January 15, 2004

Bell Sponsors Vories, Zink, Hendershot and O'Donnell of S.C. Syndicate

SANTA CRUZ, California — Santa Cruz Bikes has formed the Santa Cruz Syndicate, a mountain bike team that's different from most teams. The Syndicate is a combination of some of the world's most talented freeride, gravity racing, urban/street and ultramarathon athletes, who will represent Santa Cruz Bikes around the globe in races, festivals, contests and everywhere else.

The Santa Cruz Synidcate includes American Kirt Vories, who will be racing all major gravity events and still continuing with his successful All Ride program.
Cameron Zink and Henry O'Donnell, both 17 years old, are eager to move to the senior ranks. Zink will be splitting time between the DH racing and freeriding, the latter of which will still be in conjunction with the Santa Cruz-backed Superheroes Team. O'Donnell is the reigning Junior National Downhill Champion, with hopes to build on that momentum in 2004. Marathon rider Mark Hendershot will be competing in various ultra-distance events, including Sea Otter, National Series, and the 24-hour solo World Championships in Whistler, Canadabe.

Syndicate riders will be given a bike and other equipment, but are allowed to sign individual sponsors for personal items, such as clothing, goggles, helmets and shoes, and most of the five-rider team will be using Bell helmets exclusively.