Tim Flooks for Team Manager

We’ve just had word that Tim Flooks, a true veteran of the downhill Wold Cup circuit (and pretty good racer himself over the years) is to manage the Saracen Downhill Team which, in its first year, brought home national, world and world cup wins as well as many podiums.

Here’s the official release below. We’re looking forward to seeing Tim out on the circuit again as we know he’ll do a fine job.

Press Release:

February 2011 saw the unveiling of the Madison Saracen downhill team. With a squad of six young riders, this development-team style approach was intended to nurture this collection of young, British talent into the World Cup stars of tomorrow.

No-one could have foreseen how successful the team would be in its inaugural season; From the jaw-dropping results of Manon Carpenter, who ended the season as Junior World Champion, Junior World Cup Winner AND Women’s British Downhill Series winner, to Philip Atwill’s triumph at the National Championships and the countless podiums and race wins along the way, the team has had an impressive season.

With the dust of 2011 having barely settled, plans are well underway for next year:  2012 will see the Madison Saracen team expand their racing presence both domestically and internationally, the first part of which is the appointment of Tim Flooks as the new Madison Saracen Team Manager.

“The Madison Saracen DH team debut performance this season was more than I dared dream for and I want to build on these great foundations. Tim brings a wealth of experience and will be an invaluable resource for the riders and will help us develop a credible world class race team” Dominic Langan, CEO, Madison

Tim is no stranger to the race scene having been involved since the late 80’s running both races and teams whilst also racing himself.  With his wife, Helen, he ran the RockShox European race program for 7 years providing tech support before setting up TF Tuned Shox in 2002 where he continued to support many of the UK’s top riders with suspension tuning.  Having sold the business after 8 years he has just finished a ‘gap’ year where he not only rode his bike more but also did a lot of charity work including walking the entire South West Coast Path (630 miles) in 30 days.

“To say I’m excited about my new position with the Madison Saracen Team is an understatement.  The chance to help young riders develop not only their skills, fitness and racecraft but also their professionalism is something I know will benefit the whole team.

Also, using my technical knowledge and experience to help Madison produce race-winning Saracen bikes for both team and customers alike will be rewarding.

To be back full-time on the world race scene at a time when various series and formats are competing for the athletes’ attention will ensure I’m kept pretty busy but I’m looking forward to a successful 2012 season.”

The purpose of this expansion is to provide a bigger support structure around the team, with full winter training programmes and sports nutrition being part of a renewed focus which will also mean the attendance of Madison Saracen at all World Cup races, as well as full Madison Saracen team-truck support at all European and domestic races.

For more on the team: www.saracen.co.uk