Issue 12 June 2014

EDITION 12 JUNE 2014

EVENTSPECIAL

FORT WILLIAM | ENDURO WORLD SERIES | FRED WHITTON | CAL CRUTCHLOW

UCI DOWNHILL WORLD CUP

FORTWILLIAM The greatest show in mountain biking was back in town, with the van packed full of Enve and Smith Optics we set sail.

Each month incycle will share the inner workings of Saddleback’s brand building activities, news, events and business developments.

Allowing you to gain an in-depth feel for the brands we represent and meet our passionate team. Issue Twelve is best served with Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and a Fort William coffee/hot watery milk.

INSIDE THE OFFICE The van is packed to the brim with everything Enve and Smith Optics for Fort William.

Justin Hoy gets dressed in the dark again and picks up what he thinks is his belt.

With Scot and Ross still up north after supporting the EWS, Jason, Ash and I loaded up the van and set off on the nine hour journey that is the annual pilgrimage to the quiet town of Fort William.

Excitement was high, some of us hadn’t been for a couple of years and some never. Arriving safely we set up our stand in the exhibitors area, showcasing the M-Series wheels and a range of Smith Optics products. With daily raffles in which the winners walked away with Enve Minnaar bars and Smith goggles or glasses, our stand was the busiest and the talk of the expo area. With the Smith Optics vending machine luring people into the stand and the Syndicate endorsed Enve wheels on display, people loved dropping by regularly to hi and have another look at the ‘produce’. It was a weekend that we felt very proud to be a part of and support the athletes that were using our products. Next year’s hotel is already booked, see you there! Don’t miss it! NICK COX

BOTTOM CENTRE Our Enve and Smith Optics stand, complete with an eargerly anticipating Ross on the couch.

FAR LEFT The Enve M-Series wheels displayed in all their splendour along with the Smith Optics vending machine.

BELOW Enve athletes Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar’s bikes have a welcomed rest before their qualifying runs on the roughest course in the UCI World Cup calendar.

TOP CENTRE Steve Peat celebrating his 40th birthday and still faster than most poeple!

LEFT We all got to meet the legend that is Dougie Lampkin before he and Peaty went for a spin on their motorbikes.

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JOSHBRYCELAND VISITSOURSTAND Santa Cruz Syndicate and Enve World Cup racer stops by our stand at Fort William.

We all know its only a matter of time before Josh Bryceland wins a World Cup race, so to show our support we chose him to be our ‘poster-boy’ for the Enve banner at Fort William. So in return he kindly showed up at our stand to witness his photo 6m2. Upon seeing it he was only too happy to sign it and give what we know is going to be a priceless autograph in the weeks, months and years to come. All the best Josh we know you’ve got a win inside you busting to get out! NICK COX

LEFT Job done, the expo area becomes a ghost town as more and more people litter the mountain side - we head off to join them.

BELOW LEFT The masses gather as we get ready to do the raffle draw to see who has one the Smith and Enve goodies.

BELOW RIGHT One of the winners of the Enve Minnaar bars, we think his dad might ‘look after’ them for a bit.

OFFICE IN NUMBERS This month we take a look at our trip to and exhibit at Fort William.

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m2, the size of our pitch in the expo area.

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the number of raffle prizes won.

20,000 tickets sold for the whole weekend.

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the price in pence for a Smith Heltmet from our ‘out of order’ vending machine

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beds in one room at the worst hotel in Fort William

938.4 TWOGREATS Cause for celebration at the Santa Cruz Syndicate pit area as Peaty and Minnaar reach their milestones.

If you don’t know who Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar are then you’re not getting out enough, these guys have been around for a while. Don’t let that fool you though they both are still crazy fast and compete with the best. Peaty, who saw his film hit 4th on iTunes was 40 on the weekend and Minnaar’s race run was his 100th finish at World Cup level. I can’t imagine Downhill racing without them, good news... I don’t think they’re going anywhere, only down mountains super fast! NICK COX

miles round trip to Fort William from Saddleback HQ

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black Enve caps worn for every photo opportunity (see back cover)

PEEBLES, SCOTLAND

EWSBYROSS Our very own Ross Grimmett mixes it up with the big guns.

