Where is she off to?
British downhill racer Manon Carpenter, the 2014 World Champ, leaves Saracen after six years. There is no confirmed news as to which team she is off to next.
>>> Watch Manon Carpenter’s pre-season training camp
Posting on Facebook, Manon wrote: “I spent the past 6 years racing with Madison Saracen, from Junior to Elite, and some amazing times have been had. It’s been great to be a part of the team for so long and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities. So thank you! For me it will be a new team for the new year :-)”
Latest news from the team 👆🏼I spent the past 6 years racing with Madison Saracen, from Junior to Elite, and some…
Posted by Manon Carpenter on Friday, November 4, 2016
Manon’s time with Saracen saw two World Championship titles (she won as a Junior as well as an Elite) and consistently impressive World Cup results. She also won the World Cup Series overall title in 2014.
Madison Saracen team manager Will Longden, paid tribute to her: “We are delighted with Manon’s achievements during her time at Madison Saracen, helping her develop from an aspiring junior to world champion. Aside from her results on the race track, Manon has inspired countless women to try the sport, acting as an ambassador not just for the team, but for British mountain biking worldwide.”
The ‘official’ statement from Manon: “I’m very grateful to Madison Saracen for the opportunities they have provided me with over the last six years. I’ve witnessed it grow from a young development team to the factory world cup team it is today.
“Helping the team step onto the world cup team podium was a huge highlight, along with myself topping the world cup podiums in 2014.
“I’ve learnt a huge amount about myself and racing through my years with Madison Saracen and I feel like it has put me in a great position going forward. So I want to say a big thank you to all those involve, and to the companies who have supported us so well along the way. I wish everyone the very best for the future!”
>>> Rachel Atherton pursuing perfection
Wherever she goes, being on a new team – and squaring up to the all-conquering Rachel Atherton – looks set to make the women’s World Cup downhill series more exciting than ever next year. We can’t wait!