Felt Bicycles is very proud to announce the sponsorship of the newly expanded FELT International MTB Team in 2009. Just one year after the team`s first season as a Felt-supported program, the Tuscan-based professional cross-country squad has set their sights on becoming an international factor at the highest level of the sport, including participation in the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

The FELT International MTB Team is well positioned and is prepared to compete at the highest level having built around an already strong team with some impressive new riders. Joining returning 2008 pro elite members Paolo Alberati (ITA), Pierluigi Bettelli (ITA), Mario Alberto Rojas (COL), Julian Alfonso Becerra (COL) and Alessia Ghezzo (ITA) are new 2009 members Kashi Leuchs (NZL), Emil Lindgren (SWE), Andreas Kugler (SUI), Jurg Graf (SUI), Joel Graf (SUI), Blaza Klemencic (SLO) and former World Champion, Miguel Martinez (FRA). The 2009 FELT-International Team will also include high-level elite U23 and Master’s programs.

The pro team will concentrate on the 2009 UCI World Cup Series, Racer Power Cup (formerly the Swiss Cup Series), Bundesliga Series (GER) and selected Italian events, while the developmental team will focus primarily on racing in Italy. Leading the U23 team are the Italian U23 champions, Juri Ragnoli and Daniele Mensi.

“The relationship that we have established with FELT is extraordinary. We are very happy to work with the truly passionate people of Felt Bicycles and to see our efforts appreciated after just one year together.” says team manager, Antonio Brozzu. “It is our objective to continue to build on this partnership and we are excited to know our team will compete exclusively on FELT for next the four years.”
 
Michael Muellmann, president of Felt GmbH, says, “We are very happy to support this team association and highly value both their performance capability and positive image. It is a program which fits perfectly with our company and we look forward to continued success together.”