GT Factory Racing latest DH and Enduro team switch to Continental for 2023
GT / Continental Factory Racing has selected Continental as co-title and official tire partner for 2023.
Continental’s Gravity range of tires was officially launched in April 2022, following three year’s development by Continental’s category-leading R&D team and testing by athletes across the Continental Atherton, Continental Nukeproof, and Pivot Factory Racing teams. A wide-ranging portfolio engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of every rider, the Gravity range was designed to instil maximum confidence on every type of trail.
This close relationship between athlete and engineering was proven with Continental-supported teams enjoying an exceptional 2022 season, with a mud-soaked UCI Downhill World Cup in Snowshoe leading to podium finishes for four Continental riders across Elite men and Junior women.
Both Continental and GT have long histories of supporting both emerging talent and established racers, combining inspiring and entertaining personalities with strong results and expertise on the trails. The 2023 GT/Continental Factory Racing roster is no exception. With a DH team comprising Jess Blewitt (NZL), Ethan Craik (GBR) and Ryan Pinkerton (USA), all under the age of 21, this youthful crew is ready to capitalise on their momentum from the 2022 season. The Enduro squad is led by Noga Korem (ISR) and Katy Winton (SCO), both of whom are feeling strong going into the new season.
Cam Cole will continue to manage GT/Continental Factory Racing operations with Mark Maurissen, Matteo Nati, and Rich Simpson, with new addition Matt “Snowy” Clark joining as mechanic.
No World Cup season is complete without Wyn Masters – both on the track and in the pits – so for 2023 there will be a major increase in his presence. Keep an eye on GT and Continental social media for details of what’s coming up on WynTV this year.
Kelsey Rollet, Marketing Manager Bicycle Tires, Continental, said: “We’re delighted that GT has chosen to roll with Continental for 2023. The team has an electric combination of exciting young talent and more experienced voices, so we can’t wait to see them pushing their limits on the Gravity range and our prototype tires.”
Steve Spencer, GT Global Sports Marketing, said: “We always strive to find the best products possible for the team to perform at the highest level and instil confidence and Continental has checked off all of the boxes. To see and hear the athletes immediate reactions to the product is exciting. On top of stellar product the Conti’ crew has been great to work with. All great ingredients to a solid partnership!”
John Barreira, GT Mountain Product Manager, said: “The right tires can make or break any ride. Continental has always been at the forefront of tire technologies and now partnering with our Factory Racing program has us excited for a multitude of reasons. In conjunction with our racers, the in-house development team has had the chance to test some of the new Conti products and we’re excited to deliver these rad tires on key complete offerings for 2023 and beyond.”
Wyn Masters said: “I’m stoked to be rolling on Continental Tires going forward, after spending some time on the tires recently I definitely have no doubts about their performance and I can’t wait to get racing on them!”
Katy Winton said: “Really impressed with the Continental tyres, we have a lot of options to ensure we have the best tyre for every condition. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together at the races!”
Ethan Craik said: “I have put the Continental tyres through a mixed range of weather, surface conditions and it’s safe to say I have full faith in my bike sticking to the ground as hard as I push it whilst rolling at a much faster speed than other tyre brands. I’m excited to push myself to add more podiums to Continental’s resume as we partner together from 2023. It’s great to be with such a forward-thinking company trying to push the boundaries of our sport and bike performance.”
Jess Blewitt said: “Absolutely love them, the best tires I’ve ever used. They hook up nicely and it makes no compromise at all to the rolling speed. They also have thicker casings which offer better puncture resistance on rocks. Stoked to be running Conti!”
Noga Korem said: “For me, confidence is key, and these tires definitely give me so much of it! Looking forward to getting the Conti’s on the racetracks!”
