Giant is expanding its global freeride program, sponsoring three riders from three different countries in 2011. With their diverse riding talents, Kurt Sorge, Andi Wittmann and Jeff Lenosky will keep Giant on the leading edge of freeride products, competition and culture.
From film projects and big-mountain contests to slopestyle, dirt jump, street and trials competitions around the world, Giant has the freeride scene covered in 2011.
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| Andi Wittmann being filmed in Austria for a segment in the film "Framed." |
Andi Wittmann is the newest member of the team. The 23-year-old German has been riding Giant the last few years and has stepped up to the global crew for 2011.
“I’m really stoked to be joining the Giant global family this year,” Wittmann said. “I’m looking forward to riding and competing around the world—keep an eye out for me in contests and films.”
Wittmann’s main competition bike is his STP equipped with Fox Racing Shox. And depending on the event, he chooses from his stable of Maestro Suspension bikes, including Reign and Faith.
For 2011, Wittmann is focused on the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, which kicks off in April with the Vienna Air King contest in Austria. He’s also working on a film called “Framed,” which features stunning footage of Wittmann riding alpine trails in Austria.
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| Kurt Sorge dialing in his 2011 Giant Faith at Giant USA headquarters in Newbury Park, California. |
Giant’s big-mountain freerider is Kurt Sorge. The 22-year-old Canadian competes mainly on the Maestro Suspension-equipped Faith, and he also chooses the Trance X for certain slopestyle events. This year Sorge is riding RockShox suspension products, a SRAM drivetrain, Truvativ components, DT Swiss wheels and Schwalbe tires.
In 2011, Sorge is focusing on film shoots and major freeride contests, including Crankworx and the Chatel Mountain Style event in France, which he won in 2009.
“This will be my seventh year with Giant, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Sorge said. “I’m really excited for the upcoming year, I’m doing more filming and I’m pumped to get back into the contest scene including the whole FMB Tour.”
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| Jeff Lenosky put on a show in January with his Giant STP at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. |
Also back with the team this year is trials and urban freeride legend Jeff Lenosky. The New Jersey native competes in observed trials and freeride contests on his STP bike equipped with Shimano components and Fox Racing Shox. In addition to competing, Lenosky performs more than 100 demonstrations and shows each year. He helps design courses for U.S. trials and freeride competitions, and works with Giant’s product development team.
“I’m excited about another busy year,” Lenosky said. “It’s only January and I’ve already been riding my STP at events all around the country. Lots more to look forward to in the months ahead.”
For more on Giant’s freeride athletes and bikes, including bios, photos and up-to-date news, go to giant-bicycles.com. You can also follow the team at
facebook.com/giantbicycles.
2011 Giant Global Freeride Program:
Jeff Lenosky (USA)
Kurt Sorge (CAN)
Andi Wittmann (GER)
About Giant:
Giant, the world’s leading provider of high-quality bicycles, has been devoted to cycling culture and sport since 1972. Today, Giant combines innovative technology and manufacturing expertise to create products that are perfectly suited to every type of rider. Committed to inspiring adventure in all cyclists, from casual to competitive, Giant aims to promote the cycling lifestyle all around the world. For more information, go to
giant-bicycles.com.
