Last week we reported that Barbara Blatter of Team Specialized could be in for a very lonely XC season for this year, but the team have just informed us that negotiations with Olympic Silver medallist Filip Meirhaeghe are now concluded and he has signed on the line for 2002.

Also pulling on the shirt with the big red S is freeride loony Brett Tippie. His schedule is as yet undecided but expect to see him hucking off large buildings in a single bound all round the world this year.

Carmella Livorsi from Specialized commented on the signings:
“In addition to being proud to have three of the finest riders in the world
onboard, we believe their presence will help counteract rumours that we at
Specialized have “pulled out” of our commitment to the sport.”

We’ve still got no news from ex-Specialized teamster Caroline Alexander though…