We’re big fans of Fabien Barel – not only is he a three-time downhill world champion and a sound bloke but he’s determined to push boundaries, first with super-slack bike angles and then with Mondraker’s Forward Geometry concept. So we’re excited to hear that the rumours were true and he’s signed with the new Canyon Factory Enduro Team for 2013.
The 32-year-old will be riding alongside Scottish pinner Joe Barnes, plus three up-and-coming German riders – Ines Thoma, Marco Bühler and Maxi Dickerhoff. With Chain Reaction Cycles signing Sam Hill and Rose-Vaujany racking up some decent results, is this the year online bike companies start to dominate racing the way they dominate sales?
Check out one of Fabien’s first test rides on his new Canyon Strive, and hear his hopes for the year ahead:
Source: Fabien Barel hits the trail with the Canyon Factory Enduro Team from Canyon
All pictures by Markus Greber
We reckon Fabien could make a big splash on the enduro scene this year, especially with Joe Barnes as a teammate
He’s been getting to grips with his new Canyon Strive on the trails around Nice, France
A couple of little tweaks and she should be perfect!
Fabien talks grips with team manager Tibor Simai
Fabien Barel on his surprise move to Canyon, the new bike he's working on and the rise of enduro
Canyon Nerve AL+
Fabien Barel