Banshee Bikes Factory Team 2014

The aim of our team is to provide its riders with a professional atmosphere that will increase their chances to achieve goals for the 2014 season. The team was founded by Matej Charvat, who is a multiple Czech Downhill Champion and a long term member of the Banshee Family. He has achieved some superb results, proving he is up for the challenge and has been consistently improving over the past few seasons.

"The team has been searching for riders who would perfectly fit into this fresh new World team and we think that with this squad we've completely met our expectations.“ - Katarina Keherova, team manager of the BBFT

Matt Walker burst onto the World Cup scene last year after honing his skills on the local downhill courses in New Zealand. Taking a 2nd place at the City Downhill in Bratislava (SVK), a 3rd place at another international urban race in Prague and some solid results in World Cups, all signs indicate that Matt is perfectly prepared to take it to the next level.

"I´m super excited to be riding for Banshee this season! I think the team will have a fun environment for us all to learn from and to progress with the support we need to be competitive at the top level of racing. My goals for this season are to get back on the podium at the urban races we attend and some top 20´s at the World Cups which with the Banshee´s support are within reach.“ – Matt Walker

Reece is a 20 year old downhiller who has earned his reputation for representing a new generation of Kiwi privateers in Hawaiian shirts' in 2013. This easygoing guy has already taken some top spots in the Junior category and there´s a feeling that the best is yet to come for Reece.

"My 2013 season was cut short due to a crash at Crankworx Europe. I can´t wait to get back to riding World Cups for the Banshee Factory Team aboard the Legend, it´s going to be awesome. With an awesome bike and the good team background I hope to start climbing the World Cup ranking.“ – Reece Potter

Another freshly recruited racer to the team is Tom Matthews, he's a dedicated young rider who scored top results mainly in his national races. If all goes as planned, Tom will show us that his hard training will pay off internationally.

"I'm eager as a beaver to get back racing overseas! I've been giving the best opportunity to ride with the boys on Banshee this year and to make a solid season as well as a solid impression at all races on the Legend!“ – Tom Matthews

In other amazing news, the team has recruited former professional downhill racer and legend Sean McCarroll (AUS), whose previous racing experience will be more than appreciated by the riders as they prepare for the races. It´s always a huge advantage to have someone who is able to help our riders with race courses analysis, searching for the best lines and improving their skills.

"Having an opportunity to be a part of the Banshee Bikes Factory Team is awesome and I´m really excited and looking forward to this year of racing. Having raced many World Cups in the past and with my experience, I´ll be giving advice to help to the Banshee riders succeed and achieve the best results possible.“ – Sean McCarroll

Will the new Banshee Darkside see racing action under the new team?

“Banshee Bikes is delighted to support this young up and coming team for 2014, and we are very excited to see what they can achieve. These guys really suit what Banshee is all about, not only do they push the limits of what is capable on a bike, but they have fun while doing it, which we feel is a very important ingredient brings passion to the racing. I am personally very excited to see how these guys excel across many varying events as part of the new Banshee Bikes Factory Team throughout 2014.” - Keith Scott, Banshee Bikes owner/designer

“When brands are considering team rosters each year, there are so many factors that must be considered. We look for riders and teams who not only show podium potential in the short term, but are also planning for the future by nurturing strong up and coming riders paired with experienced seasoned veterans. At Spank we feel we have scored with Matej Charvat and the Banshee Bikes Factory Team. Spank has been behind Banshee riders like Matej for a number of years, and we know that he has what it takes. So it´s really exciting to see the program grow and evolve. In 2014 Spank will support the team with wheels, bars, stems, flat pedals and accessories to make sure every bike in the team fleet is fully pimped. We are looking forward to a blazing season!” - Mike Dutton, Spank Industries Brand Manager

Team will be focused mainly on downhill, enduro and urban races and its riders will participate at all World Cup rounds, European IXS Cups as well as at both Crankworx events, select urban DH races and other international events.

For the 2014 the Team will be sponsored by Banshee Bikes, Spank, ČEPS, a.s., DVO, Kenny Racing, Maxxis Tires, Morgaw, Cane Creek, e*thirteen, Atlas Neck Brace, Ti-Springs.com, HT Pedals, Sensus, Buxton Headphones.

We would like to thank all our sponsors for their help and support and we are hoping that we are able to accomplish all our goals that we set at the beginning of this year.