Felt International grows its roster

Just one year after the Felt International MTB Team's debut, the Tuscan-based professional cross country squad has its sights set on the highest levels of the sport, including participation in the 2009 UCI World Cup. After the recent signing of Frenchman Miguel Martinez, the team announced an expanded roster.

Joining returning 2008 elite members Italians Paolo Alberati, Pierluigi Bettelli and Alessia Ghezzo and Colombians Mario Alberto Rojas and Julian are the other new 2009 members New Zealander Kashi Leuchs, Swede Emil Lindgren, Swiss racers Andreas Kugler, Jurg Graf and Joel Graf, and Slovenian Blaza Klemencic.

The team will also include some elite U23 and masters racers. Italian U23 rider and champion Juri Ragnoli and Daniele Mensi will lead the U23 team.

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 on racing mainly in Italy.

"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," said 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 for next the four years."