Oli Beckingsale Signs for Giant RT

One of Britain's top cross country mountain bike riders, and a key member of the England team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Oli Beckingsale, has signed for the Giant Racing Team after one of his most successful seasons ever in 2005, according to British Cycling. The Giant team on their website say that the signing of a legend in British Mountain Biking will add yet another dimension to the already strong Giant squad.

Oli has twice ridden the Olympics, (2000 and 2004), finished sixth in the European Championships and was a highly impressive ninth in the World Championships. If that isn't enough, he was also crowned both National Cross Country and National Cross Country series champion.

Oli however isn't resting on his laurels though and both he and Giant are hoping for even greater achievements in the future. Oli had this to say about signing for Giant: "I am very happy to be joining Giant for 2006 and beyond. I have some big goals over the next few years and Giant can give me the support and equipment to help me succeed at the highest level. Giant have a great reputation as a winning team and I hope that I can pilot the Anthem and XtC to the top of the podium."

Although his focus is on the future, Oli also wanted to thank the team he will be moving on from "to make this move I have to leave a team that I have had a great time with. I would like to thank Ian Hughes and everyone else at Scott UK for the support and memories over the last ten years."