Vazquez to lead new Team Lapierre

David Vazquez signed for the new team Lapierre DH powered by Saab Salomon. The 28 year-old Spaniard will be joined by the United Kingdom's young Danny Hart, in his first year of junior racing. Endurance downhiller Greg Doucende rounds out the team, which will be operated by Pure Agency in France.

Vazquez's 2007 season was his best in years. He won the European Downhill Championships, finished second at the Vigo World Cup, and is currently ranked number five in the world.

Vazquez moves from Team Maxxis and Team MSC after feeling it was time for a new direction. "I'm very excited about this new and innovative partnership. To be leading this new international program with major partners like Saab, Salomon and of course Lapierre, and with the behind-the-scenes expertise of ex-World Cup racers like Nicolas Vouilloz and Cyril Lagneau, this will be a brand new chapter in my career."

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"I also feel that my recent change in form, mainly due to my coach Tomi Misser who is still as fast as he was when he was winning World Cups, has made a big difference to me," said Vazquez. "I am really excited about racing for my new team in 2008."

The team will focus on the Saab Salomon Avalanche Trophy series, the UCI World Cup and other select major mountain bike events. Riders will use the new Lapierre DH-200 (FPS2 Technology) and the Spicy (OST Technology).