February 21, 2007 (Vancouver, B.C.) – Giant Bicycles looks to be staying at the forefront of the Canadian bike industry with the signing of an all-star downhill team. As we enter our ninth year of National level team sponsorship, Giant Bicycles still illustrates its’ continued commitment to developing the sport of cycling even when other companies tighten the sponsorship reigns.

As Giant's Race Program Director, I am very impressed with the direction the company is moving, with the signing of a number of Canada's top downhill racers; which will undoubtedly increase brand name awareness, aid research and design as well as improve Giant's position in the competitive bicycle industry.

Our newest addition to the Giant Canada team for 2007 is seventh year pro rider and Quebec Champion Dominick Menard. Dominick finished up the 2006 season ranked fourth overall in the Canadian National series, won the Quebec Championships and on top of his racing Dom teaches bike camps at the Bromont, Quebec ski hill during the summer months. Dom admits, “ 2007 is very promising; new home base, new sponsors, new bikes and motivated like never before!” When asked about teaming up with Canada’s top two National series riders, “ they have been good friends of mine for a long time and we share the same motivation and attitude. It’s nice to be on a well-organized and exciting team! It will definitely motivate me to push harder throughout the season.”

Returning to the team again for 2007 is National team member and two-time Canadian National series Champion Luke Kitzanuk of Vancouver, B.C.

Luke’s goals are simple for this year… repeat his 2006 success and add in a National Champion crown!

Giant is also pleased to announce the re-signing of Eric Goss - Canada’s number two-ranked rider in the Canadian National series. Last years season long battle for number one supremacy alternated between Giant Canada teammates, Luke Kitzanuk and Eric Goss. “My goal for 2007 is to improve on my National ranking, podium at Nationals and have fun doing it!” Maybe with Eric’s new move to the riding mecca of Rossland, B.C. Eric and Luke will be pushing each other again for the leaders jersey in 2007.

Managing the team and Giant’s professional race program again for 2007 is Sean Jenkins. “ This is my tenth year with Giant Bicycles, in the earlier days I raced for Giant and as the company and team developed my focus gradually changed over to the management side of the team.” Although still not forgetting his roots, Sean still enters races if time on the business side permits.

Giant Canada’s Factory team riders will be competing across Canada in Provincial series events, National series events and North American World Cups. With a powerhouse team, an award winning race bike and many great companies supporting our program, look out for Giant Canada’s riders on a podium near you!

Giant Canada is proudly support by: Fox Racing, Maxxis Tires, Hayes Brakes, Sram drivetrain, Sun/Ringle wheels, Dainese body armor, Sidi, Crank Brothers pedals, Race Face components, Genuine Health products, Dakine, e.thirteen, Spy Optics, Skechers, NRG Enterprises, Vellend Tech Canada and Innovation Sports.