Giant has expanded its Factory Off-Road Team with several signings to make its 2011 squad the strongest ever.

South African downhiller Andrew Neethling and five-time British cross-country champion Liam Killeen join a diverse squad that includes 19-year-old World Cup downhill sensation Danny Hart of Great Britain.  

“Our commitment to off-road racing at the highest level is a reflection of our broader commitment to the off-road cyclist,” said Giant Global Marketing Director An Le. “Working closely with this diverse group of athletes—from Olympic XC racers to Super D champions to top World Cup downhillers—keeps us ahead of the pack in developing new technologies that benefit off-road riders at all levels.” 

The downhill squad will be led by Hart, who last year emerged as the world’s top young DH racer. After winning the 2009 Junior World Cup title, Hart made a successful transition to the elites in 2010, racing his Giant Glory to eighth overall in the World Cup series and eighth at the World Championships. The only top-10 rider under age 20, he was widely recognized as the future of downhill racing.  

“I am super happy to be a part of the Giant program for the foreseeable future,” Hart said. “I had a great 2010 season, and this year is going to be better. I just want to go racing!”

New to the XC team is British national champion Liam Killeen, a two-time Olympian who is aiming for his third Summer Games at London 2012.

“It’s easy to see that Giant is committed to cross country competition, and being on the right bike really can make the difference between victory and defeat when racing at the top of the sport,” Killeen said. “I’m confident I’ve made the right choice in Giant with products that can give me the edge.” 

The XC division of the team also sees the return of veteran Carl Decker, whose successful 2010 season on the Anthem X 29er included wins at several major U.S. events including the All-Mountain World Championships in Downieville, California, and the Super D at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California.

Also returning this year is diverse all-around talent Kelli Emmett, defending champion of the Downieville All-Mountain Worlds. Emmett has won races ranging from short-track and Super D national titles to Single-Speed World Championships and will continue to focus on a wide range of endurance events.  

The team 

• Carl Decker (USA), XC, ST, Super D
• Kelli Emmett (USA), XC, ST, Super D
• Danny Hart (Great Britain), 4X, DH, DS
• Liam Killeen (Great Britain), XC, ST, Marathon
• Andrew Neethling (South Africa), 4X, DH, DS
• Duncan Riffle (USA), 4X, DH, DS