On the road again with Enve, this time it’s off to the Scottish Borders for the latest round of the EWS. After Saddleback became involved in, and began co-sponsoring, the UK Gravity Enduro series through our ENVE brand, it was obvious to us that we should be involved in the EWS when it touched down for the very first time in the UK. The Tweed Valley was to be home to the race, the event village and expo, being set up on Peebles village green next to the river Tweed itself. The size of the site and the representation from the biggest teams and brands showed how seriously Enduro racing is now taken. The warmest of thanks must go to the people and riding clubs of Peebles and the surrounding areas, who without them, the event could not have happened. Between them they ran time keeping, marshalling and supervising amongst many other roles. The crowds that turned out to watch the racers were fantastic, shouting loudly for every single rider. ROSS GRIMMETT

Back in February when I was frantically attempting to negotiate the EWS website to get entry to the E1 category website, the last weekend of May seemed like plenty of time to be ready for the first time the EWS came to the UK. Funny how time flies…….

Sat on my bike gasping for air in the car park at Inners at the end of May, February seemed so long ago. I had just practiced the stages of day 1 of the EWS. I had a proto type 2015 Felt Compulsion with me, which is 160mm travel 27.5” bike running XX1 and Pikes. Practicing the stages on the Compulsion, it was obvious I couldn’t blame the bike for anything that went wrong!

It was also the first time I had gotten the chance to ride using the new Smith Forefront helmet. After minimal messing with the straps, the helmet felt rock solid and not being able to see the brow of the helmet when you have your head down going for it is really nice. The dial fit does not dig in and spreads the tension it adds very evenly on your head.

Practice prior to the event was in pretty heavy and relentless rain. Fortunately this stopped late Thursday night and did not return until the very last riders crossed the line on Sunday.

The stages on day 1 were all at Innerleithen, most being local tracks that had been modified and added to, to create the epic stages.

I found the first 2 stages tough to race on through the sticky mud and never ending exposed roots. The end of stage 3 was fantastic riding, and I started to feel like I was having a good time. The 4th stage of the day was wonderful woodland trails, taking in sections the UKGE had previously used.

Day 2 took place at Glentress. This time small parts of the existing trail centre trails were used, but were again mostly comprised of a mixture of fresh cut trail and secret off piste local trails. The weather was perfect and the trails rode wonderfully, I absolutely loved day 2!

It has to be said that the support from the Tweed Valley locals are what really made the event extra special, every marshal and helper seemed to be a local who just couldn’t be more friendly. The best event I have ever ridden, and the one I am most proud of finishing. ROSS GRIMMETT

The hardest Sportive in the UK? 1,700 entrants would testify to that, so would we... and we were in vans!

THESADDLEBACK FREDWHITTOCN CHALLENGE

Another year another date that we all look forward to here at Saddleback, The Fred Whitton Challenge. As long time sponsors and supporters of the sportive we are always proud to be a part of something that raises so much money for charity whilst doing what we all love, riding bikes. Once again we were on hand to offer road side assistance with our service vans. Its amazing to see all the different levels of rider out there, fighting the elements and the harsh climbs and descents of the Lake District. I was fortunate enough to meet the rider with the number 1 board strapped to his bike, why? He was number 1 because he raised the largest amount of money, he is cancer surgeon who comes face to face with the disease that this sportive aims to offer support through fund raising, this is the spirit of the Challenge. People pushing themselves to reach the personal goal of finishing the Challenge but also to raise as much money as possible for charity. This year saw the largest amount of people to ever take place in the Sportive, which in turn means hopefully more money raised than last year.

Named after the Lakes Road Club racing secretary who tragically died at the age of 50 from cancer, all of us here at Saddleback hold the Fred Whttion Challenge close to our hearts and will long continue to support and help facilitate it for many more years. NICK COX

THETRIATHLON SHOPBRISTOL A few weeks ago The Triathlon Shop closed its doors...

Then opened some very large ones at its’ new location.

The Triathlon Shop in Bristol has recently moved.

After great success at its original location, owners John and Holly decided bigger was better. With the new store, just as the old, stocking a large variety of our brands we were on hand to help with the shop fit and design. Be sure to drop in and have a look if you’re in the area at the Felt wall (pictured below), the Enve wheel box installation and the Castelli changing room. Dealer support is very important to us so if you require any please contact either your rep or the office. NICK COX

TOP FIVE

NICK COX SHARES WITH US HIS TOP FIVE LOCAL RIDING SPOTS. 1. BIKE PARK WALES Its close, it rides well all year round, there’s lots of it, there’s an uplift, it’s lots of fun for all abilities - need I say more.

2. GAWTON One of my first true tastes of downhill riding, never been so scared and happy at the same time apart from the birth of my kids.

3. FOREST OF DEAN Ridden and raced here, the natural rooty top sections mostly trip me up, but just one clean run equals big grins and begs you to do more.

4. STOCKWOOD ‘OLD’ BMX TRACK Where it all started for me, once you dodged the ‘grown-up’ kids on motocross bikes it was so much fun and 5 minutes from my parents house.

