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Raleigh has said it is planning to make a big splash in the world of cyclocross with its range of four bikes, to cater for a growing demand of riders looking for a versatile racing and commuting option.
The line-up includes the RX Team, built with the same lightweight carbon frame as ridden to numerous podiums by Raleigh cross stars Ben Berden and Caroline Mani. The RX Team forms part of Raleigh’s top tier of ‘no compromise’ professional-grade race bikes.
Completing the range alongside the RX Team is European-style RX Race; alloy, disc-brake equipped RX Comp and entry-level RX Elite.
Raleigh product manager Terry Blackwood said: "Raleigh’s had a great deal of success state-side through Ben Berden and Caroline Mani’s high profile wins on the RX Team frame, and now we’re intent on making a big impact on the UK cyclocross scene. We’re convinced these bikes are going to go down a storm.
"These bikes are going to make sense to people who want a durable, reliable, yet lightweight and well-spec’d machine even if they’ve never heard of cyclocross racing. They are also perfect for increasingly popular sportive-style ‘adventure cross’ events which could be the next big thing for riders looking for a new challenge.
"Working closely with our friends from SRAM, we’ve added cross-specific mud-shedding features to RX Team, RX Race and RX Comp, which will make all the difference in the UK’s often wet and muddy race conditions."
Grass roots sponsorship
Raleigh is to support four young cyclocross riders under the new grassroots Raleigh Cyclocross Rider scheme.
Harry Yates (Junior), Nick Barnes (U23), Dylan Kerfoot-Robson (Junior) and Joe Atkins (U23) have been selected for the scheme after demonstrating their achievements and potential to have a significant impact on the race season with support from Raleigh.
As part of the deal Raleigh will also supply the riders with performance equipment and clothing from High 5, Fi:zik, Schwalbe, Dare2b and Muc-Off.
The riders will also benefit from close ties with Raleigh dealers and cyclocross specialists Graham Weigh Cycles of Shotton, Zepnat Cycles of Matlock, Freedom Cycles of Lichfield and Ride of Coventry.
Raleigh said the four riders stood out among dozens of excellent applications, an indication of the strength in depth of the cyclocross riding scene in the UK, the firm added.
Raleigh marketing director and a former veteran cyclocross champion Geoff Giddings said: "We wanted to make a statement of our intent to have a big impact on the thriving UK cyclocross scene, with the launch of our fantastic new range of four cyclocross bikes for the 2013/2014 season.
“Grassroots rider and event support is at the heart of our marketing drive and we were so overwhelmed by the number of high quality applications to our cyclocross scheme that even after deciding to increase the number of supported riders, we had a tough time choosing. Having met these four young riders I am delighted to have chosen four very professional and talented young men for the scheme.
There’s more at http://raleighcyclocross.wordpress.com
