Taberlay to Specialized

Reigning Australian National Champion, Olympian, and Red Bull Giants of Rio champ, Sid Taberlay, a.k.a. "The Tasmanian Devil", will join Liam Killeen in the Specialized factory team for 2005. "After having some top results last year in the World Cup, doing it mostly on my own in Europe, I can't wait to be on a fully supported program and focus completely on my racing and results, and supporting Liam," said Taberlay, who rode as part of the TIS/Cyclingnews.com team last year. "I really respect and admire Liam and all he's done in his Under 23 career so to be on a professional team with him is something I'm really looking forward to."

The team's new UK-based director Gary Foord commented, "I'm so proud to be a part of the Specialized team. Liam and Sid are two very talented athletes with a ton of potential. And, having the support of Specialized in the US and here in the UK will be a powerful combination. I can't wait to start the season!"

With a specific focus on the UCI World Cup, both Taberlay and Killeen will be completely kitted out with Specialized equipment, including the 2005 S-Works Epic, Specialized tires, Optics, Decibel helmets, Body Geometry MTB shoes, gloves, and apparel. The pair will make their competitive debut at Round #1 of the NORBA National series, March 4-6, in Texas, USA.