Specialized Sign's Hill and Fairclough

Specialized announced today a much anticipated decision to sponsor Team Monster Energy in 2009 — Two of the most notorious faces in downhill racing, 2X World DH Champion Sam Hill and 2006 Junior World Cup DH Champion Brendan Fairclough. Next season, the two-man team will ride the Specialized Demo 8—the same race rig trusted by Decline Team America.

- Sam Hill


Known as downhill's man to beat, Australian Sam Hill is a 2X World DH Champion, the 2007 World Cup DH Series winner and a World Cup podium veteran, not to mention the Australian MTB Cyclist of the Year, 2004-2007. Sam: “I wanted to ride for Specialized because we share the same goal and that's to win races—they are really capable when it comes to building and testing new products and striving to be the best,” he said. “I had a good feeling about all the people there, and it's cool that everyone is into riding bikes, and they are all passionate about it. I'm definitely excited about the future and what myself and Specialized can achieve together.”

- Brendan Fairclough


At just 20 years old, Teammate Brendan Fairclough is also no stranger to DH racing. As a former Junior World Cup DH Champion and 5X British National Champion, Brendan continues to move up the ranks at the World Cups, posing a threat to some of the sport's most experienced athletes.

Original news from: PinkBike