Katie Compton, Trek and SRAM announced today that for the 2012-2013 season, Compton will be making a return to riding on SRAM componentry on Trek. The announcement comes just in time, since the eight-time Nationals winner recently announced that in July, she’ll be taking on an early cyclocross season in New Zealand.
Katie Compton hopes to grab the World Cup leader's jersey while on her new Trek/SRAM team. © Bart Hazen
This will be Trek Bicycle’s first pro cyclocrosser contract, part of their new racing program aimed at growing Trek’s presence in the world of cyclocross. Compton will compete aboard the Trek Cronus and Ion cyclocross bikes along with a range of Bontrager components and apparel.
“To hit my goals, Trek is the best opportunity,” said Compton. “From the incredible race support, to the bicycle technology, it’s what I’ve wanted. And it just felt like a good fit from the start. Trek is looking to make some big waves in the sport of cross and I’m excited to be helping.”
“We’re really happy to welcome Katie back to the Trek family,” said Michael Mayer, Trek Road Brand Manager. “In addition to having such a great athlete ride Trek, the feedback she’ll be able to give us is going to be invaluable in further developing ‘cross technology.”
The TREK Cyclocross Race Team will reserve their full roster and sponsorship announcement for August 1. Trek’s Michael Mayer said, “We’re excited to have Katie back on Trek as well as partner with SRAM. We will have a strong racing program for the upcoming season starting with Katie.”
As far as Compton’s return to SRAM, she says, “I missed my SRAM RED. Last year I was not racing on RED and I was dropping my chain regularly, I couldn’t be sure of when I shifted, and I just never had a good feeling. My first ride back on RED and everything just clicked into place, I felt like I was home again. I had my most fun ride in a year, it was 34 degrees and raining, and I rode for three hours and loved it.”
“Katie is the consummate professional and defines success, we are excited to have her back, it seems that the foothold that we established in Cross early on continues. Next year is going to be exciting with the new Trek Cyclocross racing team, obviously Katie back on our equipment, and all the great rivalries that always exist in the sport of cyclocross,” said Alex Wassmann, SRAM Sponsorship Manager.
Compton will ride the all-new SRAM RED-2012 groupset, just introduced in February, features countless improvements including enhanced ergonomics, refined shift and brake lever paddle shapes, and even lighter weight. Her brake of choice is the Avid Shorty Ultimate.
