For 2003, DH and 4X racer Scott Beaumont has parted company with the Kona team and set up his own team – Beaumont Racing. He’ll still be riding Kona bikes, though, courtesy of UK importers Paligap. And he’s got a team-mate, 23 year old Dave Richardson, making his first appearance on a pro team and racing in the Expert category.

Scott himself didn’t get much racing in in 2002 through injuries, but he’s aiming for top five placings in the 4X World Cup series and the World Championships. His BMX background means he’s always been something of a BSX/4X specialist, but he’s looking to make his mark on the national downhill series too.

Dave’s goals are simple – “to win as many races as possible”. Can’t argue with that…

The team’s amassed an impressive array of sponsors – the aforementioned Paligap, plus Oakley (eyewear), Onfire (casual clothing), Hayes (brakes), Trixter (training programmes), Race Face (cranks and chainrings), MRP (chain devices), USE (seatposts), RockShox (forks), Mojo (suspension fettling), Tioga (tyres, bars, saddles and stuff), Rich Art Concepts (groovy helmet paintjobs), Airwalk (shoes), The PPC (vehicle graphics and banners) and Progold (energy drinks).

And of course there’s a website – www.beaumontracing.com