Mountain Biking: Trek signs Kiwi downhillers

Hawkes Bay's international mountainbikers Brook MacDonald and George Brannigan are expected to enter next month's national championships in Rotorua after signing for Trek World Racing.

Both still plan to take part in the inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival next month.

The pair will join fellow New Zealander Justin Leov, who will contest selected rounds as well as the enduro competition.

They both finished in the top 10 of the UCI World Cup rankings last year, with MacDonald seventh and Brannigan 10th.

MacDonald, 21, enjoyed a breakthrough victory in the 2012 World Cup round at Val d'Isere in France - his fourth World Cup podium - and was eighth in the world championship. The 2009 junior world champion is elated about the move.

"I'm really excited to be joining this team for the next three seasons and working with my new teammates and new bikes."

Brannigan, 20, earned his first world cup podium in the final round in Norway after bouncing back from serious injury during the season.

"I'm so excited to be a part of Trek World Racing," Brannigan said.

"This feels like the opportunity I need to improve my results and still be consistent. I know any team run by 23 Degrees has produced real talent and I want to make the most of this opportunity to get where I want to be.

"The group of teammates will be great and I'm sure the support will be top notch. I can't wait for this season."

The CEO of 23 Degrees, Martin Whiteley, whose company also manages junior world champion Anton Cooper, said he is delighted to have a strong New Zealand influence in his line-up.

"There's something about the laid-back Kiwi personality that belies their grit and determination to do well half way around the world.

"There is that burning desire and a willing-to-make-sacrifices approach that I've also seen in the likes of Justin Leov and other New Zealand riders."