FRENCH CONNECTION ADDS FIREPOWER TO CANYON FACTORY RACING
The new line-up: Joe Barnes, Dmitri Tordo, Florian Nicolai, Ines Thoma.
Copyright: Canyon Bicycles Markus Greber
KOBLENZ, 19.02.2018 — Canyon Factory Enduro enters the 2018 season by adding a pair of French
riders to an already dangerous roster in a quest for the prestigious EWS title. Canyon Factory Racing
stalwarts Ines Thoma and Joe Barnes will lead the 2018 battle coming off highlight-filled seasons
which landed the team 3 rd in the overall standings. Ines looks to repeat on her explosive start from
2017 which saw back-to- back podiums including a career-best 2 nd in New Zealand. On the flipside
Barnes continues to push towards a return to the EWS podium while directing, producing and starring
in his hugely popular Dudes of Hazzard video series.
Joe Barnes is back with eyes on the podium.
Copyright: Canyon Bicycles Markus Greber
“It’s unbelievable that the 2018 season kicks off in only one month. I’m heading into my fifth EWS
season with Canyon so it’s all quite familiar, but a new season always brings excitement. I am
extremely motivated to hit the Southern Hemisphere and get the season started.” Ines Thoma.
Joining the hunt for 2018 is 25-year- old Florian Nicolai; a legitimate podium threat known for his
phenomenal bike handling skills and Dimitri Tordo, a relative newcomer to EWS racing. Both hail from
the French Riviera and under the guidance of team leader Fabien Barel look to make an instant
impact.
The French Connection.
Copyright: Canyon Bicycles Markus Greber
“Our enduro program has a rich history in EWS racing from the moment we took victory at the
inaugural EWS event in Punta Ala back in 2013. Since then the program has become stronger than
ever and I look forward to sharing my experience and passion with the athletes.” Fabien Barel.
Fabien Barel will lead the program again in
2018.
Copyright: Canyon Bicycles Markus Greber
The 2018 Enduro World Series kicks off in March in La Barnechea, Chile, a mountainous region of the
Santiago area. The eight-stop premier enduro series makes stops in South America, Europe and
Canada before the traditional final curtain closer in Finale Ligure, Italy, in late September.
Reliable, cutting-edge equipment is crucial to race day success and Canyon Factory Enduro Racing is
proud to partner with industry leaders in their respective categories. In 2018 the team will count on
support from SRAM, RockShox, Mavic, Maxxis, Ergon, Dainese, Troy Lee Designs, Crankbrothers, E-
13, Acros, Mucoff, Go-Pro and Dynaplug.
“Racing at the top level provides the drive behind Canyon’s R&D processes. Bikes like the Strive with
its Shapeshifter technology were born to meet the demands of EWS racing. Our Factory teams are
crucial to Canyon’s R&D department. Working closely with the world’s best athletes from the
conception stage of a frame allows us to ensure they can withstand the toughest conditions and
perform at the highest level. Our R&D department is fully committed to providing anything needed to
put our riders on the podium and these refinements trickle down to our production bikes, making them
the best they can be for riders everywhere.” Moritz Ströer, Canyon Product Development Engineer.
