With the over indulgent festive season behind us, we’ve stumbled into the new year with high hopes and much anticipation for the upcoming race season. The first piece of race news to welcome us in is that of Manon Carpenter’s move to Radon Factory DH Team for 2017.

Having been on the Madison Saracen Team since it’s formation back in 2011, the young downhill athlete has had a whirlwind of a career in the elites. With numerous podium finishes, some breathtaking crashes and the World Cup championship title in 2014, it was time for a change of scene.

Manon has signed a two year contract with the German brand, and will be joining riders: Johannes Fischbach – the current City DH World Tour Champion – Faustin Figaret and Raphaela Richter, the current U21 Enduro World Champion. Massive kudos for Radon who’ve taken on two female riders for their downhill team this year.

The Radon Factory DH Team will be riding the new Radon Swoop for the upcoming race season.

It’s always exciting to see a shake up in race teams. An athlete needs to adapt and adjust to a new environment, team mates and of course, a new trail blazing steed. Having been unable to make it back onto the top spot since her title win in 2014, let’s hope this move gives Manon back her winning edge.