Five participations in the Giro d'Italia, two Tour de France and two Vueltas, a Milan-Turin victory and a second place in the Lombardia, the Torpado Kenda Factory is proud to welcome Diego Rosa , an athlete who left mountain biking at a very young age to compete his cards on the road by playing for 10 years among some of the most important teams on the international scene and now he has the space and desire to return to the fat wheels to write another exciting chapter.
Results are not enough to describe an athlete like Diego Rosa, a pure climber, capable of triggering the strongest emotions in the public and spectators. The Piedmontese rider, with his dazzling smile and the character of a true captain, has reached people's hearts through disciplines, a two-wheel star ready to shine on the bikes that the team will equip him with, the Torpado Renero and Ribot
A dream come true, bringing an athlete who has written history and still has so much to say, to ride on the all-Italian products of the Torpado company.
“The story with Torpado is a story that began many years ago, there was a first contact but I had already signed up to race on the road, then 2 years ago I took part in a couple of mountain bike races including the Italian one. On that occasion Sandro saved my start because I had a flat tire a few minutes before the start, he gave me a hand by lending me the pump and there he made his first proposal". Diego will join a rapidly growing working group thanks to the presence of high-calibre partners and reference athletes on the international scene who are part of the Torpado Kenda Factory in a year of great relaunch.
The tricolor joins the Torpado brand for a combination of great prestige, Diego Rosa in fact in his return to mountain bike competitions last year promptly won the tricolor marathon title which dramatically amplifies the attention around the team. For an Italian team with a vocation for internationalization it is a great success to be able to count the presence of the Italian specialty champion.
“ Last year I started knowing that when the races were tough but not very technical I could be there to compete, but I knew that inexperience would also play an important role. This year I start again with much more awareness, I have improved technically and I know the routes, now I know that in long and hard races I can always be placed and I am much more calm. I wear the tricolor shirt I wear with pride and I want to make him make a good impression, I will honor it to the full."
The team's ambitions, with the inclusion of a rediscovered biker who demonstrated last year that he knows how to manage not only distance and climbs but also technical races, grow by taking advantage of a complete roster of immense value that can aim for positions of the podium on every single occasion.
“In 2023 I started practically without objectives, but this year I want to win those tough races in which last year I could have been in front, namely the World Cup races, the Dolomite classics, Italian, European and world championships. I always want to be competitive in these races. The team's calendar is top level and I know that there will never be quiet Sundays, the parterre will be fierce and this is stimulating."
With Diego, together with the other precious elements of the team, concrete common objectives are achieved in the most important competitions, starting from the stage races at the beginning of the season, passing through the Cape Epic in which the team will be present with a formation that will have the jersey as its flagship. Diego's tricolor, passing through the World Cup trials in which Diego had already achieved a podium last year, on par with Casey South, two fundamental players in the rugged Dolomite races.
“I will go to the Cape Epic with the tricolor magic and this is one of those occasions that don't happen often in life, it's one of the reasons why I absolutely want to do it well”, in the team he will be supported by international athletes of reference, “The beauty of this year is also to be part of an international group, I am very happy to race with Casey South who last year was one of my fiercest opponents uphill, I will have to learn a lot from Jakob especially from a technical point of view, we have already been in the national team together and then there will be another addition of great value for the team, also a foreigner and with a lot of experience and Andrea who is still a very young boy. It's a great group with great ambitions, I can't wait to get started.”
“ The addition of Diego Rosa - comments team manager Sandro Lazzarin - means a lot. We have arrived at the end of 2023 with the awareness of having two very strong young people, probably the strongest at the moment, Casey South with very important climbing skills which led him to battle with Diego in various circumstances and Jakob Dorigoni. These two young people needed an important reference capable of instilling them with confidence and determination. The new signings are aimed at bringing experience and knowledge to achieve maximum results. Diego will be an important player and a boost for the entire team. In just one season he managed to gain a place among the strongest in the world by demonstrating top rider performances. The goal is to achieve as many results as possible in Italy and abroad and Diego is the ace in the machine for us, the piece that was missing to help the team mature."
Diego Rosa has already had the Torpado Renero , the full racing bike with which he is carrying out the first tests of the materials, from the new Kenda tires on Reynolds wheels, through to Manitou suspensions.
Diego Rosa's first official outing with the new competition uniform will take place in just a few days from the south of Spain to participate together with Jakob Dorigoni in the Leyenda de Tartessos.
Welcome Diego!
We couldn't ask for anything better for the first public release of the new 2024 Torpado Kenda Factory jersey other than with a splendid podium in an important context such as the Italian cyclocross championship. The continuous growth of the project comes in 2024 to resume the classic colors of the team, blue and orange in a livery designed by Alé and in which there is space for all the partners who have confirmed their support from past seasons and those who have joined in this magnificent adventure.
