The China Experience

March 21, 2013

The passion of cycling spans the globe. No matter the culture, language, country or gender cycling is a common bond among us all. Norco Factory Team rider Darcy Turenne made a trip to China with a number of fellow Shimano athletes to coach a camp and see the emerging mountain biking scene in China. The filming team at Anthill Films was there to document the experience and show the world that China is a part of our global cycling culture.

Read the full article at pinkbike.com

Breaking Down Walls on Pinkbike

Norco’s 2011 Vixa – Darcy’s Team Build

February 10, 2011

The 2011 event season is about to get rolling. As a result each rider on the Norco Factory Team is getting their arsenal of bikes ready to attack for whatever may come in their way. For Norco Factory Team Rider Darcy Turenne, one such bike is the Norco Vixa. As a women’s specific freeride bike, Darcy prefers a Shimano Saint Kit, Rockshox suspension and Kenda Tires. The rest of the build completes the bike with gear from FSA/Gravity, WTB, E-13 and DT Swiss.

Here are some photos of the new ride.

Let’s Welcome the Norco Factory Team into 2011

January 26, 2011

The Norco Factory Team has been one of the most diverse teams anywhere for more than a decade. Through the disciplines of Trials, DH, XC, FR, AM, 4X, SS and any other acronym you can think of, the Norco Factory Team has some of the most talented riders anywhere. Additionally, members of the team are more than just incredible athletes, they are also mentors and ambassadors of sport.The 2011 Norco Team would like to welcome Ludovic May to the roster. Ludo comes to the Norco Factory Team from Switzerland to race DH and Super-D events around the world. The addition of Ludo to the team adds yet another specialty to the already diverse team.

Without further adieu, here is the 2011 Norco Factory Team.

Ryan Leech Trials sensation Ryan Leech is starting his 13th season as a part of the Norco Factory Team. Through leadership, style and health Ryan inspires everywhere he goes. For 2011, watch for Ryan and his shows at events such as The Sea Otter Classic, Kokanee Crankworx and on Ride Guide TV. Info on Ryan, his tour and videos can be found at ryanleech.com	Jay Hoots 2011 marks Jay Hoots’ 10th year on the Norco Factory Team. In addition to being an incredible rider, Jay is also a guru of Mountain Bike Park Building. With more than 40 skills parks built across Canada and projects sprouting up around the World, Jay is making the future of cycling a reality. Check out more info on Hoots’ parks at hoots.ca

Mislav Mironovic The Croatian Sensation is back for another year. Mislav will continue to compete in DirtJump and slopestyle competitions for 2011. Watch for Mislav to be a contender on the European event circuit as well as to make a visit to North America later this year. Mislav’s latest video is definitely worth checking out so here it is.	Darcy Turenne Pro Freerider Darcy Turenne continues on the Norco Factory Team for her 5th year. In 2011, watch for Darcy at major events throughout North America. Also, if you want to spend some quality time with Darcy, be sure to check out her, See Jane Jump mountain bike festival at BC’s Mt Washington Resort.

Andrew Watson Andrew Watson came off the 2010 season as the Canadian Cup Champion. Placing first in the nation and testing the water overseas on the World Cup Circuit, watch for Andrew to continue his Canadian domination and use last year’s experience to climb through the ranks of the world cup field. You can follow Andrew and his adventures on his blog.	Catherine Vipond Catherine finished off 2010 with an impressive 2nd place overall in the Canada Cup series. 2010 was also a year for testing the World Cup circuit out with Team Canada. In 2011 Catherine will be trying to best her Canadian second place overall while building her international experience on the World Cup Circuit. You can keep up to speed on Catherine on her blog.

Nick Geddes Nick Geddes is entering into his last year as a Junior DH Racer. In 2010, Norco’s Whistler local kept the hardware close to home with 3 podium finishes at the Kokanee Crankworx Festival. Also, Nick took a top 20 spot at the World Championships and 2 poduim finishes on the Canada Cup Circuit. To see what Nick does best, check out this video from his backyard.	Sam Dueck 2010 was a high flying year for Sam Dueck. Competing in Slopestyle events such as GoatStyle, Crankworx, and the Teva Mountain Games, Sam’s biggest achievement for the year was a 4th place at The Kokanee Crankworx Monster Energy Slopestyle. Watch for Sam flying high again this year on the Slopestyle tour, in the meantime though you can see him do his thing here.

Ludovic May Ludovic is the Newest addition to the Norco Factory Team. Coming to Norco from Switzerland, Ludo is a Super-D Specialist who can also hold his own on a DH . For 2011 keep an eye out at key World Cup events as well as Super D races such as the Megavalance. In 2010 Ludo took 6th place at the Megavalanche and he is looking to best this result for 2011. Welcome to the Norco Factory Team Ludo.

The 2011 Norco Factory Team Sponsors

Shimano

My New Ride – The 2010 Team Carbon

March 30, 2010

The 2010 season is fast approaching, it is a pretty exciting time with new bikes coming in. I just picked up my 2010 Norco Team Carbon hardtail. I was a little nervous watching the seat mast being hack sawed, but now I never have to worry about my seat post sliding!! I’ve been able to put the bike through it’s first test rides now and the bike feels awesome. It’s fast, light and stiff. The SID WC XX helps smooth the ride and I’m pretty stoked about the hydraulic lock out! I feel it is always good to test the bike in crash situations, so I took a corner too fast, forgot about a bridge and ended up launching myself into a creek bed… luckily neither the frame or the shiny new XTR were scratched. The bike looks pro with special Norco Factory Team Kenda tires and white Ergon grips. To top off my ride I had some tasty orange-ginger Nuun in my bottles!! For me the season ramps up pretty quickly. I’m headed to Europe two weeks tomorrow and am super excited to get things rolling. I’ll be racing the first two World Cups, Dalby Forest and Houffalize, before heading back to Canada for the Canada Cups.

Here is a video that I filmed on my first ride! Love the Bike!

Catherine

Catherine Vipond on her new Team XC from NorcoBikes on Vimeo.