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2003 Downhill World Champion Greg Minnaar is to leave Haro/Lee Dungarees after just one year. President and CEO of Haro, Jim Ford said, “Greg is both a great person and a great athlete, but we choose not to match an offer presented to Greg to ride for Honda in 2004. Although the financial terms of the offer were significant, money wasn’t the real issue. Greg and I talked and after hearing his desire to work with Honda on this project, I felt that it was best for both of us to end the relationship on a positive note”.
Little, bordering on nothing, is known about Minnaar’s new deal. Team G Cross Honda is a new outfit managed by Martin Whiteley, previously in charge of the Global team for which Minnaar has raced in the past. Small world etc… Whiteley said, “At this stage we are not able to add anything further. Honda will issue a formal press release about the 2004 program and line up of Team G Cross Honda once that has been finalised. It is expected that an official press release will be made in December.”
And while we’re rattling through pertinent quotes, here’s one from Greg Minnaar himself: “Obviously this was a difficult decision for me after having had such a great year with the Haro team and all they have done for me. I have been very fortunate in my career already, and I am very much indebted to all at Haro for their support and genuine loyalty this year”.
Haro says it has no plans to replace Minnaar, choosing to rely on team-mate Mick Hannah in DH and 4X. The rest of the team – Mike King (4X), Seamus McGrath (Short-Track) and Chris Sheppard (Short-Track/XC) – are all expected back for 2004.
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