There have been rumours and rumblings of this move for quite a while, but now the word is official – Fabien Barel signs with Canyon Bikes!

Here’s the press-release:

FABIEN BAREL HITS THE TRAIL WITH THE CANYON FACTORY ENDURO TEAM

Koblenz, February 15^th 2013 

Since the beginning of the year there have been rumors, now it’s official: the French mountain bike hero and three-time downhill world champion Fabien Barel joins the Canyon Factory Enduro Team. Fabien Barel’s commitment is not only from a sporting perspective an excellent decision for Canyon. The Frenchman’s long experience in racing and as an educated engineer will greatly contribute to Canyon’s bike development. The 32-year-old has great technical experience and will be able to give a lot of input to the development team.

This year, the Canyon Factory Enduro Team was founded and consists of five team riders. Fabien Barel is the figurehead of the team. That’s why Roman Arnold, CEO of Canyon Bicycles, has a high opinion of Fabien: “I am happy that Fabien is joining Canyon for the upcoming season. Together we will achieve great things. Fabien has proven in the past that his ideas are trend-setting. But also his character fits well with Canyon’s philosophy.”

It’s for sure that the other team riders Ines Thoma, Marco Bühler and Eugen Maxi Dickerhoff will get the profit of the talented world champion. We can also expect to see Scotsman Joe Barnes build upon his very competitive Enduro skills. Together with Fabien, Joe will form an unbeatable duo that will lead the Canyon Factory Enduro Team. During the Bike Festival Garda Trentino in early May, the new and enthusiastic team will face their first Enduro race while the highlight of the season will be the new Enduro World Series.

For Fabien Barel, this season will be an exciting milestone in his career. He said: “Debuting in the Enduro World Series with Canyon is ideal for this new challenge. This season will be great for both of us – I can tour with the Canyon Factory Enduro Team and at the same time share my experience to help Canyon going forward in the development of the Gravity sector. I sincerely look forward to the synergy that our mutual passion will drive into MTB.”

Fabien Barel will attend the Canyon Pure Cycling Festival in Koblenz on April 27th and 28th. As part of the Canyon season opener, the three-time world champion will hold an autograph session and meet his fans in person. In addition, there will be a guided Enduro tour with Fabien.

For further information, interviews and pictures of Fabien Barel and his teammates Ines, Marco, Maxi and Joe please go to http://blog.canyon.com, for details about Canyon visit http://www.canyon.com.