5. FLYUP 417 Ok so its not opened yet and this isn’t some cheap plug for it, I’m just super excited about how good this is going to be and 30 mins from my house.

Another fun day at Bike Park Wales

STAFF CHOICES

THIS MONTH WILL SHARES WITH US HIS PICK OF THE BUNCH

ENVE 25 CLASSIC WHEELSET Very light weight, strong and good for everyday riding. Simple look means they look great on any bike.

Best cycling product I’ve bought, just makes the bike feel so much nicer to ride.

EMAIL QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Not only do you all put on a fantastic show in the races but the contact that you have with the competitors when they have problems or want advice is just brilliant.”

Emma Osenton City Cross Event Organiser

Cal Crutchlow (@calcrutchlow) 03/06/2014 20:08 @Saddleback_Ltd @CastelliCycling @BontCycling @FitForHeroes Thanks so much for your help and cant wait to wear them…!

MEET THE SADDLEBACK TEAM

LORD CHARLES COLEMAN ROYALTY - WAITED ON HAND AND FOOT BY HIS BUTLER.

Who is Lord Charles Colemans Mustard?

A law abiding citizen Where do you live?

Bath, UK What’s your job title?

Customer Service, South East What do you do?

Finish all of Justin’s dirty work How long have you been at Saddleback?

1.5 years Worst job you ever had?

Guarding Granny’s Crown in the tower of London Best place to ride?

Mtb in Chamonix or road in the foothills of Nice Favourite Bike product?

Enve 6.7 tubular wheels What makes you angry?

Lemon or lime (or generally anything that isn’t cucumber) with Hendricks Gin What makes you happy?

Ash and Coxy What’s your favourite saying?

A reasonable amount

MOTOGPSUPERSTAR MotoGP rider, Cal Crutchlow gets the Castelli and Bont treatment courtesy of Saddleback.

MotoGP Team Ducati rider Cal Crutchlow sometimes swaps his crotch rocket for a different sort of two wheel transport, his road bike. With a visit from our North Rep and firend to Cal, Michael Fish recently popped in to drop off an array of Castelli and Bont products. With the MotoGP season in full swing, Cal uses his road bike to retain his high level of fitness which is required to compete on the MotoGP stage. Whether he prefers to swap his leathers for lycra, that’s a question for him. But all of us here at Saddleback are glad to be able to support him through our brands. NICK COX

Whats the best bit of advice you could give?

Never buy cheap oats or cheap toilet paper What are you listening to now?

Ross complaining How would you like to be remembered?

As a jolly nice fellow

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THIS MONTH’S BEST SELLERS

1 Castelli Gabba LS 2 Arundel Sport Cage 3 Enve Skewer 4 Sportique Century Riding Cream 5 Stages Ultegra (not pictured)

STAFF CHOICES

THIS MONTH WILL SHARES WITH US HIS PICK OF THE BUNCH

CASTELLI SANREMO 3.0 Very comfortable and can use it for all types of riding such as road riding, time trails and at the Velodrome. This is probably my favourite item of clothing as it looks great and you always have a matching kit as you can’t separate the shorts from the jersey.

SMITHPOINT OFSALE Interested in stocking Smith Optics?

With Smith Optics sunglasses, goggles and helmets now in stock and ready to go, we have a comprehensive POS program in order to make them look super stylish on the shop floor. From stickers and banners to helmet trees and large display units, there is a range to suit. Interested in stocking the award-winning Smith Optics products? Please contact Emily.carr@saddlback.co.uk for more information.

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MEDIA COVERAGE All the latest media coverage and reviews.

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1 ENVE CYCLING PLUS 289 2 CASTELLI CYCLING PLUS 289 3 ENVE PRO CYCLING 191 4 VREDESTEIN CYCLING PLUS 289

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pricelist front_outline.indd 3 FINAL_OUT.indd 5

11:06 24/01/2013 10:27

B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

EXCLUSIVE UK DISTRIBUTOR Saddleback Ltd Unit 10 Easter Court Woodward Avenue Yate, Bristol BS37 5YS 01454 285 285 info@saddleback.co.uk sb2b.co.uk

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If you’d rather receive this digitally the please email: incycle@saddleback.co.uk C O N TA C T S AREA MANAGERS Oli Hunter 07917 462 225 South West Justin Hoy 07917 462 224 South East Michael Fish 07917 462 223 North 5 FELT TRIATHLON PLUS 68 6 CASTELLI, BONT AND FELT CYCLING PLUS 289

DESIGN Nick Cox Senior Graphic Designer nick.cox@saddleback.co.uk MARKETING Andrew Griffiths Marketing Manager andrew@saddleback.co.uk

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