Backcountry.com has launched its first professional Mountain Bike Team. The seasoned squad will compete in major North American cross-country and stage races throughout the year including Sea Otter Classic next month in California, The Whiskey 50 (backcountry.com is the title sponsor), BC Bike Race and the 2014 Pro XCT Series. The team will also compete at the Mongolian Bike Challenge.
 


 

“Mountain biking is at the core of who we are as a brand and being able to extend our expert gear knowledge to the trail and support the sport is a priority,” said Jill Layfield, CEO at backcountry.com. “Assembling a pro team of this caliber that possesses the tools to compete at the highest level is a natural extension of our cycling brands and culture.”
 

The Mountain Bike Team will be managed by pro rider Jason Sager (shown churning and burnin at left). Sager took 2nd place overall at the 2013 Sudety MTB Challenge stage race in Poland, and 4th overall at the 2013 Mongolian Bike Challenge. In addition to Sager, team riders include:

 





Bacountry.com MTB Team Manager Jason Sager churning and burnin. Photo by: Dave McElwaine


  • Chloe Woodruff | 2nd overall in the 2013 Pro XCT Series, and 2nd at Short Track National Championships in 2013.

  • Evelyn Dong | 5th place at XC National Championships in 2013, and 3rd at the Missoula and MT Pro XCT cross-country events in 2013.

  • TJ Woodruff | 1st in McDowell and White Tanks Arizona MBAA series 2013.

 

The Team will exclusively ride the Air 9 RDO, ONE 9 RDO and Jet 9 RDO rigs from Fort Collins, CO-based Niner Bikes. Other Team sponsors include: Geax, Clifbar, Louis Garneau, FSA, WTB, Chris King, ENVE, SRAM, Crankbrothers, Eureka, Jet Boil and Gore Bike Wear.


 
In addition to the pro Mountain Bike Team, Backcountry’s support of the growth of mountain biking is also focused on the youth at the local level, with its recent sponsorship of the Utah High School Cycling League-the fastest growing National Interscholastic Cycling Association chapter in the country.
 

“Connecting with and being supported by a company that has a passion for gear, mountain biking, and outdoor adventure as rich and deep as backcountry.com is a perfect match and synergy that will fuel us on the trail,” said Sager.
 

The team’s next race is March 22-23 at the Fontana XCT in Fontana, Calif.