Starting with the Italian cyclocross championship was a real experiment but their athletes always respond to the team's call with top performances. The Italian championship wanted to celebrate the return of the team, an Italian reference, born on the Peninsula and with extensive support from Italian companies, also at the highest levels in cyclocross.
Dorigoni not only participated but characterized the most exciting battle in this competition, the one which stimulated the attention of Rai viewers for an hour during its live broadcast. Jakob ignited the fight for the podium, with a comeback which he was forced to make after a mechanical problem which occurred right in the early stages of the race. His result, a second place of immense value, denotes his state of form after a winter preparation focused on reaching a first peak for the next few weeks.
Jakob Dorigoni's statements: “ I trained a lot over the past few months, I didn't know how the body would react in a race, especially in cross which is a very explosive discipline. I am proud to have worn and worn the new shirt, which in my opinion is beautiful, for the first time on the podium. Now the goal is stage races in the heat.”
Together with Jakob Dorigoni, the team paraded a new jersey with an attractive design and above all with the high-sounding names of the partners with whom the Torpado Kenda Factory is proud to be able to work in the coming years, from the confirmation of the title sponsor Torpado, to the arrival of sector reference such as Kenda , Alé , DMT , FSA , Dinamo , Fizik , the renewal of the precious support of Manitou and the Hayes group, together with non-sector partners such as Marchiol , Selectra , Offsolar , GBS , DS Smith and Matras .
The appeal, the value of the materials used, the reliability and the level of the team is growing and will soon announce its two tastiest innovations which will complete a stellar roster for the season which has just begun in the best possible way.
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The second season of the behind the scenes video series that highlights the experiences in a 360 degree manner of World Cup racing, through the viewpoint of Pinkbike Racing is set to go live. Check out the series and share in the struggles and successes of the Pinkbike Racing teams World Cup endeavor… made smoother by Manitou.
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The next best thing to getting a new bike is to have your current one upgraded. In GMBN’s recent video they have surprised a local rider by taking his well-used ride and turning it into an entirely different machine via new and improved componentry. There is no more important addition to a bike than having a top level pair of wheels and SunRingle’ are happy to have been involved in creating smiles for miles for the young rider.
Vallnord, Andorra – August 25-27, 2023
The excitement was palpable as the Pivot Factory Race Team gathered in Andorra for the 4th round of the World Cup, kicking off the second block of races in Europe. With a full team of seven riders the stage was set for an intense showdown on the scorching race track. The week commenced with a blistering start with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius and clear blue skies. The resulting dry race track promised an exhilarating experience for both riders and spectators. As the week progressed the weather played its own tune, threatening the event with heavy downpours in the afternoons. Yet the relentless heat counteracted the rain, drying the track quickly and maintaining the excitement.
The junior riders took centre stage on Friday with the Pivot juniors showcasing promising speed throughout the week. Ryan Griffith who had missed out on the Val di Sole round came back with a vengeance, securing an impressive 7th place on race day. Notably Dane Jewett made his mark by locking himself into the 14th position, trimming an impressive 6 seconds off his qualifying time and demonstrating consistent performance.
Despite showcasing exceptional speed during practice Mathew Walker encountered a mechanical setback during his qualifying run, suffering from a broken chain. Nevertheless he valiantly descended the hill narrowly missing qualification for the main event.
Jake Jewett, piloting the new prototype Pivot exhibited remarkable comfort and speed on his fresh ride. Positioning himself at 20th on the 3rd split, his race day journey came to an abrupt end after an unfortunate collision with a tree. Despite the crash Jake emerged relatively unscathed.
Jenna Hastings, still adjusting to her new Pivot bike, narrowly missed the semi-final cut by a mere two positions. The physically demanding, high-speed track posed a challenge, yet Jenna showcased the determination to cement her spot in the elite field.
Saturday marked the elite field's race day but the unpredictable weather played havoc with the schedule. Organisers wrestled with weather conditions with heavy winds and rain forcing the elimination of the semi-finals. The resulting delays created a mental hurdle for the riders.
Edward Masters, known for his entertaining personality both on and off the race field, displayed unwavering dedication.
Inconsistent weather conditions tested Eddie's resolve, yet he powered through to an impressive 37th place finish.
Bernard Kerr, unafraid to embrace risk thrived under the pressure of finals day. Unpredictable weather and the potential for race cancellations didn't deter him; instead, he welcomed the challenge. Bernard showcased remarkable speed and ease on his prototype Pivot, securing a commendable 5th place and adding another World Cup podium to his collection.
As the Pivot Factory Race Team bids farewell to Andorra and sets its sights on Loudenvielle, France, anticipation is high for the 5th round of the World Cup. With Eddie Masters, Matt Walker, and Morgan Charre battling it out in the enduro field, the team is poised for another week of exhilarating racing, camaraderie, and determination. The Pivot Factory Race Team leaves Andorra with a full roster and an unwavering spirit, ready to conquer whatever challenges lie ahead.
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