Team Norco International Dynamic – Preparation for the World Cup Circuit

The World Cup downhill circuit is the pinnacle of high-speed mountain biking competition. Where speeds are known to exceed 70km/h on rock and root strewn purpose-built racecourses, nowhere else are the risks are so high and the competition so steep. Ever present is that the deep-rooted spirit found in riding your bike as fast as humanly possible.

photo by Dan Barham

In the buildup towards this massive stakes global series of events, there are numerous steps of preparation that must be taken. The path to the world cup demands rigorous physical training, impeccable balance and world-class technical prowess to pilot bikes engineered to thrive amidst the punishing conditions in this environment. Toughness is not limited to the physical element however, as downhill racers require mental strength and support to compete week after week at the elite level.

photo by Dan Barham

Beyond the drive within each individual rider to compete, to excel at this level there exists a dynamic and chemistry between teammates and their shared experiences training and racing on their bikes that binds and pushes them. Team Norco International is a truly special blend of international athletes representing 3 continents and 4 countries between them. While Jill Kintner and Bryn Atkinson now call Washington State home, Isak Levisson from Norway and Lorenzo Suding from Italy round out the Team roster for 2014.

Leading up to the first World Cup event in the 2014 season Jill, Bryn, Lorenzo and Isak gathered in Port Angeles Washington to become accustom to their new bikes, work with the Norco Engineering Team to get things dialed and spend a few days riding together as a team.

A few days goes a long way and this short duration spent together for the team sets the stage for the season to come. As a cohesive unit a team acts together and can build off one another’s experiences. From four corners of the globe each member of Team Norco International brings a unique perspective summing to something much greater than its parts.

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