The Santa Cruz Syndicate looks like being the team to beat on the DH circuit in 2008, as it announces the addition of Greg Minnaar to its already-potent lineup of Steve Peat, Nathan Rennie and Josh Bryceland. With the dissolution of Honda’s DH racing campaign, 26-year-old Minnaar found himself temporarily without a team, but the twice-World Champion and former World Cup Champion clearly wasn’t going to be sat on the shelf for long.

Rob Roskopp, owner of Santa Cruz Bicycles, said, “I’m very excited to have Greg on the Syndicate. I admire his talent, professionalism and work ethic and have wanted him on the Syndicate for some time. The Syndicate will now have a broad range in the downhill squad from young, up and coming Josh, to seasoned pros and legends, and will truly be a very international group. Having Greg will be amazing, and I look forward to seeing him race on the V-10.”

Minnaar commented, “The most important factor for me in choosing a team I race for is the level of support, and the ability to race at my best. It’s clear that the Syndicate is driven by people who love to race. To have a race winning bike beneath me as well as team mates that will continue to push me, makes me very excited about the upcoming season.”

Obviously a racer of Minnaar’s standing comes complete with a raft of personal sponsors, many of which are expected to confirm their continued involvement. He paid special tribute to his former team:

“Racing for Team G Cross Honda for the past four years was an amazing experience. I had more wins and World Cup podiums on that bike than any other, and the support and friendliness of the whole team made for a very sad day when the announcement came down that it was ending. In this game though, you hope that there is always a new and exciting chapter around the corner, and I’m sure that the Syndicate is going to be an awesome experience for me.”

Minnaar’s first outing with the Santa Cruz Syndicate will be the Sea Otter Classic, next April.