior World Championship title in 2008 and 13th overall World Cup performance in '09 has made the Syndicate the UCI #1 Downhill Team for two years in a row.

This success is only possible with the best products, riders and support out there. We would like to welcome our new sponsors to the Syndicate for 2010 and thank continuing sponsors for their commitment to the program. Our new partners are Edge Composite carbon wheels, Chris King for headsets and hubs and we are back on board with Maxxis Tires. Muc-Off has added their top of the line lubes and cleaners for Syndicate use and we greatly appreciate the continued support from SRAM, RockShox, Truvativ, Avid, WTB, Crankbrothers, Lizard Skins and Clif Bar.

The Syndicate roster remains stacked with reigning World Champion Steve Peat, Greg Minnaar and Josh Bryceland pinning it in the downhill arena, Jamie Goldman rocking the freeride world, and John Waddell is down under racing XC and endurance races. Rob Roskopp, owner and CEO of Santa Cruz Bicycles, says, " I'm excited to see the Syndicate continue on for the coming years. It's been a huge source for R&D, allowing us to come out with so many advanced products in such a short time. Having such a dynamic group of people has contributed to the overall success of Santa Cruz Bicycles."

"Syndicate represents some of the best racers in the world, so what better program to show off our range of SRAM, RockShox, Avid and Truvativ product? SRAM is proud to be part of the fun that is mountain bike racing. SRAM loves racing, and of course winning so the Syndicate is an ideal fit. We're looking forward to another great season!" - Eric Schutt, SRAM

"We at EDGE are very excited to be working with the Syndicate, we are excited to see the result of great product paired with great performance. We feel the DH environment and extreme capabilities of the riders will be the most defining way to demonstrate what sets the EDGE branded products apart from all others." - Jason Schiers , EDGE Composites

"Maxxis is delighted to be back working with the Santa Cruz Syndicate. We have long admired their quest for perfection and with riders such as Peaty, Greg and Josh on board we are not only looking forward to more podium success but also the R+D feedback that such an experienced team can provide.'' - Leo Liao, Maxxis

"I've had 2 great years with the Syndicate, so why change something that works? We have a couple new changes to our Santa Cruz V-10 for 2010. We going to be rolling on carbon with EDGE Composite rims, we will continue to be Powered by SRAM/RockShox and would like to welcome back the best rubber in the business, Maxxis. With a V-10 set up with such amazing equipment, I can't wait for the season to kick off!" - Greg Minnaar

"Its great to be part of the Syndicate family again. We have built up a pretty special group over the years and I feel we have the best support from Santa Cruz Bicycles and all our affiliate sponsors. Whether I am out riding my V-10 or one of the many great bikes Santa Cruz makes, I am always happy and having fun because I know I'm on the right equipment.

The Syndicate program has gone from strength to strength over the years and 2010 is no exception. We have had test sessions on new equipment that I think will raise our game considerably for the coming season." - Steve Peat

"I'm Superstoked to be spanking some shred with the raddest savages in the settlement!" - Josh Bryceland

Check out some exclusive photos over at Vital MTB