Minnaar to Santa Cruz Syndicate

Former World Champion and two-time World Cup champion Greg Minnaar signed with Santa Cruz Syndicate for two years. After four years of racing for Team G Cross Honda, which is disbanding at the end of 2007, Minnaar is moving to join fellow downhill strongmen Nathan Rennie and Steve Peat.

"The most important factor for me in choosing a team I race for is the level of support, and the ability to race at my best. It's clear that the Syndicate is driven by people who love to race," said Minnaar. "To have a race winning bike beneath me as well as team-mates that will continue to push me, makes me very excited about the upcoming season. We are going to be a pretty tough team to beat!"

"Racing for Team G Cross Honda for the past four years was an amazing experience. I had more wins and World Cup podiums on that bike than any other, and the support and friendliness of the whole team made for a very sad day when the announcement came down that it was ending," continued Minnaar. "In this game though, you hope that there is always a new and exciting chapter around the corner, and I'm sure that the Syndicate is going to be an awesome experience for me."

"Clearly...Greg has immense passion for his craft, which is evident in his demeanour and race results throughout the many years he has been racing," said Rob Roskopp, owner of Santa Cruz Bicycles and founder of the Syndicate. "We strive to support each athlete as an individual under the umbrella of the Syndicate, in order that they may express their individuality in a manner that they feel most happy and have their personal integrity expressed through their sport. We are delighted to have Greg."

Minnaar's first race appearance with his new squad will be at the Sea Otter Classic in April 2008.