With a strong mix of veterans and new faces, plus key new equipment sponsors, the team targets enduro, downhill and XC races around the world.
One of the longest running professional teams in off-road bike racing continues to grow and evolve in 2019. This year the Giant Factory Off-Road Team includes 15 riders from six different nations competing in every discipline from downhill to enduro to cross-country and gravel.
The 2019 roster has three national champions and a strong mix of veterans and young talent. The team also welcomes some key new equipment sponsors as it continues its mission to develop cutting-edge race bikes and technologies. The biggest changes for 2019 are the return of FOX suspension products including forks and rear shocks, plus new XC and gravel kits from apparel sponsor Cuore.
This year’s Giant Factory Off-Road Team is divided into two tiers: six global riders, and nine regional North American riders. The global squad is focused on major international events including UCI World Cup downhill and cross-country races as well as Enduro World Series events.
DH and enduro riders
Eight-time Colombian downhill national champion Marcelo Gutierrez leads the World Cup DH squad. Gutierrez is joined by another national champion, Jacob Dickson of Ireland. These two DH riders will focus on World Cups and other major events on their Glory Advanced race bikes.
Marcelo is already off to a strong start with wins at two major urban DH events in Colombia, the Manizales Urban DH in January and the Devotos de Monserrate in February.
“This year is looking really good, I feel really stoked about the suspension setup and I’ve made a few key changes like having a new trainer and sports psychologist. This year is probably the best I’ve ever felt physically and I’m extremely comfortable on my new downhill bike.”
Marcelo Gutierrez
The 21-year-old Dickson was derailed with an early-season injury last year, but he still managed to score his second consecutive elite men’s DH national championship in Ireland and a couple top-10 finishes at Crankworx Whistler events in Canada. “I’m really looking forward to the 2019 season,” Dickson said. “My goals are to be consistently in the top-20 for every World Cup and to enjoy every race.”
American Eliot Jackson rounds out the DH squad for 2019. The California-based pro will focus on Crankworx and North American events along with some key World Cup races.
The enduro crew gets a boost this year with the signing of Youn Deniaud, a top young talent from France who finished 10th overall in the Enduro World Series last year. Racing as a privateer, the 22-year-old scored several top-10 finishes in his first year on the EWS, earning the “EWS Breakthrough of the Year” award in the world’s premier enduro series.
“After my first season racing the Enduro World Series as a privateer, being a part of the Giant team is just awesome,” Deniaud said. “I have the best partners now, and this is a big step for me. I had a great winter training season and I’m ready to race on my new Giant bikes this year.”
Youn Deniaud
The enduro squad also sees the return of some familiar faces. Australian Josh Carlson joins Deniaud on the full EWS circuit, while Canadian Mckay Vezina will race a mix of EWS and North American events. Both had to battle through some injuries this in 2018 and are looking forward to a clean slate this year. All the enduro racers will be racing their Reign Advanced bikes with new FOX suspension setups, plus the shorter travel Trance Advanced Pro 29 for select events. The enduro team will also be developing and testing next-generation bikes and gear throughout the season.
XC and gravel riders
This year also sees an expansion of the team’s XC and endurance squad, led by up-and-coming talents Cameron Wright from Australia and Cole Paton from the U.S. Both will focus on World Cups and other major XC events around the world. They
will compete primarily on their XtC Advanced 29 hardtails and Anthem Advanced Pro 29 full-suspension XC bikes, while also helping to develop and test new, next-generation XC race bikes and gear.
Wright emerged as one of the sport’s top young talents when he won the XC world championship as a junior in 2017. Last year he swept the Australian national series, winning all six events in the junior category plus the Australian national championship and the Oceania Championship. This year, Wright, who turns 19 in March, steps up the Under-23 category.
“The upcoming season is a big one for me as a first year U23 rider. It’s definitely going to be challenging with my first World Cup season. The goal is to give it my all and be in the top-10. I’m on a new Giant bike with great suspension and the new Shimano XTR group, and really looking forward to representing the team.”
Cameron Wright
Joining Wright in U23 XC action is 21-year-old Paton. The Colorado resident had several podium finishes at North American races last year, and is looking forward to competing at the international level.
On the technical front, the team welcomes back most of its sponsors from 2018 along with several key new partners for 2019, including FOX suspension products. Team riders will use Shimano drivetrain and brake components, and PRO/Shimano cockpit components. Additional components and gear include Giant WheelSystems, saddles and dropper seatposts, plus the Giant NeosTrack GPS computer.
Team Bikes
Glory Advanced: The downhill squad including Marcelo Gutierrez, Jacob Dickson and Eliot Jackson will race their Glory Advanced bikes with new FOX suspension products throughout the year. Cameron Baird photo.
Anthem Advanced Pro 29: 2017 Junior World XC Champion Cameron Wright will race on this Anthem Advanced Pro 29 machine on technical cross-country courses. Paton and his XC teammates will be competing in Cuore race kits along with Giant helmets and footwear. Cameron Baird photo.
Reign Advanced: Deniaud will start his first season on the Giant Factory Off-Road Team racing the Reign Advanced bike with new FOX suspension products. Deniaud and his enduro teammates will also be developing and testing new enduro-focused bikes and gear throughout the year. Cameron Baird photo.