Cannondale signs Chris Van Dine

Cannondale announced the signing of Downhiller Chris Van Dine this week. Known for being the first rider to stick a barrel roll, Van Dine placed 2nd in the U.S. National Championships last year and was the top North American at the '04 World Championships.

Starting in 2006 he will be joining a new team of Cannondale riders that appears to be stocking talent on a weekly basis: Mick Hannah, Carlo Dieckmann, Wayne Goss and long-time Cannondale veteran Aaron Chase. Don Hampton of DH productions, who also helps manage Cannondale's freeride team said, "CVD is one of those rare guys that is both 'jack and master of all trades' when it comes to the sport."

When asked what influences his riding style the most? "I get a lot of influence from my snowboard brethren and a little from Bruce Lee," said Van Dine with a grin.

Van Dine is also sponsored by FOX Suspension, G3, Bolle, Troy Lee Designs, Ogio, FSA, Lake Shoes, e.13, AtomLab, Crank Brothers, 661, SportLegs, Cytomax, Maxxis, SRAM and Mavic.