Cannondale Bicycles announced that it has signed two-time Olympian and former U23 World Champion, Manuel Fumic, to its Cannondale Factory Racing team. The German athlete, 28, has been a dominant force on the Mountain Bike Cross Country circuit since 1999, and is a decorated medalist having won numerous national and world titles during his 11-year career.

With its sights set on the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, CFR will continue to strengthen its roster by recruiting world class athletes like Fumic.

'Cannondale Factory Racing recruits athletes who share our vision for the sport of Mountain Biking and Manual Fumic is a great example of the modern style we represent,' said Daniel Hespeler, CFR Team Manager. 'I am confident that the team infrastructure will not only support Manuel's current level of competition, but will allow him to develop his skills so he can move to the next level.'

Fumic will make his racing debut with CFR at the SRAM XX Maremma MTB Cup in Italy in March alongside his Italian team mate, Marco Aurelio Fontana. Fumic is aiming high for his first season riding Cannondale.

'The World Cup Podium is my goal for this season and then the total focus will be on London 2012,' said Fumic. 'I can't wait to get on my new Flash and Scalpel and to put Cannondale's innovation to the ultimate test in pursuit of my goals.'

Cannondale Factory Racing is proud to be supported by: SRAM, Avid, Rock Shox, Mavic, Schwalbe, Fizik, FSA, crankbrothers, Sugoi, MET, Gripgrab, Pössl, Technikdirekt.de, Ethic Sport and Eighty Aid.



source: press release