Santa Cruz Syndicate has signed up Josh Bryceland to their powerhouse Gravity squad. Bryceland, the up-and-coming 17 year-old from Manchester, is the reigning UCI World Cup junior downhill champion and British national junior downhill champion.

Josh says

“To now be on the Syndicate with the likes of Steve and Nathan is a dream come true! My goals for ’08 are to consistently place top 15 at World Cups, keep hold of the yellow jersey, and to get on the podium at World Champs,” said an excited Bryceland.

Peaty says

Steve Peat is pleased to have his protégé on board and said: “I have been helping Josh out for a long time now and I like what I see. He is an amazing rider at a young age and I think he will flourish riding alongside Rennie and myself. Welcome aboard Josh!”

Roskopp says

Rob Roskopp, owner of Santa Cruz Bicycles, said of his new addition: “Josh definitely has what it takes to be the next superstar of downhill. He has a great personality, tons of skill and he’s also very driven! We welcome him into the exclusive club known as the Santa Cruz Syndicate.”

Why sign him?

Bryceland has had a remarkable season on the UCI World Cup scene as well as at the BMBS national races.

Highlights of his year include qualifying fifth and placing ninth at the UCI World Cup Downhill in Maribor, Slovenia.

At the national race in Ae Forest, Scotland, he took the junior win and placed fourth overall, just ahead of Greg Minnaar and behind Matti Leihikonen.

A flat tyre marred his World Championship race run, so he is hungry for the Junior Worlds title in ’08.